'In the criminal record-book of the parish of St. Andrews, I find the following obeah cases:--
1773. Sarah, tried ‘for having in her possession cats’ teeth, cats’ claws, cats’ jaws, hair, beads, knotted cords, and other materials, relative to the practice of obeah, to delude and impose on the minds of the negroes.’ Sentenced to be transported.
1776. Solomon, ‘for having materials in his possession for the practice of obeah.’ To be transported.
1777. Tony, ‘for practising obeah, or witchcraft, on a slave named Fortune, by means of which, said slave became dangerously ill.’ Not Guilty.
1782. Neptune, ‘for making use of rum, hair, chalk, stones, and other materials, relative to the practice of obeah, or witchcraft.’ To be transported.'
Date | Court or location | Territory | Defendant | Type of charge | Outcome | Punishment | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1776 | St Andrew slave court | Jamaica | Solomon | Possession of obeah materials | Guilty | Transportation | Select |
21/04/1777 | St Andrew slave court | Jamaica | Tony | Practising obeah | Acquitted | Select | |
09/07/1782 | St Andrew slave court | Jamaica | Neptune | Possession of obeah materials | Guilty | Transportation | Select |