Businessman still haunted by cult pastor

Homar Gayle, the St Catherine-based businessman who claims that people have been confusing him with the late cult leader, Kevin Smith, says that his ordeal appears to be never-ending.

Gayle, a car mart owner, said that the absence of information about whether Smith's remains have been buried has contributed to the constant harassment to which he claims he has been subjected.

"The latest is that the man [Smith] can't bury yet, so the people says it proves that I have tricked the people and I am still alive. I went to a business place and people pointed me out and even tried to take pictures that I am the cult pastor," Gayle said.

Smith was the head of the Pathways International Kingdom Restoration Ministries church in Montego Bay, St James. He died on October 25, 2021, in a motor vehicle crash while being transported to Kingston to be formally charged.

At the time of his death, Smith was facing charges, including murder, after two persons were killed at the church during what authorities believe was a sacrifice ritual.

A policeman, Constable Orlando Irons, also died in the crash. He was buried on December 17, but there has been no word on whether Smith's remains have been laid to rest.

Gayle said that persons have been mistaking him for the controversial clergyman since Smith's rise to infamy. The businessman said he has been adversely affected by the unwanted fame and believes that there is genuinely a cause for concern.

"Right now, the problem must stop as it can't be seen as a joke anymore," Gayle said.

"My business get some problems, my family has concerns and I don't feel too safe as I have even seen darkly tinted vehicles enter my place of business and [persons inside the vehicles] called me 'Kevin Smith' and drove off."

The car dealer said that he has doubled his security, which is an additional cost, while he is losing business at the same time.

"I just want my life back the way it was," Gayle said. "I am just fed up and tired of being targeted by the existence of a man I have never even met."