Despite heightened interests in Halloween-themed events locally, Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) President La Sonja Harrison is cautioning educators to re-think plans to host any Halloween activity, which could put the nation’s children at risk.
Harrison argues that Halloween is inconsistent with Jamaica’s Judeo-Christian principles and cultural heritage. She is encouraging school administrators and teachers to examine its origins and assess its implications for children before incorporating the celebrations into school activities.
“That is traditionally not a celebration that we see anywhere anchored in our Judeo-Christian principles and standing,” Harrison told the Freedom Come Rain newspaper in a recent interview.
The JTA president is questioning the value of exposing children to celebrations that, in her view, do not align with the Christian principles and cultural traditions that should inform their upbringing.
“It is not a part of our culture in the first place, and it is not anchored, and it is not situated in any of what we know to be the heritage of our Judeo-Christian principles,” she said.
Several events are being planned in Jamaica to celebrate the pagan festival, which is considered a form of devil worship by Christians. Among the slate of activities is a two-night event for babies, children, teens and adults at the Hope Zoo, where persons are expected to dress in Halloween costumes. Rose Hall Great House intends to host four nights of haunted Halloween tours later this month. Patrons are warned to prepare for thrilling and eerie encounters in an haunted atmosphere. Events are also planned for the University of the West Indies, Mona, and the National Stadium.
Harrison called on schools that traditionally organise related activities to reconsider their plans.
She said educators should examine the potential benefits of the celebrations, if any, and determine whether they contribute positively to children’s development.
“I would ask them to revisit those plans and standards of action and discontinue same, having done those research and looking at the overall benefit to that of our children,” Harrison said.
Her comments come as schools prepare for the end-of-October observance, which is marked in some educational settings through themed activities, costumes and parties.
Harrison is not the only one who is concerned about the celebration of Halloween in Jamaica. Over the years, several pastors have warned about the spiritual implications of engaging in this festival.
In 2023, Christian intercessors and prayer warriors hosted round-the-clock prayer vigils to resist, repel, and rebuke any attempt to celebrate Halloween in the country.
Reverend Oniel Richards, a senior pastor at the Shalom Christian Outreach Centre, warned at the time that those who participate in Halloween-themed activities are intentionally attracting a curse on themselves and their household.
“It is important to note that Halloween has satanic origins and witchcraft connections. It is definitely not something to participate in because once you get involved in it, you are opening a door to your life, and exposing your children and family to the occult world and the Satanic kingdom,” he said.
“This is just ungodliness! This is idolatry! It is the worship of Satan, and they have it as entertainment,” lamented Bishop Dr. Grace Ade-Gold from the Arise Shine Apostolic and Deliverance Ministries.
Harrison’s appeal places renewed focus on the role of educators in shaping children’s values and the activities schools choose to promote. She is encouraging teachers and administrators to examine Halloween celebrations through the lens of their Christian principles and reconsider whether continuing the practice serves the best interests of students.