Accompong Maroons Launch Abeng 88.7 FM
By: , January 8, 2016The Key Point:
Photo: Glenis Rose
Political Ombudsman, Hon. Donna Parchment Brown (centre), is assisted by Acting Director of the University of the West Indies Western Campus, Patrick Prendergast (left), and Secretary General, Jamaica National Commission for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Everton Hannam (right), to open the Abeng 88.7 FM Radio Station on Wednesday (January 6), in the Accompong community in St. Elizabeth.The Facts
- Its establishment was funded jointly by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Jamaica Commission for UNESCO, and the Ministry of Youth and Culture, at a cost of US$12,500.
- Minister of Youth and Culture, Hon. Lisa Hanna, in her address read by Director of Culture, Dr. Janice Lindsay, urged the Maroons to use the station to tell their stories and strengthen the viability of their assets.
The Full Story
The Accompong Maroons of St. Elizabeth now have their own community radio station.
Abeng 88.7 FM, which will highlight the Maroon culture, was launched on Wednesday (January 6), during the 278th celebrations of the signing of the Maroon peace treaty with Britain, and mark the birthday of Captain Cudjoe.
Its establishment was funded jointly by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Jamaica Commission for UNESCO, and the Ministry of Youth and Culture, at a cost of US$12,500.
Minister of Youth and Culture, Hon. Lisa Hanna, in her address read by Director of Culture, Dr. Janice Lindsay, urged the Maroons to use the station to tell their stories and strengthen the viability of their assets.
“Your story is unique…you do not have to compromise the integrity of your heritage and you will find that this powerful medium of radio will give you an excellent platform for managing your assets,” she said.
She gave the Ministry’s commitment to “assisting with the task of safeguarding the Maroon heritage” through its cultural agencies such as the African Caribbean Institute of Jamaica (ACIJ).
“Congratulations on your 278th anniversary and the launching of this radio station Abeng 88.7 FM! May the spirit of Captain Cudjoe continue to resonate throughout your community so that this legacy can be safeguarded and passed on to future generations,” Minister Hanna said.
