Some commuters have been complaining bitterly about preaching on local buses, THE WEEKEND STAR has learnt.

THE WEEKEND STAR understands that even though many Jamaicans tend to be tolerant of the practice, others are perturbed by preachers who pocket hard-earned cash for their sermons.

"Mi jus bitter fi some of dem because from you see dem you see di money sign. Dem have to go put a stop to dem, because you nuh know di wolf from di sheep," a woman, who only identified herself as Sharon reasoned.

Joan Watson, who claims that she has been taking Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) buses for a while now, also shared the same sentiment.

"I grew up in a Christian home but dem fake preacher need to stop it or dem fi fling dem off di buses. Preaching is good and I respect that, but from dem start wid di begging you know seh dem a thief, because di real preacher dem not into the begging ting," Watson said.

Meanwhile, Tony Dixon reasoned, "Some of dem make too much noise and if me a go about my business I really don't think that I should have to subject myself to this preaching. The JUTC never advertise it as a part of their service," he said.

When THE WEEKEND STAR made contact with at least two of the 'bus preachers', they said they don't preach for the money.

some people do it for the money

According to 32-year-old Blossom tucker, a store clerk who has been preaching on JUTC buses for several years, "Some people do it for the money but I am passionate for souls and I don't collect when I preach. I know it's a turn-off for some people but the Bible says that I should preach the word," she said.

Radalph Bailey, 38, a baker, who has been preaching on buses for 10 years, also told THE WEEKEND STAR, "Some persons do it for the money, but I have never collected money from passengers. The JUTC don't like the idea but there are some folks who look forward to the preaching. I preach on buses early in the morning, from 5:30, and after work," he said.

In the meantime, corporate communications manager, JUTC, Reginald Allen, told THE WEEKEND STAR the company doesn't have a rule against bus preaching.

According to Allen, "There is no official position on it, but when we get to that point I think the rule will be more against it than for it. I know that some of these preachers have good intentions, but there is no control element. Many commuters have an issue with it," Allen said.

He also reasoned that, "Commuters shouldn't have to deal with so many surprises along the way. It is not a major problem but, from time to time, we have commuters who complain bitterly, and it is not fair to them because all they want is a comfortable ride that is safe and cost-effective," Allen added.