January 6th

As referenced and discussed before, January 6th is a HUGE event in Accompong, as it marks the January 6th Maroon Celebration in which thousands of visitors venture to our little rural community to commemorate birthday of Maroon hero Cudjoe and the signing of the Peace Treaty. The celebration also acts as a homecoming of sorts for many Maroons who are living elsewhere in Jamaica and overseas. Last year, we spent most of January 6th busy, but this year we decided we were going to be tourists and do our best to enjoy Celebration without responsibility. And enjoy ourselves we did.

Highlights:
-Jerk pork.
-Having hundreds of visitors visit and sit under the shade of the Herbal Garden Hut that was re-constructed last year through our efforts and that of the AMJC.
-Checking out the four sound systems/dancehalls.
-Spending time with fellow PCVs.
-Drums that were made in last year’s Culture Camp being available and used.
-Meeting with the US Ambassador again.
-Experiencing our community and Jamaica in a way that most people will never get the chance.

P.S. The AMJC sold T-Shirts as a fundraiser and have many left over. If by chance any of you out there are interested in purchasing a shirt and supporting a grassroots organization made up of young adults who work towards the betterment of their community, please contact us. Shirts are $12 US.