Fact vs. Fiction: Decoding The Secret Pact serves as your guide to separating historical truth from fictional threads within the novel. Explore the characters, events, and settings to discover which aspects are rooted in documented reality and which are products of the author's imagination. Delve deeper into this fascinating blend that brings this pivotal era to life.
Background: Jamaica was initially granted as a hereditary possession to the Columbus family by the Spanish Crown after Christopher Columbus's discovery. Diego Columbus, his son, oversaw the first settlement and governance. However, in the mid-16th century, the Spanish revoked the family's rights. During Spanish rule, the original Taino inhabitants were decimated, and enslaved Africans were introduced. After a failed attempt to capture Hispaniola, the British turned their attention to Jamaica and successfully seized control in 1655. This marked the start of over 300 years of British rule, during which Jamaica became a major center for sugar production and the transatlantic slave trade, significantly shaping the island's economy and social structure.
Maroons were former enslaved Africans brought to the island by the Spanish, who had escaped from plantations when Jamaica was under their rule. Later, augmented by others who escaped the British, they established several independent communities, primarily divided into Leeward (western) and Windward (eastern) groups based on their geographic location on the island.
During the initial years of British rule, the Maroons sometimes formed alliances with the Spanish based on mutual convenience rather than shared loyalty. Much of what we know about the Maroons, their history, culture, and traditions, comes from oral histories passed down through generations. While documentation from the period exists, it was primarily written by outsiders. Their own stories, values, and experiences live on primarily through their rich oral tradition.
They are particularly well-known for their fierce resistance against British colonial rule and slavery. They established several independent communities in the mountainous interior of the island and fought two major wars against the British in the 18th century. Ultimately, they signed treaties with the British that granted them autonomy and land rights, but these treaties were often fraught with tension, broken promises, and perceived inequities – including disparities in land allocation, the number of white residents residing in their communities, among other provisions – that likely contributed to discord between the Leeward and Windward Maroons, as well as ongoing tensions with the British.
Leeward and Windward Maroon communities continue to exist today, maintaining a degree of autonomy rooted in historical agreements. This arrangement is comparable to Indian reservations in the USA in terms of land assignment and autonomy. However, unlike Native American treaties, the terms of the Maroons have not received formal government ratification since Jamaica gained independence.
[ More on the Maroons ]The Blue Mountains, a series of mountain ranges rising dramatically along Jamaica's eastern spine, feature steep slopes, deep valleys, and mist-shrouded peaks. With elevations rising to 7,402 feet, the rugged terrain fosters a unique microclimate. Abundant rainfall, particularly on the Portland side, sustains lush rainforests and feeds cascading waterfalls, enhancing the beauty of the landscape. This range provided a crucial refuge for the Windward Maroons, who used the challenging terrain and dense vegetation for protection, fiercely resisting British colonial forces and preserving their African traditions.
The Blue and John Crow Mountains, encompassing the Blue Mountains and the adjoining John Crow Mountains, are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the author's view, this region stands as the most beautiful unspoilt region of the island.
Nanny, also known as Queen Nanny and Nanny of the Maroons, is one of Jamaica's National Heroes, yet remains an enigmatic figure in both history and The Secret Pact. While details of her personal life are scant, legend portrays her as a proficient military strategist and practitioner of Obeah, a spiritual practice with ties to Africa, encompassing herbalism, divination, and the manipulation of spiritual forces for purposes such as protection, healing, and influencing personal and communal affairs. Although historical records indicate she likely had no children, The Secret Pact imagines the essence of her character through Willow, her fictional daughter.
The only known written description of Nanny comes from the memoirs of Lieutenant Philip Thicknesse, a British officer who fought against the Windward Maroons. His account offers a rare glimpse into the enigmatic leader who defied British rule and inspired generations of Maroons. The "Old Hagg" in the following excerpt is believed by many to be a reference to Nanny. In the book, her character is portrayed as an older, more reflective person, wisened by years of battle and the regrets of the divisions it caused her people.
Located in the Blue Mountains of Portland Parish, Jamaica, Nanny Town, now known as Moore Town (and sometimes referred to as New Nanny Town), was Nanny's second settlement, established in the early 18th century. Her first settlement, located deeper in the mountains, was vacated after a British raid. Nanny Town became a crucial stronghold for the Windward Maroons in their ongoing resistance against British colonial rule and slavery.
Nanny Falls, named after Nanny, is a secluded waterfall located in Moore Town, Portland, Jamaica. The falls are about a 15-20 minute hike from Moore Town village, through lush rainforest terrain. Photos taken by the author are provided at the end of the page. The second photo captures a rainbow in the mist that was visible during his visit. It inspired the title of the first chapter and the setting for Kai's and Willow's chance meeting. See photos.
