标签： Jamaica

Over a century since the Obeah Act of 1898 criminalized the practice, Obeah remains one of Jamaica’s most contentious cultural issues. Recently, Christian groups have vehemently opposed its legalization, warning that it would unleash ‘demonic forces’ across the nation. However, this fervent opposition raises a critical question: Why is there not a similar level of unity and outrage when addressing pressing societal issues such as child abuse, teenage pregnancy, juvenile delinquency, or the rampant violent crime plaguing communities? The selective indignation is striking. For instance, Indian astrologers freely advertise their services in newspapers and on television without sparking protests, yet Obeah is singled out. This disparity reveals a deeper issue: practices tied to African heritage are still viewed with suspicion and prejudice. The root of the problem lies in a Eurocentric mindset that has conditioned society to perceive African traditions as inherently evil while uncritically embracing other cultural practices. Some even falsely attribute Haiti’s struggles to its recognition of Vodou, a claim that is not only baseless but also dismissive of historical complexity. Obeah is an integral part of Jamaica’s history, once serving as a tool of resistance against colonial oppression. To erase it is to deny a legacy of survival and defiance. While there are deviant practices within Obeah, Christianity, with its over 40,000 denominations, is not without its own controversies. True emancipation requires dismantling the stigma surrounding Afrocentric religions and confronting the colonial prejudices that continue to shape perceptions. Obeah must be discussed honestly, free from fear or bias, as it is not merely a religious issue but a matter of identity, history, and the freedom to embrace one’s heritage without distortion.

In a tragic discovery, the decomposed remains of a man believed to be mentally challenged were found in an overgrown area of George Reid, Manchester, on Monday. The body is suspected to be that of Marlon Corinthian, a 46-year-old resident who was last seen on September 20. Concerned family members had filed a missing person’s report on September 27 after growing anxious about his disappearance. The grim find was made when residents, alerted by a foul odor, searched the area. A local woman recounted how a man from the community used a machete to clear the bushes, uncovering a part of a foot. Police were immediately notified. The woman, who identified herself as Corinthian’s friend, expressed her sorrow, stating that she last saw him nine days ago. She speculated that Corinthian, who often foraged for herbs to make tea, might have fallen into a ditch and become trapped. ‘He had a mental problem, but everyone loved him. I don’t think anyone would harm him,’ she added. A relative revealed that Corinthian was a mental health patient and had been missing from his usual spots, including the Mandeville Regional Hospital. Firefighters assisted in removing the body, with onlookers using masks and fabric to shield themselves from the stench. The community mourns the loss of a man described as kind and well-loved.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The National Museum Jamaica (NMJ), a division of the Institute of Jamaica (IOJ), is set to host its first-ever Heritage Debate on October 3, in collaboration with the Jamaican Association for Debate and Empowerment Limited (JADE). The debate will center on the provocative question: ‘Should Jamaican Patois Be Considered an Official Language?’ This event marks a departure from the traditional Heritage Lecture, which has been a staple of National Heritage Month activities organized by the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport. Stephanie Rose, Assistant Outreach Officer at NMJ, explained to JIS News that the shift to a debate format aims to create a more interactive and engaging platform for cultural discourse. ‘We wanted to encourage more participation and dialogue, allowing people to express their views in a museum setting,’ she said. The debate will feature teams from Holy Trinity High School and Pembroke Hall High School, competing at the IOJ Lecture Hall in downtown Kingston. Rose emphasized that the target audience remains high school and tertiary students, as the discussion will be more formal and suited to their educational level. The topic was chosen after extensive consultation with educators, who expressed strong interest in the subject. ‘Patois has been debated at various levels, but never in a museum environment where students can openly share their perspectives,’ Rose added. The event will be moderated by Professor Sonjah Stanley Niaah from the University of the West Indies, Mona, and will be streamed live on the NMJ YouTube channel.