<P> The Accompong Maroons tried but failed in their attempts to disperse the runaway community of Cuffee (Jamaica), who established a community of runaway slaves in the Cockpit Country in 1798 . When Cuffee's group faded from the colonial records, their place was taken by another group of runaways, who established themselves in the Cockpit Country in 1812 . The community of Me - no - sen - You - no - Come also resisted attempts by the Accompong Maroons and the colonial militias to disperse them in the 1820s . At about the same time, a large group of runaway slaves established themselves near Hellshire Beach, and it thrived there for years until it was finally dispersed by a party of Windward Maroons in 1819 . </P> <P> To this day, the maroons in Jamaica are to a small extent autonomous and separate from Jamaican culture . Those of Accompong have preserved their land since 1739 . The isolation used to their advantage by their ancestors has today resulted in their communities being amongst the most inaccessible on the island . </P> <P> Today, the four official Maroon towns still in existence in Jamaica are Accompong Town, Moore Town, Charles Town and Scott's Hall . They hold lands allotted to them in the 1739 - 1740 treaties with the British . These maroons still maintain their traditional celebrations and practices, some of which have West African origin . For example, the council of a Maroon settlement is called an Asofo, from the Twi Akan word asafo (assembly, church, society). </P> <P> Native Jamaicans and island tourists are allowed to attend many of these events . Others considered sacred are held in secret and shrouded in mystery . Singing, dancing, drum - playing and preparation of traditional foods form a central part of most gatherings . In their largest town, Accompong, in the parish of St. Elizabeth, the Leeward Maroons have a vibrant community of about 600 . Tours of the village are offered to foreigners . They hold a large festival annually on 6 January to commemorate the signing of the peace treaty with the British after the First Maroon War . </P>

How many maroon villages still exist in jamaica today