A Jamaican Maroon colonel says the historic
St. Elizabeth community of Accompong is no place to build a casino.
“I don’t think any investor would be compelled to take a casino to a place like Accompong Town, where we are lacking in infrastructure,” said Meredie Rowe in the Jamaica Gleaner.
But the head of the Accompong Maroons, Sydney Peddie, says gaming should be considered for the area. One offer has already been made by Florida-based developer Hal Brooks and Associates, which wants to construct a casino and hotel on 50 acres in Accompong Town.
Some Maroons say the move could undermine the Maroon culture and sovereignty as well as obliterate the treaty of 1738, which gave Maroons the inherent right of ownership to Accompong Town.
“Kingston, Montego Bay, Negril and the other towns have water, adequate light and adequate infrastructure,” Rowe added. “It can cost them a whole lot less to do it elsewhere in Jamaica.”