Quao was the leader of Maroons in Crawford Town, a principal settlement of the Windward Maroons in the Spanish River area of St. George parish (now western Portland Parish). He was the one whom the British contacted and offered a peace treaty during the First Maroon War. He accepted the treaty without the agreement of Nanny, another prominent Maroon leader. Nanny's refusal and continued resistance prolonged the war despite Quao's acceptance.
Crawford Town was abandoned a few years after the war ended. In its place, Charles Town was established near the Buff Bay River, also in Portland Parish. This new settlement became one of the four official Maroon towns that remain today, alongside Moore Town (Nanny Town), Scott's Hall, and Accompong. [ From Thicknesse Memoire: Mission to Offer Quao the Treaty ]
There were two separate treaties signed during 1739-1740, marking the end of the First Maroon War between the British colonial government and the Maroons in Jamaica. The Leeward Maroons, led by Cudjoe, were the first to reach an agreement, effectively ending the war for their faction. However, hostilities continued between the Windward Maroons and the British. Eventually, a second treaty was negotiated with Quao, leader of the Windward Maroons in Crawford Town, without the knowledge or consent of Nanny, a prominent Windward Maroon leader. This act of exclusion created a rift between Quao and Nanny, further prolonging the war.
As a consequence of this delayed negotiation, the terms of the Windward Treaty were less favorable than those granted to the Leeward Maroons. The Windward treaty consisted of fourteen articles, whearas the Leeward treaty had 15 articles, but the terms that particularly fueled resentment among the characters in The Secret Pact were:
Philip Thicknesse, a British soldier who fought against the Windward Maroons, published his autobiography, "Memoirs and Anecdotes of Philip Thicknesse," in 1788 (a 2nd Edition was published in Dublin 1790). His firsthand account provides valuable insight into the period, including a reference to an "old hag" often attributed to Nanny of the Maroons. Thicknesse's commentary on the Maroon War is particularly insightful, stating:
... Such who are unacquainted with that Island will be surprised when they are told, that all the regular troops in Europe, could not have conquered the wild Negroes, by force of arms; and if Mr. Trelawney had not wisely given them, what they contended for, LIBERTY, they would, in all probability have been, at this day, masters of the whole country." This demonstrates the Maroons' resilience and the challenges faced by the colonial authorities in suppressing their fight for freedom.
Note: the mention of Trelawney, refers to the Governor of the island at the time. The parish of Trelawny was named after him.
Milton's backstory, a character from the author's imagination, is inspired by the legendary Battle of the Spanish River, a pivotal moment in the First Maroon War. In this decisive battle, the Maroons orchestrated an ambush, utilizing their superior knowledge of the treacherous terrain to outmaneuver and overpower the British forces. Historical accounts indicate that the British suffered significant casualties during the battle. The victory at Spanish River dealt a devastating blow to the British, both militarily and psychologically, further fueling the Maroons' determination to resist. While the war continued for a time, the Maroons' triumph ultimately paved the way for peace negotiations and the recognition of their autonomy.
It is in this battle that Milton was injured while serving under Phillip Thicknesse, drawing inspiration from a real conflict documented in Thicknesse's memoirs. These memoirs offer a fascinating glimpse into the period and the tactics employed by the Maroons, making for a compelling and informative read. While the scene of Milton's injury is fictional and serves the plot of the story, it is not based on any specific event in the actual battle.
[ Read Memoire: Battle of Spanish River ]
The Taíno people, a subgroup of the Arawaks, were the indigenous inhabitants of Jamaica and other Caribbean islands before the arrival of Christopher Columbus in Jamaica, in 1494. They were a subgroup of the Arawakan peoples, Indigenous people who migrated from South America to the Caribbean islands around 1000 BC to 400 BC. They established a thriving culture based on agriculture, fishing, and trade. However, the arrival of the Spanish in 1494 marked the beginning of their tragic decline. The Taíno were decimated by European diseases, warfare, and enslavement, leading to a near extinction of their population in Jamaica by the mid-16th century.
Despite this devastating impact, modern DNA research has revealed the presence of indigenous Taíno ancestry among the Accompong Town Maroons, suggesting that some Taíno individuals may have survived by intermingling with escaped African slaves who formed Maroon communities. The Moore Town Maroons maintain a strong claim to Taíno heritage. While the extent of Taíno genetic contribution is still being studied, their cultural legacy endures.
Some historians speculate that Taínos may have sought refuge from the Spanish in the remote and mountainous Blue Mountains of Jamaica, which could support the claims of the Moore Town Maroons. The use of the word "barbecue," a Taíno term, and the origins of jerk cooking in Portland, in the Blue Mountains, hint at the possibility of Taíno influence on Maroon traditions. These findings challenge the historical narrative of complete Taíno eradication and emphasize the complex interactions and cultural exchange that occurred in colonial Jamaica.
