The thought of the ‘invisible hunter’ going virtual is certainly an interesting one and since we know him to be a brilliant strategist we cannot but see that this is a very effective and efficient scheme to put us in a position of victory in the fight against the impacts of COVID 19.
The 12th Annual international Charles Town Conference and Festival (AICTM Conference & Festival) has been postponed due to the measures that are needed to combat COVID 19. The Conference & Festival however, is grounded upon and around the celebration of ancestor Quao, an African, Maroon warrior who led successful battles against the British and their system on enslavement. In the tradition of Quao’s people, the Akan of Ghana, it is very important to do what you say you are going to do and especially to perform rituals that, as we say, are marked. The annual celebration of ancestor Quao that takes place each year is a ritual that has been marked and as such we obligate ourselves to find the way to make it happen while still being respectful and compliant with prevailing conditions.
Ancestor Quao Day Celebration takes place each year on June 23th the day of the signing of a peace treaty between our African ancestors and the British who had come to the painful conclusion that surrender was their best course of action. Given the many battles lost by them they, requested and wrote a peace treaty which was signed by ancestor Quao on behalf of his people. An so although we hold the celebration in Quao’s name it honours all the ancestors who fought on and off the battlefield to secure an independent Jamaica. It also especially recognize and gives respect to the collaboration between the earliest Maroons, our Taíno peoples and the enslaved Africans.
