The Editor, Sir:

The article carried in yesterday's newspaper that the Jamaica Association of Dramatic Artists (JADA) will be celebrating Trevor Rhone with a "traditional wake" is for me a justification, as well as the cause of additional pain. This is so because on this occasion (unlike the December 2007 occasion for Herb McKenley, and earlier for Charles Hyatt) this is being led by a private entity, and supported largely by private-sector donations. Also, it is being done after consultation with, and agreement of, the widow of Trevor Rhone.

My objection to such wakes in the past was predicated largely on the fact that then, it was a government agency, the Social Development Commission (SDC), which was using public money to lead in an activity which many taxpaying Jamaicans would object to on deeply held religious grounds. I was roundly castigated by other letter writers at that time and, according to your columnist Martin Henry in 'Christianity, paganism and Jamaican culture' (The Gleaner, December 20, 2007), I had stirred up a wasp's nest.

Christian conviction

In addition, I made the point then that my opinion was constrained by my Christian conviction that a wake, or nine-night, is an unchristian activity that has its roots in ancestor and demonic spirit worship. Many letter writers took me to task at that time (The Gleaner, December 9-12, 2007), contending that wakes were a part of our culture and presumably should not be criticised, but accepted uncritically. Now, I observe that my objections seem to have been heeded, as the SDC, though still participating, is not the convenor of the event.

There is a note of disappointment, however, that I must also raise with the event this time. It is that some of the corporate financiers of Rhone's wake seem to be taking the same position of uncritical support of culture. I speak of two supporting organisations, which are owned and led by openly Christian persons.

Anti-Christian beliefs

I refer to the Jamaica Broilers Group, led by friends, the Levys, and to OGM Integrated Communications, led by Oral G. McCook. I am led to wonder if they were made aware of the nature of the activities which were being planned, and of the particular groups which would be participating, according to the article.

The Actors Group JADA, we are told, will be inviting, among others, the Seaforth Kumina Group and a 'duppy band' from Portland. Both of these groups represent the very anti-Christian beliefs and practices of ancestor worship and demonic spirit possession of which I had complained.

Christians are not called upon to be anti-culture, but sometimes we have to be counterculture.

I am, etc.,

LLOYD COOKE

Royal Flat,

PO Box 642

Mandeville PO

Manchester