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--- Lecture: Diego Pimento and the Enduring Spirit of Jamaican Resistance By Fabian Stennett --- Introduction Good [morning/afternoon], everyone. Today, we explore a crucial but often overlooked chapter in Jamaican history — the story of Diego Pimento, the first Ciboney Maroon guerrilla leader, and how his courageous resistance against the English invasion in 1655 continues to influence Jamaica even today. --- Who Was Diego Pimento? Diego Pimento was a leader of the Ciboney Maroons, indigenous and Afro-Spanish descendants who inhabited Jamaica long before the British and Spanish colonial powers battled for control. His leadership during the 1655 English invasion marked the first organized Maroon resistance against foreign occupation. At a strategic point along the Rio Cabana (Black River), Pimento used guerrilla tactics to block and delay the British forces, forcing them to change their route. This act was more than a military maneuver—it was a powerful symbol of defiance and an assert...

--- Diego Pimento: Jamaica’s First Maroon Warrior and Symbol of Resistance By Fabian Stennett Long before Jamaica became a symbol of freedom and resilience, during the turbulent years of European colonial expansion, a remarkable figure emerged from the island’s indigenous and Afro-Spanish roots: Diego Pimento. Oral history honors him as the first Ciboney Maroon guerrilla leader, a fearless defender of his people against the English invasion of 1655. In May of that year, English forces landed at Passage Fort with the intent to seize Jamaica from the Spanish. As the invaders marched inland toward Spanish Town, they faced fierce resistance from local communities, but it was Diego Pimento who made a decisive stand at Rio Cabana (modern-day Black River). Using his intimate knowledge of the terrain and guerrilla tactics, Pimento blocked the British advance, forcing them to abandon their planned route westward toward Lakova. On August 4, 1655, Pimento’s strategic defense compelled the English...

 [14/02, 22:03] Gangunjah Nevadye: Modern Maroons Jamaica (maroon Book Of Eulogies part 2)Fabian Stennett chapter 6 Daniel'Mannie'Mckay.       Daniel Mannie McKay was a pioneering figure in the social and economic development of Black River Road, Tangle River (formerly known as Old Furry Town), a community deeply rooted in Maroon heritage. His diverse contributions, entrepreneurial ventures, and leadership shaped the growth of the area and left a lasting impact on the lives of its residents. McKay's influence was felt in multiple aspects of the community, from transportation to business, and even in the preservation of cultural traditions tied to Maroon strong captain Iligimo Kojo (Cudjoe). Pioneering in Business and Transportation Daniel McKay was the first man to own a truck in Black River Road Tangle River, a significant milestone that marked the beginning of modern transportation in the area. He pioneered the local bus and transportation system, which greatl...

--- The Lasting Impact of the Ciboney People on Jamaican Identity and Culture By Fabian Stennett Long before European colonization reshaped the Caribbean, Jamaica was home to a rich tapestry of indigenous peoples, among them the Ciboney—one of the earliest groups to inhabit the island. Though often overshadowed in mainstream historical narratives, the Ciboney’s enduring legacy continues to influence Jamaican culture, spirituality, and identity to this day. The Ciboney were part of a vibrant indigenous population that established deep roots in Jamaica. Their connection to the land was profound, reflecting a harmonious relationship with the natural world. This connection is best symbolized by the term “Troglodyte,” often used to describe cave dwellers, which metaphorically captures their intimate bond with the earth and the mountainous terrains of Jamaica. This spiritual affinity to the land became a cornerstone for future communities that rose to resist colonial domination. When the Bri...

 --- The Ciboney people, one of the earliest indigenous groups in the Caribbean, were part of the diverse cultural fabric that existed in Jamaica long before European colonization. By the time the Maroon communities formed in the 17th and 18th centuries, the Ciboney had already established a significant presence. The term "Troglodyte," often associated with prehistoric cave dwellers, could be metaphorically applied here to describe the deep, ancient connection to the earth and natural surroundings that the Maroon people — influenced by both African and indigenous Caribbean heritage — maintained. This spiritual link to the land and their ancestral ways of life has been crucial to their survival and resistance over centuries. The Maroon peoples’ inner spiritual capacity can be traced back to the 1655 period when the British took control of Jamaica and began the brutal process of enslaving Africans. However, the Maroons — a blend of runaway enslaved Africans and indigenous peopl...

--- The Power of Unity: Awakening the Maroon Spirit to Reclaim Our Destiny By Fabian Stennett In the heartbeat of Jamaica’s mountains and valleys lies a story pulsating with resistance, pride, and unyielding strength — the story of the Maroon people. Born from the ashes of oppression, from chains broken and spirits unbowed, the Maroons embody survival and self-determination. But this legacy—glorious and profound—calls on us today to awaken something greater: the power of unity. Unity is the flame that can rekindle our ancestral fire. For too long, the Maroon communities—descendants of fearless rebels who carved freedom from the unforgiving wilderness—have faced challenges not only from outside forces but within. Disparities, misunderstandings, and fragmented paths have slowed the momentum of a people who deserve to shine as one. The first bold step toward a new dawn is simple yet revolutionary: acknowledging our shared blood, history, and dreams. Imagine a Jamaica where every child gro...

--- “We Are In This Together”: The Road to Unity Among Maroon Communities By Fabian Stennett In the hills, forests, and coasts of the Americas and the Caribbean, the legacy of the Maroons whispers through the trees, dances in the firelight, and echoes in every drumbeat. They were the rebels who said “no” to slavery—who ran, fought, built, and survived. The Maroons are not just historical figures; they are a living people, a living story. But today, like many diasporic communities, Maroon people face a new challenge: not the fight for freedom, but the work of unity. In an age of fragmentation and disconnection, how do we, the descendants of warriors and visionaries, come together again? How do we bridge the rivers of difference to build one powerful stream? The answer begins where it all began: with trust, purpose, and shared history. --- The Legacy We Share Before we can move forward, we must look back—not with longing, but with clarity. Maroon communities were born out of resistance. ...