State agencies need training to deal with indigenous groups, says Taino leader

 

With post Hurricane Melissa recovery efforts now in full swing, there is a call for state agencies to receive training on proper protocols when engaging with Maroons and other indigenous groups, to ensure respect for their cultural heritage and human rights.

 

This follows comments by Chief of the Accompong Maroons, Richard Currie, who said the leadership of the community cannot accept members of the military roaming the area.

 

It came after Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness said he would deploy members of military in the maroon community to aid in the recovery and reconstruction efforts.

 

Kalaan Nibonrix Kaiman, Chief of the Yamaye Guani Taino People, says too often there is little to no due diligence when outsiders enter indigenous spaces.

 

Speaking on TVJ's Smile Jamaica, Chief Kaiman argued that this lack of cultural awareness leads to misunderstanding and tension. 

 

"There is a lot of extractivism, there is extraction of information, there is no free prior informed consent, there is no benefit sharing," he suggested.

 

"There have been several examples of when people who represent authority would come into the indigenous communities, not understanding that some spaces are sacred spaces and why the community may feel offended when they go into certain spaces. They may see something that they think needs to be repaired or fixed, but it has always been that way and it should stay that way. So, from my understanding of these scenarios in general, it normally starts with some dialogue, it normally starts with precedent being set on what are the areas that people are allowed in. It's a process of education for outsiders coming into our community," according to the Taino chief.

 

Chief Kaiman urged the government to work collaboratively with indigenous leaders to develop clear guidelines that respect longstanding customs, territorial rights, and decision-making processes within these communities.

 

The Accompong leadership has accepted the government's offer of materials and other resources in getting houses repaired, despite its refusal to have the military in the community.

 

Meanwhile, indigenous rights lawyer Dr. Marcus Goffe said it is against international law for the government to impose external rules on indigenous communities. 

 

"It's against international law to seek to impose external rules and regulations on internal indigenous communities. But as we're saying, as Chief said, it's a sharing of authority, of autonomy and recognising autonomy. And so no, it can't be done. But what should be done is a conversation around how these rights are to be recognised in a 21st century, post-colonial state like Jamaica," he advised.

 

Dr. Goffe was also a guest on TVJ's Smile Jamaica.

 

Maroons are not recognised by the government as indigenous people.