Dear Editor,

Quite regrettably, as we prepare to say goodbye, at least for now, to two of the sharpest members of parliament (MP) in the House of Representatives for the past four years, Damion Crawford and Raymond Pryce, I wish to extend commendations to them both on the great work they have done and the great influence they have had.

These are two analytical minds, tapped with unmatched potential, and it is a bit disheartening to see their political prowess being put on pause with this general election. However it does not have to be so.

I hope the People’s National Party finds a constructive way to utilise these two great young minds in the interim, and Pryce and Crawford may rest assured that youth is in both their favours.

No man is able to inspire revolutions of change without the possession of some profound influence; this is exactly what I saw these two men doing in recent times.

They both shared philosophies that differed from those of their constituents, especially those influential in the various divisions and communities that make up the entirety of both their constituencies. Could this have been the motive behind both their unseating? That’s arguable.

Raymond Pryce is a highly intelligent lawmaker who can point to the impact he has had being part of the Legislature. The intervention he made in the move to decriminalise, and ultimately legalise, marijuana usage in small quantities and the cultivation of the “weed” will definitely go down in the annals of Jamaican history. This motion was seemingly motivated by the tragic death of one Mario Deane, a young man who was arrested for possession of a marijuana “spliff” and was subsequently beaten to death while in police custody.

I supported fully Crawford’s push to provide educational opportunities for his constituents. I have a vivid recollection of a statement he made about his major function as MP. He stated that it was to “ensure that there is no hindrance to an individual taking his talent and his motivation and making the best of himself”. Now that was profound, and it has rested with me to date. There are some people that might argue that he tried to change the age-old culture of handouts and “expectation” in politics too quickly. However, it was Marcus Garvey who said, “Liberate the minds of men and ultimately you will liberate the bodies of men.” I believe you must be the change you wish to see in the world.

The fact that neither of these young politicians could find nirvana in their constituencies is indeed sad, but if it is the will of the people they go, so be it; after all, this is a democracy, and you cannot fight the system without the expectation that it will fight back.

The experiences of these two outgoing members of parliament offers lessons to bright young people out there that might want to serve their country through a political medium. I personally have learnt a great deal from them: You can be whatever you want to be, regardless of the circumstances; barriers can be broken down, whether it be age or anything else. Let no hindrance take precedence over your dreams. Be an example of the change you wish to see.

And finally, no man has ever become great without facing strong opposition.

Thalia McDonald

thalia.mcdonald@yahoo.com