of Sir Willoughby Cotton to put down the Christmas Rebellion of 1831–2, also known as the Baptist War, led by Samuel Sharpe. Government In 1739 the Maroon community was granted certain rights and autonomy by treaty with the British colonial authorities. In two settlements, they set up a traditional form of village government drawn from their Akan (Asante) culture, based on men popularly recognized as leaders. The executive is now called "Colonel-in-Chief", who leads the Maroon Council. These men share executive responsibilities for the community. Maroon officers White superintendents Late 20th century to present Since Jamaica gained independence in 1962, it has recognised the political and cultural rights of Maroons. In the early 21st century, the government has acknowledged these rights in terms of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (2007), including the "right to maintain and strengthen their distinct political, legal, economic, social and cultural institutions." It also acknowledges the "right for self-government in matters relating to local affairs," as well as "ways and means for financing autonomous functions". In 2009 Ferron Williams was elected as Colonel-in-Chief of Accompong. Williams was elected to a second six-year term in 2015. He appointed Timothy E. McPherson Jr. from Nanny Town, now Moore Town, to consolidate relations across the Maroon communities as part of a collective effort to protect the environment and promote climate change awareness. In February 2021 Richard Currie was elected Colonel-in-Chief. Culture The inhabitants of Accompong share practices and traditions drawn from their Akan (Asante) ancestors of 200–300 years ago, and combined with Taino. These practices have evolved as the Maroons adapted to local conditions. Accompong Town converted to Christianity during the Second Maroon War, before eventually embracing Presbyterianism. However, by the 1850s, the traditions of Revival and Pentecostalism grew out of the merging of West African religions with Christianity. Descendants of the Maroons and friends celebrate annually on 6 January both the birthday of Cudjoe, leader in 1739, and the treaty that granted their autonomy. In 2007, attendees at the festival protested increased bauxite mining, in an effort to protect the environment of their region. See also First Maroon War Second Maroon War References Jamaican Maroon leaders Jamaican Maroon establishments Populated places in Saint Elizabeth Parish 1739 establishments in the British Empire