Alter Dusty,
In these precise circumstances, it may appear to be a dumb question out of context, but you might have a point there:
Religion in this region does play a huge role in daily lives and its influence can’t be neglected in the culture and pattern behaviors of its followers.

However let’s not jump into conclusions as it all indicates a huge management fault:
- hiring the wrong person
- paying a low salary
- No training
- ...