No other MP has done more in Manchester Central - Crawford

Declaring that she has delivered on the promises made during her first campaign, incumbent Jamaica Labour Party Member of Parliament for Manchester Central Rhoda Moy Crawford says the 2025 election campaign is being fought from a position of performance, not promises.

“This campaign is even much better because now the people saw what I promised, I've delivered on those promises. Delivered even more. We have an even larger support base,” said Crawford, shortly after being nominated on Monday afternoon to contest the September 3 general election.

Crawford, who stunned the political establishment in 2020 by unseating People’s National Party (PNP) heavyweight Peter Bunting in her first bid for office, is now seeking a second term.

She is being challenged by Councillor Donovan Mitchell, representing the PNP. He's also Mayor of Mandeville.

Highlighting achievements from her term, Crawford pointed to road and water infrastructure improvements across the constituency, claiming a record number of road repairs.

“Never before has any member of parliament been able to repair more than 40 roads in one single term,” she said.

In addition to infrastructure, she revealed that over $30 million has been spent during her term to support education programmes for students in Manchester Central.

Crawford also cited strong backing from the private sector. “Support from the business community has been overwhelmingly positive,” she said.

Promising continued commitment to the constituency if re-elected, the Jamaica Labour Party MP called on constituents to keep her accountable. “Manchester Central has never had a more hardworking member of parliament than Rhoda Moy Crawford,” she told journalists.

Crawford’s nomination was met with cheers from scores of Labourites, who gathered in the town centre in a display of political strength.

The Manchester Central seat, though dominated by PNP leadership, will be one of the battlegrounds to watch as the parties head into the final stretch before election day.

- Jovan Johnson

Follow The Gleaner on X and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.