12th of July Movement aims to locate 13 camps across the forest used by Maroons in the war against slavery

​On Wednesday July 12th 2017, the 12th of July Movement celebrated the life of Chief Jacko and the Maroons. Yesterday marked 203 years since the freedom fighter was killed in battle fighting against slavery.
The movement is geared at recognizing the sacrifice that he and several generations of African captives on this island made for the great cause of freedom.
This year marks the 4th year that the movement celebrated this anniversary and while other years the occasion was marked with a beautiful ceremony, this year they have started the process to trying to locate the 13 camps which are dotted throughout the forests and highlands of Dominica from which the maroons waged a defensive war against slavery.
In an official release, the movement says the first such expedition was led by Francisco (Tinko) Esprit in the jungle of Morne Jacko and Morne Neg Mawon last Saturday July 8th 2017. The second will take place on  Saturday July 15, 2017, this time to the high ridges of William, in Pond kassay under the guidance of Mal Esprit.
 
It states further that the aim is to locate all 13 camps and begin the process of reconstructing them as monumental places of interest which will help give Dominicans a larger view of their heritage as well as promote the ecotourism industry.
 
Meanwhile calls are being issued for Dominicans at home and abroad to help get the 12th of July recognized as Maroon Day and the Old Market redeveloped as a National Monument in honour of Dominica's heroic ancestors.