[ More on the Tainos ]The rich spiritual and cultural beliefs and traditions of the Taínos, Jamaica's first inhabitants, frame much of the book through Aiyanna's life and her close connection to her grandmother, a Taíno priestess.
Atabey: The supreme female deity, associated with the moon and water, was revered as the giver of life, fertility, and the creator of the earth.
Guabancex: A powerful and fearsome deity, associated with hurricanes, wind, and destructive forces. She controlled the weather, capable of bringing both blessings and devastation.
Yucahu: The male deity associated with agriculture, particularly cassava cultivation, was revered as the provider of food and sustenance.
Ceiba Tree: This towering tree held profound spiritual significance, symbolizing the axis mundi - the connection between the underworld, earth, and heavens. Its roots reached the underworld, its branches stretched towards the heavens and the gods, and its trunk stood firm in the human world. The Taíno believed the ceiba housed the spirits of their ancestors. Its shedding and regrowth of leaves mirrored the natural cycles of life, death, and renewal, while its cotton-like seeds symbolized fertility and the propagation of life.
Despite their tragic demise, the Taíno people left an enduring legacy on Jamaican culture, evident in various aspects of daily life and language:
Christopher Columbus, known in Italian as Cristoforo Colombo and in Spanish as Cristóbal Colón—the name used in The Secret Pact as befitting an emissary of the Spanish Monarchy—made two landings on Jamaica, in 1494 and 1503.
Both landings play a prominent role in the the plot of The Secret Pact.
His initial discovery of Jamaica during his second voyage in 1494 is shrouded in mystery, with most knowledge coming from indirect sources and accounts of fellow crew members. The logs of this voyage are lost. Sailors from the ship made a brief trip ashore in response to scared Indians who attacked the ships with spears. [ More on the Columbus's discovery of Jamaica and his interactions ]
The second landing in 1503 resulted in a year-long shipwreck, a tumultuous period where relations with the initially welcoming Taíno people soured due to mistreatment and demands. Facing starvation, Columbus exploited his knowledge of an impending lunar eclipse, convincing the Taíno that their god was angry. The terrified natives, upon witnessing the eclipse, begged for forgiveness, allowing Columbus to manipulate them into providing continued support until his eventual rescue. This incident starkly reveals the power imbalances and cultural misunderstandings that plagued early European interactions with Indigenous peoples. [ More on his Shipwreck on Jamaica ] [ Letter he wrote while Shipwrecked on Jamaica ]
The backstory of the fictitious character, Sean Murphy, is rooted in history. In the early years, after the British seized Jamaica from the Spanish, Oliver Cromwell's government initiated a campaign to populate the island. Irish men, women, and children, many captured during the Irish Confederate Wars, were forcibly transported to Jamaica as indentured servants or prisoners. These involuntary settlers faced harsh conditions and exploitation on sugar plantations, with many succumbing to disease or overwork. Some eventually gained freedom and established themselves in Jamaican society. [ More on the Irish in Jamaica ]
Black Hill in Portland Parish, Jamaica, is a dormant volcano whose last eruption is estimated to have occurred roughly 12 million years ago—a relatively recent event in geological terms. British geologists surveying the island after the abolition of slavery in 1860 identified Black Hill as a volcano.
The main road from Buff Bay to Port Antonio follows the beautiful north coastline before veering south into the mountainous interior, where steep hairpin turns navigate the slopes of Black Hill. The route traverses lush, vibrant vegetation and fertile farmlands, before rejoining the coastline just west of Hope Bay. The agricultural productivity of the region is a direct result of the mineral-rich soil deposited by the ancient volcano. Volcanic activity produces soils rich in essential minerals like phosphorus, potassium, and calcium, and over time, the weathering of volcanic rocks further enriches the soil, boosting agricultural productivity.
Evidence of Black Hill's fiery past is abundant in the surrounding area, with dark charcoal colored, iron-rich rocks contributing to its name. The volcano's activity also gave rise to the unique black sand beaches found along the coastline, such as those at nearby Hope Bay Beach. There are also several caves in the area, like Black Hill Cave-2, documented by the Jamaican Caves Organisation; all likely a result of the broader geological landscape shaped by the volcano's past eruptions. These caves may have formed through processes like lava tubes or the weathering and erosion of volcanic rock.
While the story is set in the same region as the 18th-century Prospect Estate, with its history of around 145 enslaved people, the connection ends there. The plantation's earliest recorded history that the author found, dates back to 1795, making it a historical backdrop rather than a direct influence on the narrative.
From the Book: A chill hung in the air, carrying the scent of damp earth and the fragrant Jamaican Lady of the Night, its flowers releasing a clove-like scent infused with hints of citrus.
