International Law Considerations

Various international legal arguments, based primarily on self-determination, have been advanced to justify Maroon sovereignty over Accompong, Jamaica. These arguments proceed from the assumption that the Maroons are a distinct people, entitled as an indigenous group, to the legal right of self-determination, including the right to sovereignty. This chapter identifies the main weaknesses inherent in the International Law arguments in vogue among supporters of Maroon sovereignty in Accompong and demonstrates why these arguments are unconvincing. Among other things, the right to self-determination, as recognized by United Nations General Assembly Resolution 1514 (1960) does not allow any group to disrupt the territorial integrity of Jamaica.