The issue of preaching on State-owned transportation has recently been resurfaced by Christian Brethren Assemblies of Jamaica (CBAJ), who argues that the ban on the act should be lifted.

They conclude that the act has long been a cultural norm in Jamaica’s public transport system thus this is unfair and evidently hinders freedom of speech.

This week, TEENage would like to hear your views on the situation.

Do you think the relevant authorities should rethink their stance on prohibiting preaching on public passenger vehicle in Jamaica?

Yes I do. Some argue that it’s disturbing but individuals that play loud music their cell phones in public vehicles aren’t being targeted and most of the times these are raw version to secular songs. If they are going to sustain the ban on preaching then they should also to implement bans on other things.

— Antoinette Harris

No they shouldn’t rethink it. Passengers have the right to peace and quietness on public transportation. It’s no problem if they gather on the street and preach but while travelling most of us want a quiet and peaceful journey.

— Ryan Sweeney

I do think they need to reconsider it. Everyone deserves freedom of speech. People may argue that they don’t want to hear it and it disturbs them, but if we were to ban everything that each individual doesn’t want to hear we’d have no sound on the bus. I bet even someone would have a problem with the silence.

— Sheniele Grant

They shouldn’t rethink the ban. People have the right to their own culture and religion so one shouldn’t impose on their beliefs if they do not want to hear it. That is why preaching is done in a church where people voluntarily go and not on public transportation.

— Brandon Patterson

Yes. Christian principles are prominent in Jamaica and one should be able to freely express them self wherever they desire in a manner that is not offensive to others. Preaching on public passenger vehicles in Jamaica should not be prohibited. There should however be regulations in place to avoid discomfort of other passengers.

— Stephanie Wellington

They shouldn’t reconsider it. The preaching is usually a cover to solicit money from passengers and especially when they’re standing right over your seat, it’s really an uncomfortable journey.

— Andre GreenTEENage@jamaicaobserver.com.

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