Sun | May 17, 2026

Charles Town Maroon Conference and festival a culture feast

Published:Saturday | June 28, 2025 | 12:06 AM
Pause
The drummers from the House of Seba adding to the high value of the musical entertainment.
Paul Williams
The drummers from the House of Seba adding to the high value of the musical entertainment.
An elder getting pampered on ‘CommUnity Day’.
Paul Williams
An elder getting pampered on ‘CommUnity Day’.
Children participating in the colouring book competition.
Paul Williams
Children participating in the colouring book competition.
Well-known Kumina practitioner Bongo Shem (with mic) is in an intense moment during ‘Bun Fire Night’.
Paul Williams
Well-known Kumina practitioner Bongo Shem (with mic) is in an intense moment during ‘Bun Fire Night’.
The Charles Town Maroon Drummers and Dancers leading the entertainment on ‘Maroon Victory Day’.
Paul Williams
The Charles Town Maroon Drummers and Dancers leading the entertainment on ‘Maroon Victory Day’.
Kasike Nibonrix Kaiman and his daughter representing the Yamaye Guani Taino people.
Paul Williams
Kasike Nibonrix Kaiman and his daughter representing the Yamaye Guani Taino people.
The daylight Kumina was as hypnotic as the one on ‘Bun Fire Night’.
Paul Williams
The daylight Kumina was as hypnotic as the one on ‘Bun Fire Night’.
Acrobat Marvin removing his hat with his feet to place it into the hands of two patrons.
Paul Williams
Acrobat Marvin removing his hat with his feet to place it into the hands of two patrons.
Multiple Festival song-winner Roy Rayon’s footworks are in sync with this patron’s as he sings one of his popular songs.
Paul Williams
Multiple Festival song-winner Roy Rayon’s footworks are in sync with this patron’s as he sings one of his popular songs.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

The 17th Annual International Charles Town Maroon Conference and Festival, June 20 to 23, in Portland, was rich at many levels, and patrons might have returned from whence they had come with many memorable moments.

From the provocative academic presentations to the hypnotic Kromanti, Kumina and Rasta drums, to the parade of chiefs, the treat for the elders and children, the wellness centre, to African dance classes, it was four days of engaging social, cultural, and historical potpourri.

The vibrant colours of the costumes and regular clothes and the competitions added to the festive atmosphere, where peace and unity reigned and the delicious flavours of a variety of local foods wafted through the air.

The effervescent and cool Buff Bay River was a big bonus, and the ‘bun fire’ was sizzling and healing at the same time. Today, we give you a glimpse of what was indeed a time to remember.