Leave obeah alone

THE EDITOR, Sir:

The Apostle Paul in the book of the Galatians asked, “O foolish Galatians! Who has ‘bewitched’ you, that you should not obey the truth…”? The Galatians had begun to bring the old rules and traditions of Judaism into their new faith and counted on those rules for part of their salvation.

This shocked Paul and caused him to admonish them, saying, “I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel…” (Galatians 1:6).

I am not trying to give a theological teaching, but the application can be made to this issue of the repealing of the Obeah Law by the Honourable Delroy Chuck, who gave his commitment to do so as the minister of justice.

The truth of the fundamental principles on which our country is established is clear in our national anthem. It reads, “Eternal Father, bless our land, guard us with thy mighty hands, keep us free from evil powers …”

The effects of obeah are touted to have its origins in evil powers. I have never heard a single story or experience that shines a positive light on the practice of obeah.

Sir, you revealed that there was a Cabinet submission in 1975 in support of repealing the Obeah Act, but no one has touched it 44 years after. There must be a reason. Let the years continue!

CONCERNED CITIZEN