Latest update August 30th, 2026 10:40 AM
Jun 25, 2016 Letters
Dear Editor,
Grateful if you published the following letter in your letters column. Thank you. Rare is the occasion that I would publicly disagree with the opinions of letters to the press. This instance is one which perpetuates an injustice if foregone.
One of my more unremarkable discoveries, yet a true eye-opener, has been that the academic preparation of pastors and other so-called men of the cloth requires a course or two in psychology. This was so revealing because it explained why the religious order across religious denominations has become the home of resident evil, those so-called priests, pastors and other religious leaders who accomplish great evil under the guise of being God’s good shepherds.
Psychology involves the study of the workings of the mind to understand how individuals think in an attempt provide solutions for persons who have premised their conclusions about various matters of concern to them on inaccurate and illogical causal factors. Where things go wrong for some religious leaders is that these individuals turn psychology to serve their own ends, conning innocent people into all kinds of sexually abusive acts on one hand, and devising cunning marketing schemes for extracting as much money from the flock on the other.
Indeed, psychology facilitates all kinds of abuse and skullduggery by religious leaders intent on serving their own ends, and this brings us around to our present case. Among the great teachings, the origins of which I am unfamiliar, is that we should beware of wolves in sheep’s clothing. Here we seem to have found one in Pastor Wendell Jeffrey, who thinks it an opportune time to prostitute his religious authority in the press, promoting himself, it seems, as a mouthpiece for, and defender of, the current administration.
I can hardly claim to be amused, knowing Wendell Jeffrey. Yes, I remember Jeffrey quite well, the little he described of himself to me. I remember his story about selling ice-cream, and then moving on to qualifying himself as a pastor, and working with offenders, which I think he still does. I remember him preaching at his church and once playing an outrageous musical version of some gospel. I said to myself at the time, ‘here’s someone who’s had a disconnect with God.’
And this it seems, has manifested itself as no greater truth. Indeed, from hustling ice-creams, Jeffrey moved on to hustling God’s flock. In true business style, he has sought to broaden his revenue stream by, in addition to opening his new church business, Practical Christian Ministries, running as a candidate for councilor or representative of his, or some district in the recent local government elections. To all of which I have no objection, since a man has got to live.
I remember his last letter on his candidacy, whining about not attracting the necessary votes. Seeming to have been inspired by some prolific letter writers in the press, Jeffrey has now picked up his pen in an attempt to become a shaper of society’s opinions, slugging, it seems, for the government. Jeffrey knows, but yet seems unable to fully grasp what exactly it took to occasion the transition of the new government. Observing his ideas, it is clear he thinks that it was accomplished by any old hack. And that is understandable, since everyone is allowed his abilities.
Then to his letter in Kaieteur News’ June 22, 2016 issue, ‘The US Influence in Guyana,’ making rude remarks about Mr. Bryan Hunt, the outgoing US Chargé d’Affaires, apparently forgetting the guidance against speaking ill of high officials. It could of course be that such instruction is for the flock alone. What is an absolute surety is that Mr. Bryan Hunt has served both his country and Guyana in excellence. And there is nothing the Jeffrey has said, or will ever say, that can alter that fact.
Craig Sylvester
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Comments are closed.

Aug 30, 2026
By Clifton Ross Kaieteur Sports – The ultimate rivalry in cricket resumes tonight as the Guyana Amazon Warriors lock horns with arch-rivals Trinbago Knight Riders come tonight at the historic...Aug 30, 2026
(Kaieteur News) – There is a legitimate public concern about the pace at which the Commission of Inquiry into the MV Barima tragedy is getting underway. Survivors, relatives of those who died and the wider Guyanese public understandably want answers. After such a devastating national tragedy,...Aug 30, 2026
By Sir Ronald Sanders (Kaieteur News) – For generations, Kenscoff was where people from Port-au-Prince went to breathe. Its cool hills offered relief, and its farmers supplied the capital’s markets. Gang attacks reached the commune in January 2025, but it remained an important barrier between...Aug 30, 2026
Hard Truths by GHK Lall (Kaieteur News) – Never thought I would ever reach this place. Bring back Bharrat Jagdeo. Never say never! It was inconceivable that there could be a worse leader than former president Jagdeo. I warned him seven years ago. A monster created. Would come back to...Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.
Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: glennlall2000@gmail.com / kaieteurnews@yahoo.com
“Here we seem to have found one in Pastor Wendell Jeffrey, who thinks it an opportune time to prostitute his religious authority in the press, promoting himself, it seems, as a mouthpiece for, and defender of, the current administration.”
Herein lies the main reason for this letter, not Mr Hunt, whom we undoubtedly should respect. Being a defender of the current administration is not approved by the author so Mr Craig Sylvester makes a personal attack …. Pathetic. What would come next? Believe what I believe or I will hit you?