The Jamaican Lady of the Night, scientific name: Brunfelsia jamaicensis, is a flowering plant endemic to the Blue Mountains of Jamaica. It has tubular, white-to-cream flowers with a complex fragrance, particularly at night. The plant is considered vulnerable due to habitat loss and over-harvesting for its ornamental and fragrant qualities.
The cave, where the alliance plans Silas's escape, takes inspiration from a real cavern the author explored while researching the novel's setting. Situated on private property above the Rio Grande valley, the area was once part of the Boston Fruit Company's holdings during the banana boom before being divided and sold. This cave has nine chambers, including one flooded chamber serving as the source for local waterfalls. During a private tour generously provided by the owner, Mr. Thaxter, he recounted discovering the cave at the age of twelve. His father had forbidden him from entering, fearing it fell straight through the mountain to the sea.
The most unforgettable moment occurred when they stumbled upon a trapped goat in one of the darkened chambers. Picture entering a pitch-black cave with one other person, knowing you are the only ones there, and hearing sounds of movement directly in front of you, echoing through the chambers. Suddenly, your flashlights illuminated two glowing orbs — the terrified eyes of an animal staring at you. Its escape route blocked by your presence. This eerie encounter left such an impression that the author included a similar scene in the book, where Kai, Willow, and Silas encounter a goat deep within the cave. The actions they took in response to the encounter, were inspired by Mr. Thaxter's instructions during the encounter.
The cave, also known locally as Fox Cave, is situated adjacent to Scatter Falls. To reach it, one must first head to Berridale, then cross the Rio Grande on a bamboo raft, followed by a walk from there. Personally, I crossed by foot, guided further up the river by Mr. Thaxter.
The Map of Knowledge, a pivotal element in the story, is a fictional creation inspired by the historical events surrounding Columbus's voyages to Jamaica.
Imagine the awe and terror of the Taino chief upon witnessing those massive ships with their billowing sails, an unfamiliar sight that would have undoubtedly sparked fear and uncertainty, amplified by news of attacks on fellow Taínos.
In reality, the Taíno people were indeed spread across the island, each group with its own leader. While there's no historical evidence of a unified map like the one described in the story, it's plausible that the threat of invasion would have spurred some form of cooperation and communication among the tribes. The Map of Knowledge, then, serves as a fictional representation of this potential unity and the strategic planning that may have taken place in the face of an unknown threat.
The story's map acts as a symbol of the Taíno people's resilience and resourcefulness. It highlights their knowledge of the land and their potential strategies for protecting their sacred sites and way of life. But the chief's act of tearing the map in two, sending half with his brother into hiding, mirrors the division and loss experienced by the Taíno under Spanish rule.
As Columbus departs Jamaica after his 1503 shipwreck, the Taíno chief sends his brother and a contingent of Taíno into hiding in the remote Blue Mountains. Two hundred years later, this hidden legacy emerges as these resilient Taíno join forces with the Maroons in their fight against British colonial rule. This fictional narrative echoes modern-day Maroon claims of Taíno ancestry, suggesting a historical connection that intertwines the fates of these two marginalized groups.
While Nonsuch Cave,a real place, was the author's initial choice for Silas' hiding place, he ultimately opted for a location closer to Black Hill, between Crawford Town and Nanny Town. This led to the creation of the Caves of Cemi-Ku above the Swift River. He wanted a name that tied the cave to the Taíno heritage. From his reading, "Cemi" refers to a spirit, deity, or ancestral figure that was worshipped and revered, and "Ku" refers to a sacred place or place of worship. Please provide feedback if this is incorrect by submitting [ this form ].
| REAL | IMAGINED | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nanny | Willow | Kai | |
| Quao | Silas | Mr Thomas | |
| Lt. Thicknesse | Olu | Milton | |
| Jeddo | Aiyanna & parental lines | Sean | |
| Taro | all others | ||
Places and things mentioned in the book best described through photographs.
Thought to be bottomless during the author's childhood.
Photo by: Fiwi Roots [All rights reserved]
In the book, it is described that Aiyanna's mother, Maroya, was named by her grandmother after a long-haired Taíno goddess of the moon. According to the legend presented in the book, this goddess assumes a human-like form and descends from the sky during the new moon to bathe in the Blue Lagoon.
Susan
I recommend this bookI’m not a Jamaican and bought this book out of curiosity. It was very engaging; it kept me up late to see how the story ended. I was drawn to Aiyanna's character and found myself rooting for Silas.
What’s also good was that there is a link at the end of the book that explains what’s real and what’s not. This helped me put the story in context, making it even more meaningful. Not only was the story engaging, it also helped me understand the history.
Easy read and a very good story.
Samurai Man I recommend this bookKeeps you captivated. Great story. A riveting account of the impact of slavery in Jamaica. I appreciate the research done prior to writing this book.
Will there be a part 2? Left me wanting more.
