‘He was just talking too much and not thinking’
JAMAICA Observer online readers have reacted to an explanation by People’s National Party Member of Parliament Damion Crawford as to why delegates in his East Rural St Andrew constituency rejected him in an internal poll to represent the party in the next general election. In a Sunday Observer story Crawford insisted, among other things, that he did not try to change the existing political system of governance on his own, but felt the need to make certain adjustments. Here’s how the readers reacted.
21_18_18_25
In retrospect, Damion Crawford is now realising how “local” the politics really is. While his aims and objectives are noble and, therefore, should be admired… he, as admitted, ‘missed the boat’ when it comes to “the importance of being in-touch with his constituents”. And while, naturally, he would not have the time to interact to the extent as when he was campaigning; he must maintain some (personal) connection — by creating a support-group of sorts to ensure that his presence is being felt… While [are] gradually enforcing his noble principles and objective of liberating the people… planting seeds of less dependency through education and self sufficiency.
fatherforesight
@21_18_18_25: That was the CHANGE we encouraged and HOPED for. But, as the man says, those with questionable background are WELCOME and supported by THIS party.
SorrellDrink
If he is out there spending his time trying to make the constituency better, why is that not good? Going to nine-night and drinking with the people is not going to improve the constituency. An MP’s performance should not be rated according to how much time he spends there but, according to the good he accomplishes in the constituency.
mccormacklindel
Isn’t refreshing a local politician is being open and candid. Admitting to his failures and mistakes without blaming any one or making excuses. This young man should be leading Jamaica.
Livingston Brown
You’re just not getting it Mr Crawford. As an MP, you are the representation of your voters to parliament. Your office is like an institution. You do not need to know someone personally to attend a funeral, or any other event in your constituency. When Mr Thwaites attends a student’s funeral, do you think he does so because he knows someone there personally? I don’t know what to make of you, I think you need to listen more. It’s in listening that we learn.
kgn 13 yute
@Livingston Brown: I’ve never seen the governor, congressman, or anyone from the city’s commission, the mayor or the city manager at any funeral that I’ve attended. They not being there has nothing to do with how I vote.
Paul
You can benefit from more education: Firstly how to relate to people…respectfully. Secondly if you, as a politician avoid the political side as you state, quite simply you are failing your constituents. Why? How can you affect legislation etc, if you remain “outside” of the system? You did not give yourself a fair chance of having the ability to empower the people. The road to hell is paved with good intentions… look no further than our much lauded athletes, it’s all about “execute”.
fadagong
Lots of rubbish! You not supporting your constituents at funeral, you not buying a drink, but you shelling down bar a London Olympics!
Mangoosetown
I got the impression that the problem the people had with Damion was based primarily on the issue of ceasing of handouts. But from reading this article, i have made other discoveries. You were never fully engaged in the life of the community. You don’t have to be campaigning to attend a funeral, or a nine night. I think you have totally misunderstood the people and the nature of this side of the culture and politics.
By absenting yourself from many of these community events, you have simple distance yourself from them. They have read that from your absence. I guess you would rather go partying and bashment than to identify with the grief of your constituents. I hope you have learned from this.
lonelygroover
@mangoosetown: He obviously put himself way above his constituents, he has a personality problem.
Mark D
Damian, Bob Marley speaks of those who play smart but we’re not being clever. One of the key differences between two people who are similarly situated is the judgement they apply to a particular set of circumstances in determining a course of action. You obviously made grave errors in judgment as you have admitted by thinking you were only going to be a politician during campaign season. Everywhere in the world, politicians are required to bring home the bacon to their constituents, it is the nature of the business
repsie
@Mark D: I believe Damion was getting a little ahead of himself. He was just talking too much and not thinking.
Calabash Man
You tried a new experiment but it never worked, Damion. Jamaica does not have the resources for you to feed hungry belly people and educate them at the same time. If your Government had increased the CDF that Bruce had started, instead of wasting taxpayers money on all sorts of frivolous and corrupt things too numerous to list here, you would have been able to feed hungry belly people and educate them at the same time. Walk good.
John H Christian
Having read this article, I can see why the country is in this muck; Jamaica has regressed in its political maturity and development, everyone is still striving for the very lowest common denominator. It is a massive race to the finish line at the bottom of the hill. It seems as if Crawford had a dream to reach for the stars using education, but the masses only want to eat a food. That says a lot about why we are where we are…Independence is a MASSIVE FAILURE!
Operation Chaos 1962-Present
@ John H Christian: Don’t listen to Crawford, if Andrew gets up tomorrow and begins to say what he Crawford is saying, he Crawford will be the first to start tearing him down. The PNP doesn’t like people representing it who would try to make the people elevate out of the ghetto or slums. Remember Heather Robinson…? This is how PNP treats ANYBODY who tries to make a real difference in poor people’s lives. Only that Jamaicans are too stupid to see and act accordingly.
Crucial
I think the programmes you had were good, but your persona sucked! Yuh cyaa gimmi gold and call mi gal/bwoy and expect mi fi still like yuh! You need to work on your interpersonal skills. A good speaker, but sloppy with one-on-one interaction. Also, your party left you in the cold.
A.L.Smalling
I have no sympathy for Jamaicans residing in the country. They are being treated the way they chose. I am no fan of this inept PNP government that has have bankrupt this country. That being said, Crawford had the right idea and he called “a spade a spade.” What’s wrong with that? The people who rejected him don’t want change and are prepared to continue living on handouts. I wonder if there is hope for Jamaica.
chris
Pride goes before a fall. Is not me say so. I still cannot abide your level of arrogance and disrespect of the common people. Your good policies were erased by your poor people skills. Honestly, Mr Crawford, I have never witnessed your kind before and it has left an indelibly negative impression on my mind.