The Editor, Sir:

Why does The Gleaner (January 10) continue to allow 'Prophet' Phinn space in its paper for his absurd and pointless ramblings?

First, he claims divine Christian inspiration in the number seven, when in fact the influence of this number on human culture predates the Bible, originating in Sumeria some 4,000 years ago. The Sumerians' invention of the seven-day week was inspired by the seven visible planets - taken as divine entities - whose names were given to each day, just as later cultures, including our own, named the days after Gods.

The frequent occurrence of the number seven in the Bible is merely a cultural inheritance from Sumeria into Judaeo-Christian culture. Claiming some supernatural power in seven-letter words is plain stupid. Is "Golding" (seven letters) holier than Miller? Two more seven-letter words for Dr. Phinn: trainee realist.

As for 'Prophet' Phinn's predictions, to claim that three prominent Jamaicans will die in 2007 is easy enough; that there will be a major fire in Germany caused by an explosion at a power plant is a more difficult prediction to bluff. However, it will probably be forgotten, together with last year's prediction (Gleaner, March 18, 2006) that there would be a repeat of "the divine visitation in New Orleans" - wrong.

What purpose does 'Prophet' Phinn's predictions serve? Only to bemuse and befuddle. The Prime Minister should surround herself with more realistic advisers who can offer rational and concrete solutions.

I am, etc.,

RIA BACON

ria.bacon@gmail.com

Kingston