Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC)
between Marron Vrouwen Netwerk (MVN) Suriname
the Maroon Indigenous Women Circle (MIWC) Jamaica
the Merikins Trinidad & Tobago
This Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) will serve as a framework for co-operation between Maroon Women and their communities in Jamaica, Suriname, Trinidad &Tobago, and other Maroon Communities in the hemisphere of the Americas to be referred to herein as “the Maroon Women Chamber of Cooperation (MWoCC).”
The purpose of this Memorandum of Cooperation is for the Maroon Women and their Communities in the hemisphere of the Americas, to recognize and embrace the philosophy, opinions and community endeavours of the Maroons. This is a forum to allow Maroon dialogue that allows members the opportunity, to identify areas of common interest and concerns that will be addressed and the solution for which can be found through cooperation, using Maroon principles. To include observers and partners for sustainable human development programs. The Maroon Chieftancy shall serve as the advisory board of this forum.
The signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Network of Rural Women Producers of Trinidad & Tobago and the Maroon of Suriname will serve as a model to enhance the social, cultural and economic well-being of our communities in future partnerships.
The overall areas of interest are: Social, Cultural and Economic Development.
Theme: “ A Celebration of the Diversity and Utility of Mango”
This MOC was the outcome of a Conference held in Suriname between the Suriname Maroon Women, host, and the Jamaican Maroon Women Circle and the Merikins of Trinidad and Tobago, for further net-weaving between our countries and the wider hemisphere.
The visiting delegates paid courtesies calls on the Honourable Edward Belfort, Minister of Justice and Police, and the Honourable Stanley Betterson, and Permanent Secretary Ifne U Vrede of the Ministry of Regional Development, similar to our Ministry of Local Government
The delegation also held meetings in three different rural maroon communities which proved to be quite educational, because in these communities the way of life is quite similar to life in 1800, a lifestyle where you eat what you grow, no chemicals, very rich soil, little or no ailments, open windows and doors, and open space for community interaction, no crime.
