Behind the Bastards: Part Two – The Throat-Slitting Evangelical Minister of Jamaica
Released on May 29, 2025 by Cool Zone Media and iHeartPodcasts

Introduction

In the gripping second part of "The Throat-Slitting Evangelical Minister of Jamaica," the podcast delves deeper into the dark and twisted narrative of Kevin Smith, a charismatic yet malevolent evangelical minister. Host Kevin Smith, alongside guest Molly Lambert, unpacks the harrowing journey of a man whose quest for power and financial gain led to unimaginable bloodshed in Jamaica.

Background on Kevin Smith

[00:04] Host:
"We're back with the story of a guy that I swear is going to end in unimaginable bloodshed..."

Kevin Smith, originally from Canada, founded Kos Deliverance International around 2002. His movement quickly gained traction, attracting followers with promises of spiritual salvation and prosperity. Smith's ability to evade legal repercussions stemmed from his established connections and his adeptness at presenting himself as a benevolent leader.

Establishing Presence in Jamaica

[02:15] Host:
"...he established a permanent base of operations in downtown Montego Bay."

Fleeing Canada to escape probation for sexual assault, Smith sought refuge in Jamaica, where he reconnected with Charlton, a childhood friend and local pastor. This alliance provided Smith with essential connections, allowing him to integrate seamlessly into the Jamaican evangelical landscape. His rapid expansion was facilitated by affiliating with Pathways International Kingdom Restoration Ministries (Pikram), amplifying his influence and financial intake.

Prosperity Gospel and Financial Grifts

[03:31] Host:
"...prosperity gospel preaching became a major part of Kevin's sermons."

Smith employed the prosperity gospel, a theology that equates financial donations with divine favor. By encouraging tithes and seed offerings, he amassed significant wealth under the guise of spiritual duty. [09:39] Host:
"...the sheer amount of money he brought in seems to have kept everybody quiet."

The church's income soared, with weekly earnings estimated around one million dollars. This influx funded real estate acquisitions, luxury lifestyles, and further expansion of his religious empire. Smith's tactics included offering free services and discounted benefits to attract young men, allegedly forming a manipulative and abusive network within his church.

Abuse and Exploitation within the Church

[27:44] Host:
"...Smith showed an early flair for the extreme."

Allegations surfaced of Smith exploiting his followers, particularly young men like Jeevon, who described his time in the church as akin to slavery. Members were coerced into laborious tasks without compensation, and Smith leveraged fear-based tactics to maintain control. Prophecies and threats were commonplace, ensuring that dissent was met with severe repercussions.

Notable Quote:
[37:17] Host: "He's doing the every cult move – child labor, cutting off family members, stealing money... the holy trifecta of cult leadership."

Decline and Radicalization (COVID-19 Influence)

[44:30] Host:
"He starts using both his church's social media and his actual pulpit to howl to the masses that the COVID vaccines have microchips in them..."

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic marked a turning point for Smith. Influenced by conspiracy theories and anti-vaccine rhetoric, he intensified his apocalyptic preaching. Leveraging platforms like Glenn Beck's Blaze, Smith propagated notions that vaccines were tools of the devil, further polarizing his already unstable congregation.

Notable Quote:
[51:09] Host:
"Smith's behavior in person became noticeably stranger over time... he's committing to the great drift."

The October 16th Event and Violence

[54:46] Host:
"Sermons leading up to October 16th sounded apocalyptic and violent."

On October 16th, 2021, Smith orchestrated a catastrophic event at his newly constructed church, the Ark. The day began with intense sermons and culminated in violent acts where congregants were ordered to perform brutal sacrifices. This event resulted in multiple deaths both inside and outside the Ark, transforming the once prophetic leader into a figure of terror and chaos.

Notable Quote:
[54:46] Congregant:
"...the flood is coming. Go now. Run."

Smith’s Death in Car Crash

[63:37] Host:
"Less than two weeks after this goes down, Smith is in custody and incarcerated."

After the violent outbreak, Smith was apprehended by authorities. However, en route to Kingston, his vehicle crashed under suspicious circumstances, resulting in his death alongside a police officer. The crash fueled speculations of foul play, distrust, and conspiracy theories among his followers, some of whom believed the state was orchestrating events to silence him.

Notable Quote:
[39:21] Host:
"...properly, it's clearly something shady has gone down here."

Conclusion and Reflections

The story of Kevin Smith serves as a chilling reminder of how charismatic leaders can exploit faith, fear, and financial desperation to amass power. Through sophisticated manipulation and adherence to harmful ideologies like the prosperity gospel, Smith's rise and fall encapsulate the dangers inherent in unregulated religious movements. The podcast underscores the importance of vigilance and critical thinking in the face of manipulative authority figures.

Final Thoughts:
As Molly Lambert aptly summarizes, "We're all complicit," highlighting societal responsibilities in preventing such tragedies. The episode leaves listeners reflecting on the seductive nature of charismatic leaders and the dire consequences of unchecked power.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• [09:39] Host:
  "...the sheer amount of money he brought in seems to have kept everybody quiet."

• [37:17] Host:
  "He's doing the every cult move – child labor, cutting off family members, stealing money... the holy trifecta of cult leadership."

• [51:09] Host:
  "Smith's behavior in person became noticeably stranger over time... he's committing to the great drift."

• [54:46] Congregant:
  "...the flood is coming. Go now. Run."

This episode paints a vivid and disturbing picture of Kevin Smith's operations, blending religious fervor with outright criminality, ultimately culminating in a violent climax that underscores the episode's dark theme.