‘She work all bout’ -Labourites defend Crawford's record

Rhoda Moy Crawford’s work in Manchester Central is visible across the constituency and cannot be denied, according to Anthony Howell, a 54-year-old Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) supporter who came out to back the incumbent MP on nomination day.

Howell, dressed in full green, dismissed the opposition People's National Party's (PNP) claims that Crawford has underperformed.

“All a dem streetlight weh you see... all a dem road weh u see fix, a she,” he said. “Nutten nuh guh suh. A power dem a look, dem wi seh anything. She work all bout. ...Some road did deh yah when PNP in power... Rhoda come and fix dem.”

He also pointed to infrastructure developments in Bellefield, traditionally a PNP stronghold. “Dem never put a water [system] up a Bellefield, a Labourite come put a water ting and everytime dem talking about Bellefield,” Howell added.

He said he felt it was important to show up in person. “I'm out here today to support Rhoda Crawford. I couldn't sit back and watch she out here nominated and don't come out.”

Another supporter, who gave his name as Devon, challenged assertions by the PNP that the party machinery is united on the ground.

“Me not even see Skeng Don and dem a talk. Look how them look tired,” he said, pointing to a nearby PNP gathering. “A it cause dem fi lose and dem ago lose again cause dem party nuh ready. Dem nuh united. Dem caan trouble we and Rhoda.”

Businessman Kenneth 'Skeng Don' Black is an influential PNP figure in Manchester.

Crawford, who stunned many in the 2020 general election by unseating PNP heavyweight Peter Bunting, arrived at the nomination centre waving from the sunroof of a white Audi motor car.

She led a spirited march along Main Street before doing a lap around the Cecil Charlton Park with a large group of supporters.

Bunting, a former general secretary and three-term MP, is now contesting the Manchester Southern seat. His party’s candidate in Manchester Central, Councillor Donovan Mitchell, will go head-to-head with Crawford on September 3.

- Jovan Johnson

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