THE ACCOMPONG MAROON COUNCIL OF ELDERS
Guardians of Continuity, Sovereignty and Good Governance
THE ACCOMPONG MAROON COUNCIL OF ELDERS
Guardians of Continuity, Sovereignty and Good Governance
The Accompong Maroon Council of Elders is the official unified body of respected Elders entrusted with safeguarding the sovereignty, traditions, laws, stability and collective interests of the Accompong Maroon Nation. It serves as a guardian of national continuity and ensures that the affairs of the Nation are administered with wisdom, integrity, accountability and respect for Maroon customs and institutions.
The Council assumes responsibility for the continuity of governance whenever there is no duly serving or presiding Chief. This may occur because of illness or incapacity that prevents the Chief from performing the duties of office, death, resignation, impeachment, removal from office, expiration of tenure, or a delayed election.
During such a period, the Council of Elders exercises its designated traditional and governing authority to ensure that the rights, responsibilities and essential duties of the Accompong Maroon Nation continue to be carried out in accordance with the laws, customs and established principles of the Nation. Its purpose is to prevent a vacuum in leadership, preserve public order and protect the welfare of the Maroon people until a Chief is lawfully elected, appointed or restored to office.
Composition of the Council
The Accompong Maroon Council of Elders consists of the following officers and members:
His Excellency
Dennis A. Foster
Chief of the Accompong Maroon Elders
Lorna Anderson Bennett
Deputy Chief
Lawrence Rowe
President
Meridie Rowe
Former Colonel & Council Advisor
Marva Rowe
Secretary
Wayne Rowe
Laison Cultural Affairs
Richard Robinson
Treasurer
Kernie Cross
Consultant
Cavon Foster
Member
Audley Rowe
Member
Uriel Rowe
Member
Together, these officers and Elders form a collective governing and advisory institution. Their combined experience, knowledge of Maroon traditions and commitment to the Nation enable the Council to address matters affecting the security, development and future of Accompong.
Oversight and Accountability
The Council of Elders possesses the authority to examine allegations of criminal misconduct, abuse of power, corruption, serious neglect of duty, violations of Maroon law, or unjust treatment of the Nation and its sovereign citizens by a sitting Chief.
Where credible evidence establishes serious wrongdoing, and after a fair and impartial process consistent with the laws and customs of the Nation, the Council may suspend, impeach or remove the Chief from office. Such authority must be exercised responsibly, transparently and only for the protection of the Nation—not for personal, political or private advantage.
This responsibility establishes an essential system of accountability. It affirms that every officeholder, including the Chief, remains subject to the laws, customs and collective interests of the Accompong Maroon Nation.
Executive and Representative Authority
The Accompong Maroon Council of Elders is vested with the authority to represent and protect the interests of the Accompong Maroon Nation in matters including:
- Commerce, trade and investment
- Economic growth and sustainable development
- National and community security
- Political and governmental affairs
- Land, natural resources and environmental protection
- Civic administration and social responsibility
- Education, health and community welfare
- Cultural preservation and the protection of Maroon heritage
- Diplomatic, institutional and intergovernmental relations
- Emergency administration and continuity of government
- Agreements intended to advance the welfare of the Nation
In carrying out these responsibilities, the Council may deliberate upon and make decisions concerning the civic, social, economic, security and administrative affairs of the Nation. Every decision should promote peace, justice, unity, responsible development and the long-term prosperity of the Accompong Maroon people.
Appointment and Delegation of Authority
The Council of Elders possesses the authority to appoint, authorize or designate qualified individuals, representatives, committees, councils, organizations or other competent bodies to act
MOMENTS THAT SHAPED A NATION
Our Timeline
Maroon resistance in the mountains of St. Elizabeth.
Pre-1739
Peace treaty signed between the British and the Maroons, recognising Maroon freedom.
1739
Annual Accompong Maroon Celebration, commemorating the 1739 treaty and the birthday of Cudjoe (Kojo).
January 6
Today