PM Andrew Holness Tours Ravaged Accompong, Promises Swift Restoration Ahead of Maroon Festival

McKoys News | 2025-12-02 | Original Article

ST ELIZABETH, Jamaica — Prime Minister Andrew Holness has announced that engineers from the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) will be deployed to help rebuild the battered Maroon community of Accompong, where roughly 80 per cent of the 260 homes were damaged or destroyed during the October 28 hurricane.

 

Holness, who toured the disaster-ravaged area on Sunday, also revealed that engineering teams from Ethiopia, Ghana, Rwanda, and other countries have offered support.

 

“As soon as those are confirmed… I will direct some of them here and to other districts surrounding Accompong so that restoration can begin,” Holness told residents gathered at Accompong Primary and Infant School.

 

The prime minister stressed that the Government is pushing to get the community ready in time for the annual Maroon festival in January, which honours the 1739 peace treaty and celebrates Maroon heritage with food, music, dancing and the traditional all-night vigil.

 

Holness said the rebuilding effort also presents a chance for a “reset” in how Jamaica recognizes and supports its historic Maroon communities.

 

Accompong Chief Richard Currie, who guided Holness on a tour of the devastation, said residents urgently need help to restore homes and farms.

 

“We are very grateful for all the help… Today signals a fresh start in collaborative efforts,” Currie said.

 

Before leaving, Holness handed over a generator to the Accompong Primary and Infant School. He was accompanied by Culture Minister Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange and Agriculture Minister Floyd Green