WESTERN BUREAU:

The controversy surrounding the embattled pastor, Reverend Dr Paul Lewis, has mushroomed into further casualties for Dove Ministries International's five-day conference which was scheduled to start yesterday at the Montego Bay Civic Centre.

One week after the organisers were forced to axe the pastor from their list of speakers in Kingston, Dove Ministries has been forced to cancel the Montego Bay leg of the religious conference, reportedly after threats that persons may storm the venue if the reverend were to attend.

"We got some information that there were likely to be disruptions and social unrest if Dr Lewis should speak, or even be seen at the conference," a high-placed police source told The Gleaner on Tuesday.

Dr Lewis, founder and president of Messengers For Christ Ministries World Healing Centre, based in New York, is at the centre of a carnal abuse and indecent assault case, which he is answering in the Savanna-la-Mar Resident Magistrate's Court.

His $1-million bail has been extended until September 4 to allow the prosecution to fully prepare its case.

"Due to circumstances beyond our control, Dove Ministries International (Jamaica) and Messengers for Christ regret to advise our beloved supporters that the conference, scheduled to be held at the Montego Bay Civic Centre from Wednesday, August 19, to Sunday, August 23, has been cancelled," read a release from Dove Ministries.

"We are sorry for any inconvenience caused, and we look forward to your prayerful support for our future events," it continued.

Allegations are that in June, Dr Lewis had sexual relations with a 15-year-old girl at a hotel in Negril.