ON Monday the Jamaica Observer spoke to Manchester Central constituents ahead of the September 3 General Election as the seat is being hotly contested by incumbent Rhoda Crawford of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and Mandeville Mayor Donovan Mitchell, the People’s National Party (PNP) candidate.

Mitchell replaced the PNP’s Peter Bunting who, after losing to Crawford, then a political newcomer, in the September 3, 2020 General Election, is now contesting the Manchester Southern seat.

Supporters, including members of the campaign teams from both parties, were asked about the winnability of both candidates and why their candidate should be victorious.

Calvin Lyn, member of Mitchell’s campaign team: “Knowing him for over four decades I can attest to the fact that he is a hard worker, politically and otherwise. His record as councillor for the years since he has been in council and as mayor of the municipal corporation of Manchester… Seeing the performance of Mayor Mitchell I will say that he will outshine the [incumbent]. Campaigning with him around the constituency house to house, I can tell you that the voters are resonating with him. They have confidence in him and they outrightly tell us they are going to support the People’s National Party.”

Karl Smith, Knockpatrick councillor and member of Mitchell’s campaign team: “Donovan Mitchell is a man of credible character. He has been the mayor for the past nine years and under his leadership the Manchester Municipal Corporation has been running very well. He has some plans for Mandeville and its surroundings, the whole constituency, which we believe will benefit the residents of central Manchester. He is in a race to win and one of our slogans is, ‘In it to win it’. I don’t think he would be in it if he didn’t stand a chance… We are not underestimating anybody but Donovan Mitchell is in it to win it and that is what we intend to do.”

Windette Sanghue, JLP supporter and member of Crawford’s campaign team: “When Rhoda just came here 2020 everybody mock and jeer us — even a former senator ask what Rhoda bring to the table. People never sure what Rhoda bring to the table but all of central Manchester and Jamaica know what Rhoda bring to the table now. This time I think our ability to win is even greater, because she was nobody that time and [now] the amount of work that she put in this constituency… we never get such representation, ever, over 30 years so we know that she is very strong.”

Shanakay Dixon, JLP supporter and member of Crawford’s campaign team: “I am choosing Ms Crawford because she has a proven track record for providing for our community. She is committed and dedicated to our constituency needs. Miss Crawford has been working. I am from the Bellefield Division where we have been neglected for several years; now we are seeing the light where Miss Crawford has done a lot. Back-to-school, tuition assistance — everything — she is always there.”

SMITH… Mitchell is a man of credible character

SANGHUE… we never get such representation, ever, over 30 years, so we know that Crawford is very strongPhotos: Kasey Williams

DIXON… Crawford has a proven track record for providing for our community

JLP supporters hoist incumbent for Manchester Central Rhoda Crawford on nomination day.

PNP supporters flank the party’s candidate for Manchester Central Donovan Mitchell (second left) on nomination day.