Judge Recommends Bible Reading for Man Guilty of Practising Obeah

MONTEGO BAY, St James — A young Cambridge resident who pleaded guilty to practising obeah was fined $5,000 and advised to read his Bible as an alternative to his rituals when he appeared in the St James Parish Court on Wednesday.

Oshawn Grant, believed to be in his early 20s, admitted guilt before presiding Parish Judge Kaysha Grant-Pryce, who offered the unconventional recommendation during sentencing.

According to court documents, police executed a search warrant at Grant’s home on March 25. On entering the premises, officers found the space filled with smoke and incense burning in each corner of his bedroom. A white T-shirt surrounded by burning candles and cash of various denominations was also discovered on the floor, along with boxes labelled “Money Rain”, “Money House”, and “African Powers” on a dresser.

Grant, who was wearing four silver rings, reportedly resisted removing them, telling police he feared he would die without them and describing himself as being “fully guzu,” a local term associated with spiritual practices tied to obeah.

During the hearing, Judge Grant-Pryce asked Grant what kind of oil he had been using.

“Mi have problem sleeping at night,” Grant explained.

In response, the judge offered a tongue-in-cheek but earnest suggestion: “Try magnesium and prayer, sir, or try Habakkuk or Haggai; try to read those books of the Bible. One of them must put you to sleep.”

Grant was ordered to pay the fine or serve five days in jail.