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<p>Entertainer Spragga Benz is urging Jamaicans to sign a petition via social media to preserve the Cockpit Country and Maroon lands.</p>
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<p>Using his Instagram account @spraggabenz3, the dancehall artiste pleaded with Jamaicans to prevent the sale of untouched sacred lands to mining companies.</p>
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<p>"Have you ever read the constitution yet? have you ever read the maroon treaty? you have work to do you hear? ... knowledge is key... knowledge is strength! Get Knowledge then you can face them people yah.. because they know things you don't.. that's why them can deal with you this way and don't care. Sign the petition!</p>
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<p>The post and public outcry comes on the heels of Prime Minister Andrew Holness and the Government's plans to mine in the Cockpit Country.</p>
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<p>The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has funded a project titled, ‘Conserving biodiversity and reducing land degradation in the Cockpit Country’ to the tune of US$6-million.</p>
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<p>Other local Jamaican Public figures have commented on the issue with the likes of Bounty Killer, Queen Ifrica, Popcaan and Mr. Vegas hitting out against mining in the Cockpit Country area.</p>
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