St Andrew Comrades welcome Crawford

Former president of the People's National Party Youth Organisation, Damion Crawford, was last night introduced as the party's candidate for East Rural St Andrew, promising to focus on infrastructural development and education.

Crawford, who was mobbed by jubilant supporters when he was introduced during a PNP meeting at Harbour View Primary School in St Andrew, said one of his plans for the constituency is what he called a 3-2-1 programme.

He said the intention of the programme was to have, in every household in the constituency, three Caribbean Examinations Council passes in five years; two A' Level passes in 10 years and a university degree in 15 years.

"Therefore, all my plans and policies will be placed on information and education so that they (constituents) can get access to information, knowledge and education," Crawford told The Gleaner.

"I think empowerment is the responsibility of any MP (member of parliament) and, by extension, they have a responsibility to organise the people sufficiently so that they can empower themselves through their talents," he added.

Crawford was swarmed by scores of orange-clad supporters when he was introduced.

He also shared a long embrace with his mother, Lena Crawford, who was on hand.

Several persons who represent the PNP in East Rural St Andrew were also on hand to support Crawford, who is seeking to wrest the seat from the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP).

In the meantime, embattled MP for the constituency, Joseph Hibbert, last night passed the baton to Joan Gordon-Webley, who will seek keep the seat in the grip of the JLP.

Gordon-Webley was officially presented to constituents during a meeting at Little Copa in Bull Bay, attended by Prime Minister Andrew Holness.

Hibbert, who is being investigated for alleged corrupt practices in his dealings with bridge-building firm Mabey & Johnson, last night told The Gleaner he had no regrets while serving in the JLP.

"We have moments of disappointment, but we have great success. My hands are very clean and I do not have to be like Pontius Pilate to wash my hands," he said.

Gordon-Webley said she would soon begin the process of making her request to run for the seat formal.