Dear Editor
ALL forms of obeah, black arts, fortune-telling/healing, psychic and occult practices must be rejected in their entirety. I am appalled when I look at the Guyanese and Caribbean newspapers in New York and see so many ads for such services.
They claim that they will fix a marriage that is on the rocks; will land you a better job; will bring good fortune; will nullify the black spell of an envious neighbour; will cure your ailment; will bestow added spice and enjoyment to your love life; and bring happiness and peace all around. And all these and so much more they will procure for you, when you just consult with them and place your faith and trust in them ….and of course part with some of your hard-earned cash. ALL OF THIS IS SO MUCH NONSENSE AND RUBBISH; and yet even educated and talented people fall for their charm and spell and become willing victims of their lies and deceit.
Obeah men, fortune tellers, astrologers, psychics, card readers, practitioners of the occult and black arts, ARE ALL CON MEN AND WOMEN AT HEART. They are out to get your money…. this is the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Our priests and pandits must speak out fearlessly against these people and their evil practices. But some of them will never do so because they are also inextricably involved in some of these practices.
I recall that in a neighbouring village where I lived in Guyana, a very well-known, educated and respected pandit used to openly practise obeah and removing “jumbie” from people. When educated people give credence and support to such nefarious practices, then it is not surprising that quite a lot of people will think that they are authentic and may be even a part of the tradition and religion. It is also shocking that so many in the Hindu community in New York, and in other parts of the Guyanese diaspora are taking to obeah and “jumbie” removal. A lot of homes have been broken and good friends, families and neighbours have become deadly enemies, because of the words and suggestions from these pandits and obeah people.
All forms of obeah, witchcraft etc. are ROOTED IN FEAR, DARKNESS AND EVIL, AND A LACK OF GENUINE AWARENESS AND UNDERSTANDING. They are a great impediment to the growth and flowering of a healthy and wholesome mind. And they are the very antithesis of knowledge and spiritual enlightenment. They can find no place in the heart of a man or woman who genuinely adore and worship God, and who is ever striving to walk the path of TRUTH, GOODNESS, AND BEAUTY.
No healing, no good effects, and nothing lasting and wholesome can issue from the practice of obeah, etc. In fact, knowledge and all good traits are gradually taken away from those who believe in such dark practices. They eventually become completely enveloped in a world of darkness and fear…which is nothing but a living hell. Even if there is some temporary healing and betterment, it is not worth the lasting damage that is done to the mind, the heart and the soul.
Regards
Cecil Ramkirath
