Page 5 - 10th Annual International Charles Town Maroon Conference and Festival Magazine

Charles Town Maroon International Conference Magazine June 2018

freedom of movement and in appalling conditions. another important piece following her contribution to last
Syria is well recognised as the place where people are forced year’s magazine. She makes the very important point that
to flee their homelands because of a war that is vested upon diabetes is increasing in Jamaica as it is in the world, and
them, to which there seems to be no end, and in which this means that amputations are increasing too. But ampu-
civilians are the main casualties. And we are very pleased tations are not necessarily a product of diabetes, they can be
to be able to offer an article from Omid Tofighian about the prevented with proper foot care. Diabetes and foot care are
ways in which ordinary people are finding agency through things we need all be aware of, for ourselves and for family
the internet and social media in war-torn Syria. The Syrian and friends. We know they are a long way from your head
conflict is one-sided in that it is a war on un-armed civilians but…do not neglect your feet!
and there are people such as Qusay Noor and Muhammad
Najem who report on the ways in which their lives are This brings me finally to my two contributions. I am pleased
indelibly changed, torn apart and destroyed. The article by to be able to share with you the work of the ngangkari, the
Muhammad that follows that written by Omid, is particularly traditional healers of Central Australia. Such healing
poignant. It is the view of a child whose family life is practices were once found across the whole continent of
disrupted forever who asks How will our memories survive? Australia and they are now preserved in pockets of
Aboriginal resistance in several parts of the country. While
It is the view of a child whose family life is disrupted forever disregarded to the point of ignoring them altogether some
who asks How will our memories survive? medical doctors are finding them valuable and utilising their
services in the treatment and diagnosis of patients. An Italian
Dianne McIntosh the Permanent Secretary for National researcher, Francesca Panzironi is also working with them
Security reminds us of the importance of the ancestors in our to make their services available more widely and she has
lives, that “we all carry inside us the people who came before developed an important report on their activity and how this
us”, and the importance of honouring them in every deed we can be incorporated into the Australian health system.
do. In a beautifully written and expressed article Dianne Hopefully this will lead to the recognition they deserve. I
reminds us of the necessity to strive for PEACE, as our have also included an edited piece from Michael Lumsden’s
ancestors in their wisdom, fought for this PEACE. The tribute to his uncle the late Colonel Frank Lumsden. Frank came
victims of colonialism and racism have the capacity to turn from the heart of Maroonage and was an inspiration to all that
on each other violently in their despair – they also have the knew him. I am only too happy to contribute in whatever small
capacity to build “understanding, tolerance and acceptance way to the continuing of his legacy. Give thanks!
regardless of age, gender, ethnic background, abilities or
beliefs”. Also reminding us of our relationship with the We the Indigenous peoples of the world look to a vision of
ancestors, Carol Miller (Okomfo Afua Fofie) the Director of a sustainable, connected world with no borders. Buwadi –
Sankofie blesses us with an article reminding us of the let it be.
importance of the ancestor Quao, the need to celebrate his
life and give thanks for all he left for us. The conference and Yindyamarra – respect.
festival include a whole day to reflect on the life of Quao,
the man with the strength and foresight to forge the original #onelove
Taino/African alliance that has led to Maroon and
Maroonage. It was through adhering to the highest principles Victoria Grieves
of unity and cohesion, sustainable relationships of the Editor, Maroon Magazine
highest order, that Quao and the people saw the British
“whipped to the table” to sign the Peace Treaty of 1739. PS Some articles in this edition have hyperlinks – if you click
on the highlighted text (in red) you will be taken through to
Sustainability of people involves health practises as well as another online article – try it! Just another inoovation that
sustaining relationships. Dahlia Brown has contributed is designed to bring the best of information to you.

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