Carrie, the woman who was possessed by the duppy, Wenticko. - IAN ALLEN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
The following are feedback letters to yesterday's very popular 'Roving With Lalah' feature which highlighted the 'duppy woman' of New Hall, St. Ann. The feature, written by reporter Robert Lalah, is published every Thursday.
Brings back memories
Dear Robert:
I MUST say I enjoy your articles each week, but this week's article is the best. It brings back so many memories of the duppy houses or stories.
Mainly: Coupie Duppy and the three-ft coffin with the three John Crows on it, looking for Mr. Brown.
I left Jamaica over 30 years ago, but I keep up as much as I can with the goings and comings in Jamaica through the media like The Gleaner.
I appreciate journalists like you, who see the other part of a beautiful country, not just the violence.
Thank you for making my day with so much laughter, that when I leave work I will have a double shot of Remmy XO cognac, one shot will be my toast to you, and knowing that a 'duppy' scared the daylights out of you.
I am, etc.,
Beverlee Dawkins,
A Proud Jamaican
jbeverlee@aol.com
Never laughed so much
Dear Robert:
I WAS at school when I read this. I have never laughed so much! You couldn't be that scared of something you can't see. Enjoyed it anyway.
I am, etc.,
Denene Salmon
medenene@yahoo.com
A breath of fresh air
Dear Robert:
WHAT A breath of fresh air! I eagerly await your exciting articles as they do make for pleasurable reading. Keep up the good work. It is great to see something nice that we can all relate to, which puts a smile on our faces.
Your articles will send your readers into 'Lalah Land'!
I am, etc.,
Lalah reader - Chicago
chant142001@yahoo.com
Looking forward to seeing more
Dear Robert:
I REALLY liked this story and look forward to seeing more stories from you. This 'Roving with Lalah' series is a great way for The Gleaner to keep its market share.
Good bless.
I am, etc.,
neerakrulez4life@yahoo.com
'Wenticko nuh easy'
Dear Robert:
I WAS very surprised to come across your article about 'duppy woman' from Kellits, Clarendon. I was particularly intrigued when I read that she was occasionally possessed by the famed Wenticko. As a child I spent weekends and holidays at the family home in May Pen right there on Bryants Crescent.
The gentleman that cooked for the family, you could say he was part of the family too, used to regale us with all kinds of duppy stories, especially during power cuts. He always claimed to be some sort of 'ghostbuster' (to borrow a phrase) and we had many a sleepless night in May Pen. The duppy that he would talk about the most was Wenticko, and if those stories are anything to by, Wenticko nuh easy at all. Right now I am calling my brother and my cousins to tell them what I just read. They are going to have a good laugh.
Thanks for bringing back that memory.
I am, etc.,
Garth Williams
reggaeyute@hotmail.com
Is this for real?
Dear Robert:
MY GOD, I don't know where to start. I live in Toronto, Canada, and over here we don't have duppy stories. I am a Jamaican and when I was living back home, I would hear duppy stories from almost everybody. I was young then. I still am, and I used to be so scared when I hear them but my mom would always comfort me to sleep. I am now 18 years old and still scared to hear them. But I love talking about them, that's the bad thing!
I only have one question, is this story for real ... did all those things really happen to that woman? Every time I read it I laugh, only in Jamaica can you see or hear these things; that's why I love Jamaica so much!
I am, etc.,
Jodi-Ann
jamaican_thickgal@hotmail.com
