Maroon chief Marcia Douglas carries on Nanny’s legacy

As she stood in front of her village’s Asafu Yard and Maroon Museum adorned in pangi, a traditional cloth which symbolises leadership and royalty, Chief Marcia Douglas fully embodied the strength and pride of the Maroon legacy.

Since her historic appointment as the first female chief since Nanny of the Maroons, Douglas has led the windward Maroon village of Charles Town, carrying forward the fight for cultural pride and Maroon sovereignty.

Before ascending to the leadership spot in 2015, the mother of one spent 15 years as an early childhood education teacher, and, earlier in her career, had trained as an electrician, completing studies in electrical installation at Portmore HEART Academy. Although she found fulfilment in these roles, she could not ignore the call of her ancestors.

“I decided that’s not what I wanted anymore, I wanted to talk about my history. I wanted to let people know about me and about what we are and about the history of Jamaica,” she said. After she stopped teaching, she became a tour guide and started doing more presentations at the Maroon museum, as well as attending meetings which dealt with the needs and legacy of the Maroons. Then, in 2015, she was appointed as chief following the death of Colonel Frank Lumsden.

“Being a colonel, I love it. It’s really hard but I love it,” said Douglas, adding that what she enjoys most is being able to teach others the history of the Maroons. She admitted to THE STAR that, as a female chief, there are many challenges to navigate, especially because her village has a vast majority of males who at times challenge. She added that, at times, she is judged for things that she doesn’t have – like a car – which can be disheartening.

“But, when you understand yourself and when you decide that’s not what you are doing, that’s not who you are and that’s not what makes you the leader that you are, then you can manage,” Douglas said.

“Being a colonel is not really easy, but it’s a job or duty that has been there and has been one I intend to fulfil to the fullest. So I will not stop until Charles Town is properly developed,” she added.

Douglas also told THE STAR that being a Maroon chief has drastically changed her as a person. With all eyes on her, she knows her actions are heavily scrutinised, so she is careful not to react in a certain way to adversity.

“You know, as you say something, I would have something else to tell you, even if it’s not in a rude fashion, but in an aggressive way. So it [being chief] give you that meekness you need for leadership; it give you that contentment,” she said. “You know, we used to be all over the place, it give you that settlement.” She said that her role has allowed her to connect more with her people, as, prior to becoming chief, she rarely attended events like fish fries. But now, as colonel, she makes it a point to always be there to support her community.

EDITOR'S NOTE: An earlier version of this story incorrectly identified Gloria Simms as chief of the Charles Town maroon.

We regret the error.