Tension in Accompong: Residents Demand JDF Assistance as Chief Currie Rejects Government-Led Support

Jamaica Live News Desk– | Dec 7, 2025

A growing wave of frustration is sweeping through Accompong Town as several Maroons have taken to the streets demanding that Prime Minister Andrew Holness deploy the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) to assist with post-hurricane recovery—despite the public position taken by their leader, Chief Richard Currie.

The community, devastated by the widespread destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa, is calling for immediate, coordinated national intervention. And for many residents, that intervention must come through the JDF.

Currie Says His Words Were “Taken Out of Context”—But Residents Remain Unconvinced

Chief Currie publicly stated that he did not refuse assistance and that his comments were “taken out of context.”
However, he simultaneously made clear that he rejected the form of assistance offered, insisting the government must provide aid on his terms.

Sources close to the situation say Currie wanted the government to hand over the aid directly to him, rather than executing a structured, government-managed reconstruction programme led by the JDF—standard protocol during national emergencies.

This has created a widening rift between the Chief and residents who desperately need help now, not later.

Residents: “We Need Help. Currie Didn’t Help Us Because We Didn’t Vote for Him.”

Protesters in Accompong Town say they feel abandoned by their leader at a time when unity and decisive action are critical.

Some demonstrators accuse Chief Currie of withholding assistance from certain residents, alleging political bias.

“Currie failed to help us because we didn’t vote for him,” one demonstrator told local media, echoing the sentiment of many others who feel excluded from the community’s internal leadership structure.

This has intensified calls for the central government to bypass local political tensions and send in national resources.

Holness’ Offer: A Straightforward Lifeline During a National Crisis

In the wake of the devastation, Prime Minister Holness extended a clear and direct offer:
the deployment of JDF soldiers to help stabilize the community and accelerate rebuilding efforts.

A national emergency.
A devastated district.
A government fulfilling its obligation to support every Jamaican community.

But the Chief’s demands for full control of the aid—and refusal of government-managed assistance—has placed Accompong in a dangerous holding pattern while families struggle without roofs, water, food, or security.

A Community Caught Between Politics and Survival

Accompong is now facing an internal divide:

• Residents begging for government intervention and JDF assistance
• A Chief pushing back against the government’s method of delivering aid
• A nation questioning whether political ego is delaying life-saving help

With emotions running high and the humanitarian situation worsening, all eyes are now on both the Maroon Council and the Government of Jamaica to find a path forward that prioritizes people over politics.

The Question for Jamaica: Who Speaks for Accompong Right Now?

As the standoff continues, the people of Accompong find themselves asking the most fundamental question:

Is leadership about control—or service?

For now, what is clear is that the residents have spoken loudly:
They want help.
They want structure.
They want the JDF on the ground.

Whether their call will override the Chief’s conditions remains to be seen.

Currie, who is backed by powerful figures within the Opposition People’s National Party — including Opposition Leader Mark Golding, as well as dancehall artistes Buju Banton and Spragga Benz — has long been at odds with the governing Jamaica Labour Party and Prime Minister Andrew Holness.