THE EDITOR, Sir:
ONE EVENING, while travelling on a bus in the late 1970s, I passed a large group of people standing outside a house in Albert Town. The news was that stone and fire were falling from the roof of the house. Even by removing the lid off the pot, there was fire. Since then I have been wondering what causes these phenomena.
Recently a lady visited me and related a scary story. Her relative, a 13-year-old girl, was living with her mother and for some reason the father decided to remove her from her mother's house. A week after her arrival, everything she touched started to burn with fire. The visit to the doctor was to obtain treatment in order to stop the fire.
YOUNG MAN BEATEN
Just recently a young man was beaten by persons after being accused of constantly knocking on a young female's window at nights. This case was subsequently reported to the Linstead Police Station. Subsequently the young man and his family had to relocate after their home was shot up.
The knocking at the girl's window became more persistent. Reports are that even after additional lights were installed, the knocking got more frequent, yet no one was ever seen. Whatever is causing these poltergeist activities, they are very determined and even fail to stop after prolonged prayers from church folks and the intervention of 'holy water' sprinkling by priests.
There are many stories and undocumented reports of poltergeist activities in our country. Poltergeist literally means noisy, mischievous, spirit which manifests itself by making noise, moving objects or assaulting people.
Current studies indicate that a living person, the agent, who is involved in stress-inducing situations, causes these events.
CAUSATIVE FACTORS
It is believed also that a human agent that exhibits hostility and exhibits sexual tension may be a causative factor. Fire may be associated with relief of anger. Most kinds of poltergeist activity are characterised by a rain of stone, dirt and movement of small objects and vile smells.
There is belief that these ghosts even adapted to the development of technology; for example, they have caused interference in telephone and electronic equipment. Some poltergeists are believed to have performed sexual acts with the living. However, some theorists suggest that these events are caused by spirits.
It seems likely medical practitioners may play a significant role in preventing poltergeist activities if stress-related conditions and anxiety disorders are treated early. Obeah is not the answer to these paranormal events.
I am, etc.,
Dr. RAYMOTH NOTICE
shaq@cwjamaica.com
37 Wellington Street
Spanish Town
Via Go-Jamaica
