MANCHESTER, Jamaica—A significant political dispute has erupted in Manchester, Jamaica, concerning the dire state of parochial roads and the alleged failure of local representatives to address constituents’ needs. Rhoda Moy Crawford, Member of Parliament for Manchester Central, has publicly censured councillors and the Manchester Municipal Corporation for their insufficient response to repairing critical roadways, accusing them of neglecting their duties and hiding behind her community popularity.
The criticism follows recent protests by residents of Brokenhurst, Patrick Town, and Ellen Street, who demonstrated against years of deplorable road conditions. While acknowledging that Brokenhurst primarily borders the South Manchester constituency, Crawford committed to making representations to the National Works Agency (NWA) parish manager and Minister Morgan. However, she emphatically urged other political representatives to fulfill their responsibilities, stating, ‘They are to get up and get out there and face their constituents and get the work done.’
Crawford specifically called out Councillor Karl Smith (People’s National Party, Knockpatrick division) for what she characterized as inadequate awareness of his jurisdictional boundaries and poor management of parish council roads. She suggested this lack of engagement explains why numerous roads in the Knockpatrick division remain in disastrous condition—many of which she has personally sought funding to repair despite them falling outside her constituency.
The MP clarified that communities like Patrick Town and Ellen Street fall under the Newport division of South Manchester, represented by MP Peter Bunting and Councillor Anthony Bryce. Crawford asserted these roads are unequivocally the responsibility of the Manchester Municipal Corporation and challenged these officials to advocate more effectively for their constituents.
Highlighting her own record, Crawford detailed significant infrastructure accomplishments during her six-year tenure, including the repair of 50 roads in Manchester Central. Since the beginning of her second term on September 3, 2025, she has overseen the full rehabilitation of three additional roads in Bashie, Kirkvine, and Royal Flat divisions, with phase two repairs underway in Barnstable.
Looking forward, Crawford confirmed that procurement for farm road repairs in Knockpatrick is complete, bushing work has commenced in Trowers, and additional projects are scheduled for main roads and community pathways including Williamsfield to Cumberland, Royal Flat to Old England, Rent Land, Wilbin Road, and Ingleside. She concluded by attributing the need for her cross-constituency efforts to the inadequate representation by Mayor Donovan Mitchell and other councillors, reinforcing her call for improved accountability and action from her counterparts.