By Melville Harris, Gleaner Writer 
This man demonstrates the blowing of the abeng in Accompong, St. Elizabeth. The instrument was blown in times past to warn Maroons of the approach of British soldiers or potential capturers. - File
WESTERN BUREAU:
PLANS ARE now being finalised for the establishment of a Maroon Foundation at Accompong in St. Elizabeth, as part of efforts to create sustainable development within the community.
Colonel of the Accompong Maroons, Sidney Peddie, told Western Focus that this development is geared towards making the area into a major tourist attraction.
"We as a people will be moving to ensure that visitors to our community see more of the Maroon heritage and culture," he said.
Colonel Peddie made the disclosure at a press conference where he said that the official announcement would be made at the 267th anniversary of the signing of peace treaty between Maroons and British yesterday.
Minister of Tourism and Industry Aloun Assamba will be the guest speaker at the historic celebration.
"The Maroon Foundation is the first step towards bringing back some level of respectability to our ancestors who fought for their freedom," said the Accompong chief.
MORE FOCUS ON MAROON HERITAGE
With regard to the wide scale
vending on their anniversary celebration, the colonel said there would be sweeping changes over the next few years.
"Starting next year and beyond, the flea market atmosphere, which now prevails on the January 6 celebrations, would be significantly reduced and more of the Maroon heritage and culture displayed," he warned.
Colonel Peddie also pointed out that the Tourism Product Develop-ment Company (TPDCo), over the years, has played a tremendous role in assisting the Maroons with the training of tour guides.
He said the leadership of the Accompong Maroons are desirous of embarking on a cultural awareness initiative, which will offer educational tours specifically designed for primary and high schools.
In order to achieve this goal, several activities will be put in place including the assessment of current resources, development of a tour itinerary, production of a Maroon booklet, marketing of tours to be offered and the acquisition of a tour bus.
The Accompong chief is hoping that tourism players, especially those interested in the history of Maroons, will seek to promote the area as a major tourist attraction.
