Traditional Myalists have sought to defend libation rituals in the wake of criticism from sections of society after transport minister Daryl Vaz used it in the blessing ceremony for the rural school buses.

Myal Priest Alex Moore Minott has taken issue with the ritual being conducted by a member of the government which continues to uphold Myal practices as illegal based on archaic European laws.

During the blessing ceremony for the national rural school bus programme at the Office of the Prime Minister in Kingston on Wednesday, officiants from various churches participated using prayers and holy water.   

A video of Vaz doing a libation with a bottle of white rum went viral on social media, with many criticising the churches for being involved.

In response, the Jamaica Council of Churches distanced itself from the ritual, indicating that is officiants were not present at the time of the activity and that the ritual is not a part of the Christian liturgy.

Speaking with Irie F M News yesterday, the Myal Priest pointed out that libations are used to pay homage to the creator and as an offering to the ancestors.   

Moore Minott further stated that the reaction of the Council of Churches is understandable as they would not want their members to think they are acting in contravention of their practices. 

He expressed disappointment with the government’s apparent hypocrisy, as it relates to how traditional religious groups are treated in Jamaica. 

The Myal Priest said representatives of any of Jamaica’s traditional religious groups would have appreciated being officially invited to participate in the bus blessing ceremony.