Prime Minister Pays Tribute to Late Mo-Bay Deputy Mayor Councillor Dwight Crawford

Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, has joined parliamentarians, civic leaders, and residents across western Jamaica in mourning the sudden passing of Montego Bay Deputy Mayor, Councillor Dwight Crawford.

Councillor Crawford, popularly known as ‘Debo’, who represented the Spring Garden Division in St. James West Central, passed away suddenly on Saturday (November 14) after being rushed to the hospital when he was found unresponsive.

His passing occurred just hours after he participated in the official reopening ceremony for the Accident and Emergency Department at the Cornwall Regional Hospital.

In a statement, Dr. Holness described the late Deputy Mayor as a dedicated public servant whose warmth, energy, and unwavering commitment left a lasting mark on the parish of St. James.

“I am profoundly saddened by the passing of Councillor Dwight ‘Debo’ Crawford… a truly magnanimous and benevolent son of Jamaica. Debo was deeply compassionate, kind and gracious, and he always had a ready smile and a warm spirit. His contribution and what he represented for the Montego Bay community will be remembered and inestimably missed,” he stated, extending condolences on behalf of the Government and people of Jamaica.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security and Peace, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, noted that Councillor Crawford gave immense time, effort, and expertise to the people of St. James.

Member of Parliament for St. James West Central, Marlene Malahoo Forte, also expressed profound sorrow at the loss of Deputy Mayor Crawford, describing him as a trusted colleague and a hardworking representative.

She noted that his steadfast dedication to the residents of the Spring Garden Division and his tireless grassroots work were integral to the constituency’s development.

Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Richard Vernon, hailed his late deputy as a genuine “people person” who would consistently go beyond the call of duty to assist the less fortunate.

“He was truly loved and highly respected. A big loss for the city [of Montego Bay] and, by extension, the parish of St. James and beyond,” the Mayor said.

Meanwhile, President of the Western Jamaica Media Association (WJMA), Janet Silvera, remembered Councillor Crawford for his openness and ability to unite people across political lines, describing him as “the poster child of bipartisanship” and “one of western Jamaica’s finest sons.”

Speaking from the tourism and business sectors, Deputy Chairman of the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) and attraction owner, John Byles, hailed Councillor Crawford as a loyal friend and “a man of action who always led from the front.”

“Debo was never a man to sit behind a desk or stay in an office. He was out there… making things happen, selling the vision, bringing people together and driving programmes for the betterment of all—he wore the rubber boots and got wet in the rain,” Mr. Byles said.

Local entrepreneur and Smokeez Restaurant owner, Lowell Spence, highlighted the late Deputy Mayor’s accessibility and steadfast support for small businesses in Montego Bay.

Close friend and resident, Joseph Lloyd, remembered him as a humble, “down-to-earth brother” who always made time for ordinary citizens.