Accompong Maroon Lifelines Project

Funding Request to Respecting Culture & Earth (RCE) Foundation

Section 1 Objectives

To develop lifelines in the sovereign state of Accompong, Jamaica by providing 4 key infrastructure highways: water, roads, internet, and product distribution. In so doing, the independent Maroons of Accompong can access essential resources to ensure quality of life and economic independence, the goal of this funding request. Specifically, we will:

  • Install a sustainable water pumping system to pull water from local springs, flow it through existing pipelines, and connect to homes, businesses, and farms

  • Build a road through Pondside to connect with a main Jamaican thoroughfare to get products to market

  • Install wifi equipment and provide internet service community-wide to promote Accompong cultural heritage through social media, to facilitate education and research advancement, and to market distinctive Maroon goods and services worldwide.

  • Build a factory and distribution center to support the Accompong cooperative where resources are shared as Maroons produce and distribute goods that are indigenous to the natural environment and distinctively Maroon.

Section 2 Rationale & Connection

This funding request for establishing four infrastructure highways enables several of the foundation’s priorities to be addressed. Economic development is at the core of each of the highways. Reliable access to water, transportation, internet, and production facilities provides Accompong with the resources necessary for:

1) promoting and disseminating the cultural arts and Maroon legacy across the globe; and

2) producing, marketing, and distributing products from the rich variety of indigenous plants.

The approach to install these highways honors the foundation’s priorities for sustaining the ecosystem in the region and harvesting water and solar power in responsible ways. The infrastructures will use and benefit the habitat as well as provide economic independence for its members.

Benefit to participants

The Accompong economy is based primarily on tourism. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, tourism has ceased. Diversification of the economy is imperative for the community’s health and well-being. This project will do just that and reflects the goals that the community embraces. The project’s objectives will advance and make profitable the traditions and practices of the Maroons to use the gifts of their lands to nurture their bodies, souls, and livelihoods.

The Accompong Maroons will be the participants and they will benefit in a variety of ways. Some community members will be employed to build the road and factory and connect the water pipeline to homes, farms, and businesses. As a result of having reliable internet service and production and distribution facilities, all community members will be able to develop and market local resources (indigenous plants and cultural arts) for economic self-sufficiency.

The Accompong Maroons have a rich legacy that is admired across the globe. They escaped enslavement by the Spanish and British and in 1738 they defeated the British and negotiated a peace treaty that established a sovereign state that to this day operates independently, governed by its own rules and traditions.

Section 3 Budget

Total project cost (in USD)

$145,000

  1. Install a sustainable water pumping system = $16,000

  2. Build a road through Pondside = $68,500

  3. Install wifi equipment and provide internet service community-wide = $9,000

  4. Build a factory and distribution center = $35,500

  5. Project Leadership & Management = $16,000

Section 4 Personnel

Project Director—Oral Chambers $10,000

Oral Chambers Is a Maroon and resides in Accompong. He is a respected leader in the community and has demonstrated skills that engage others in envisioning growth potential for the community. Moreover, he has led community improvement projects where community members want to volunteer because he gets things done, for example, clearing the roadside so the road is passable and welcoming. He has been a general contractor for the past 3 years and has demonstrated planning, management, and procurement skills that are in line with accountability and efficiency standards. His leadership and management reputation and skills will ensure effective and efficient project operations. He will oversee all steps to achieve each of the objectives.

Systems Engineer for Water –Robert Cawley—$3500

Robert Cawley is a Maroon and resides in Accompong. His vision for Accompong growth highlights the project’s four goals. He is a plumber and has technical expertise in water systems development and management. His visionary approach combined with his expertise qualifies him to guide the purchase and installation of the water pump and to work with others in the community to address the complexities of sustainable water acquisition and use.

Systems Engineer for Wifi –Chase Rowe—$3500

Chase Rowe is a Maroon and resides in Accompong. He is a leader in the Accompong Youth Council and the Accompong Maroon Cooperative Society. He has a B.S. degree in Technology from the University of West Indies and provides expertise within the community on internet services. With his demonstrated leadership skills in youth development, community governance and technology, he has the expertise and respect of the community to develop and implement a systems approach to technology that benefits the community at large and opens a highway to the global community.

Factory designer & Accountant—TBD $2000 & $3500, respectively)

Akeilah Wright is a Maroon and resides in Accompong. She is a farmer and has developed and marketed products from Accompong’s indigenous plants (foods and crafts) and understands the needs for production and distribution. She has studied accounting and has demonstrated expertise in business operations. She has participated in grant development and project management that give her the skills to work with outside agencies and to effectively manage finances according to accountability standards.

Construction Engineer for Road & Factory—Omar Quarry—$7000

Omar Quarry is a Maroon and resides in Accompong. He has demonstrated expertise in all facets of construction. He conceptualizes projects at the outset and plans for the contingencies in carrying out complex construction projects. He is a team player and a leader among peers and thus motivates others to complete projects according to industry standards. With this expertise, he will be an effective leader in working with diverse role groups so that their needs are met as he oversees the design and construction of the road and factory/distribution center.

Social Media & Videographer to document and promote project outcomes—TBD $2500

Grant Administration $2500

The Board of Respect Culture & Earth Foundation will select a consultant to oversee the administration of the grant. Oversight will include documenting receipt of charitable donations, the distribution of funds to the Project Manager, and the oversight of expenditures. Reports will be provided quarterly to the Board and to the Project Manager & Accountant.

Section 5 Evaluation

Data collection and documentary for each objective using a Slide show of images/videos with written and oral descriptions, and Interviews of Community Members describing process and achievements.