Page 3 - Ctmc Programme 2022

8th Anniversary Gaa’Maa Enstoolment

Wednesday June 22nd, 2022 • Asafu Yard, Charles Town, Portland

This event marks the eighth anniversary (the comple- The event will
tion of the first seven-year cycle and the first year of therefore rec-
the next seven-year cycle) of the enstoolment of Gloria ognise and honour
“Mama G” Simms as Gaamang (Paramount Chief) by the stool and the
the Maroons of Suriname, the largest Maroon com- ancestors associ-
munity in the world. Gaamang G was enstooled as ated with the stool,
Gaamang at the Asafu Yard in Charles Town on Sun- including the Gaa-
day, June 22, 2014 as part of the 6th Annual Inter- mang who gave
national Charles Town Maroon Conference. Gaamang Gaamang G the
Gloria was enstooled by Gaamang Johannes Ballong stool, Obi Oboni,
of the Okanisi Maroons of Suriname. and Colonel Frank
Lumsden who fa-
This event is to recognise the role and significance of cilitated Gaamang
the Gaamang as a spiritual, political and cultural G’s enstoolment in
leader for the Maroon communities and as a pillar of Charles Town, both of whom passed away, as well as
the Maroon nation. The aim is to maintain communi- Gaamang Johannes Ballong of the Okanisi Maroons
cation with ancestors who provide direction for the who enstooled Gaamang G. The event will demon-
community. Thus the event will include the issuance strate the importance of maintaining and feeding the
of a Code of Conduct for the Gaamang and the nation stool, to recall the purpose and reason for the gift of
to give direction for the community, in keeping with the stool and to strengthen the Gaamang on her jour-
the role of the Gaamang as a visionary and mediator ney. This marks the public honouring of the stool
who prays for and protects the nation. which will be done after the completion of every
seven-year cycle.
The ceremony will also highlight the role of the Gaa-
mang as the custodian of the stool. The stool is a sym- The event will also highlight the role of the Maroon In-
bol of chieftaincy, royalty, custom and tradition. It is digenous Women Circle, recognising Gaamang Gloria
important in the Akan tradition because it highlights as the only female Gaamang and the importance of
the sense of community and serves as a symbol of Maroon women, to signify and revitalise the work of
unity, tradition and solidarity. the Queen Mothers and other Maroon and Indigenous
women, for the spiritual, cultural, political and eco-
nomic well-being of the nation.

10:00 am Libation offering

10: 30 am Procession to river with stool for blessings and feeding

11:00 am Greetings from Suriname Maroon Community
11:05 am Lighting of Candles on Thanksgiving Table & Prayers of Gratitude

11: 25 am Tasting of Five Elements : Bitter, Sweet, Sour, Hot & Water
11: 45 am Reading of Code of Conduct to follow to ensure Health &
Survival of Stool & Nation

12:00 noon Initiation of Queen Court & Bench
12:30 pm Naming Award ceremony to recognise three unrecognised Women

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