Maroons In The Caribbean

The word “Maroon” comes from the Spanish word ‘Cimarron’ which means fugitives or runaway. The Jamaican maroons were a group who fought for their freedom and rights in the 1700s. They ran away from their Spanish-owned plantations when British conquered Jamaica in 1655. These maroons fled to the mountainous areas of Jamaica, where it was difficult for their owners to follow and catch them. These maroons formed communities as free men and women who carried on to live their African lifestyle. When the British captured Jamaica, the Spanish fled to neighboring Cuba leaving behind their slaves. The British were few in numbers that they had to occupy the south side of the island. With this few Spaniards remain in Jamaica and inhabit the north side

They carefully chose where to settle and had system of governments. This allowed them to produce enough to feed themselves and planted crops such as ground provisions, banana, tobacco, cocoa beans and sugar canes in larger settlements. Even so, the maroons established relationships with the indigenous people who both benefited them. Both groups’ traded surplus food and the Taino taught them how to survive in the forest while the maroons taught them new farming methods.
Another factor which helped to develop their community is the leaders who were effective which helped with the knowledge and practice of guerrilla warfare. They used this knowledge to defend themselves against European trackers. Maroon leaders such as Cudjoe and Nanny helped to organize their communities. They planned successful raids and made important decisions.
Furthermore, the maroon wars were another important aspect which helped to develop their communities in Jamaica in the 1700s. As the maroon population grew, the Jamaican government decided to defeat the maroons. The first Maroons war started 1728 under the leadership of Cudjoe. However, on March 1 1739 the British and Maroons came to an agreement. It gave Maroons a right to their communities also helped British government in Jamaica against foreign invasion, capture of rebel slaves and runaways from the

This language was developed through generations where children growing up learnt each. The maroons used various ways to communicate one in which was the use of the horn or abeng to communicate from long distance.
Another impact which the Maroons had on Jamaica is the belief of Obeah. Jamaican maroons believed that older men were obeah-men who use special herbs and medication to perform weird acts. Nanny of the Maroon was known for her fierceness in battle, and Obeah skills today in Jamaica. Nanny today is the only maroon leader who became one of Jamaica’s national heroes and who was placed on the Jamaica five hundred dollar bill.
Finally, Maroons music and instrument used played an important part in Jamaica’s heritage. One can say Maroons and Jamaica’s music and instrument are very similar and music sound very much alike to Africans. Among these instruments are the flute, drum and eight stringed, as a result of this dances move came