Sometimes it angers me a little when it seems like the “Betta mus come” attitude of the citizens makes them complacent and resigned to the status quo instead of taking control of the things they can change and holding leadership financially accountable for the revenue they receive from tourism and aid. The two major problems, aside from the sometimes “I’m entitled to it” attitude, are misappropriation of funds and the LUMI.
While we were there, a tour bus full of paying visitors had to turn back because no one had the key to the Community Center to record them in. Recently, a tour bus paid $100,000 Jamaica in total tour fees and someone misappropriated it right into their own pocket and the proceeds from the 2018 January 6th Celebration still haven’t been turned in. Lack of leadership and accountability is an ongoing problem.
The LUMI. The WHAT you say??? In short, it is a currency cooked-up by a guy named McPherson who sold the idea to town leadership to get rich and to help their African homeland in Ghana at the same time. Why? Because he believes that the Maroons in Accompong Town and, in fact, the Cockpits are a sovereign country within Jamaica and thus the Bank of Jamaica has no jurisdiction over it. Here is a picture of the currency that makes for a nifty souvenir for visitors at $1000 Jamaican anyways.
When I put my money in a bank, I want to know what does the bank offer as security and collateral. Well, the LUMI is not technically backed by anything. Its value is set at the cost to produce 100 Kilowatt hours of solar power in Ghana. Mumbo Jumbo and silver-tongued talk by a sophisticated grifter in my opinion. It costs $1000 J to purchase and can only be redeemed in Accompong Town for the same $1000 J so, what is the purpose? Timothy E. McPherson Jr came in a Brooks Brother’s suit with his version of magic beans to sell. After selling the idea, he then became Chief McPherson Minister of Finance complete in an African Dashiki Caftan and now sporting a working warrior look and changed his name to Chief Makao I (sp?) Supposedly, Colonel Williams has put a stop to his representing Accompong Town as it’s Minister of Finance. Most everyone is wondering what will happen when this scheme implodes, and a few are waiting with outstretched palms waiting to get rich.
LINK TO STORY http://nationwideradiojm.com/maroon-money-is-here/
