MANDEVILLE, Manchester — Mandeville Mayor Donovan Mitchell says he has instructed his attorneys to write to Manchester Central Member of Parliament (MP) Rhoda Crawford over what he said were defamatory comments she made on a political platform about him regarding the spending of funds in the Knockpatrick Division.

“When you try to defame one’s character and integrity… I take it personal…” Mitchell said at Thursday’s sitting of Manchester Municipal Corporation.

He said Crawford made the comments two weeks ago at her constituency conference.

“Those are serious allegations. And to blatantly say [these things] to a crowd [so as] to score cheap political points on those matters is really depressing,” he said.

The comments, he said, related to the use of funds after then sitting Councillor Cleon “Pancho” Francis (Jamaica Labour Party) died in 2022.

“When Councillor Francis died I had a discussion with the [Local Government] Minister Desmond McKenzie, which I didn’t have to have because the law says the mayor is really in charge of the division. However, because I believe in integrity, accountability, and taking responsibility I had a meeting with the minister, and in the meeting we discussed how the funds for the Knockpatrick Division would be spent, and we came to an agreement… that the Member of Parliament for Central Manchester will recommend to me in writing how the funds are to be spent,” Mitchell claimed.

He then read several letters he said were from Crawford’s office regarding debushing, drain cleaning, road repairs and community outreach.

“I really don’t have to say anything more, but every step of the way the funds from the Knockpatrick Division have been spent based on the recommendation of the Member of Parliament for Central Manchester, who was actually put in charge of the Knockpatrick Division. I find it very amazing that [a] political platform [was] used to malign people’s character,” he said.

“All of these letters bear the signature of the Member of Parliament for Central Manchester. I will recommend to the Member of Parliament to go and read the book of
Amos, which speaks about social justice and integrity,” added Mitchell who is also the People’s National Party’s aspirant for Manchester Central.

Minority leader in the municipal corporation Omar Miller tried to apologise on the MP’s behalf.

“Some of these matters, Mr Chairman, in terms of some of what is said, can be true. When you are on the platform sometimes you yourself and other councillors throw some lines. We all know how it goes on the platform and so some of these matters, Mr Chairman, you can address it when you are on the platform as well — you don’t have to come and dispose in our lovely chamber,” he said.

“Mr Chair, I apologise for some of the comments that were made. I know Mr Cleon Francis was a good councillor,” he added.

However, Mitchell was not swayed.

“Councillor, you can’t apologise for her because I have asked my lawyers to write to her,” he said.

The mayor’s response led to a tense exchange between himself and the minority leader.

“We can dig up some stuff… We can agree to disagree,” Miller said.

“You can dig them all up,” the mayor shot back.

Miller then advised councillors to display decorum on political platforms.

“When you are on the platform, try and have some level of respect,” he said.

Councillor Iceval “Cherry” Brown (JLP, Grove Town Division) asked Mitchell to forgive Crawford for her comments.

“We should forgive 70 times seven. Let me tell you… sometimes on the platform all of us say things that after we are sorry [for]. But I remember I have been attacked so many times; I have been called names on the platform so many times. Sometimes when I go home I say: ‘A really Cherry them a talk about?’ but it makes me stronger. I know how you feel, Your Worship, but sometimes, let us be forgiving,” she said.

However, Councillor Antony Bryce (PNP, Newport Division) encouraged Mitchell to pursue legal action.

“There are two ways a politician commit suicide — a gun to the head and a microphone to the mouth — and this is straight suicide… No forgiveness,” said Bryce.