KINGSTON, Jamaica—The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) is mourning the passing of Deputy Mayor of Montego Bay and Councillor for the Spring Gardens Division in St James, Dwight Crawford.

Crawford, who was affectionately known to family, friends and the people of St James as ‘Debo’, passed away suddenly on Saturday.

JLP General Secretary Dr Horace Chang says Crawford’s death is a tremendous loss to the Jamaica Labour Party and the St James family.

“Firstly, I express my condolences to Debo’s family, who, like us, his friends and political family, are shocked at his sudden passing. We grieve with them in this time of significant bereavement. We pray that our Lord grants them comfort and solace as they seek to cope with the loss of Debo, who was an outstanding person. Debo gave a lot of his time, effort and expertise to the people of St James. Only yesterday, he was among the representatives who were on hand at the Cornwall Regional Hospital to commemorate the reopening of the Accident and Emergency Unit,” Dr Chang said.

Dr Chang is also hailing Crawford’s contribution to public life.

Dr Horace Chang .

“Debo was a first-class political representative. He put the interests of the people first and fearlessly defended their cause. He will be deeply missed. He was also a key organiser for the Jamaica Labour Party who was willing to go beyond the call of duty to ensure that tasks were completed in an efficient manner. May his soul rest in peace and light perpetually shine upon him.”

Dr Chang says Crawford’s death is a major blow to the party, which is getting ready to host its delegates’ conference on Sunday at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St James.

The JLP general secretary says the party is grateful for and deeply appreciative of Crawford’s outstanding contribution to the party and the wider western Jamaica family.