Montego Bay Deputy Mayor Dwight Crawford dies suddenly, tributes pour in
Key Points(5)
- Montego Bay Deputy Mayor and Spring Garden Division Councillor Dwight Crawford died suddenly on Saturday, November 14, prompting an outpouring of tributes from political leaders, civic officials, business representatives and residents across western Jamaica.
- Crawford, affectionately known as “Debo,” reportedly died after being rushed to the hospital when he was found unresponsive.
- His death came just hours after he attended the official reopening of the Accident and Emergency Department at Cornwall Regional Hospital on Friday.
- Prime Minister Andrew Holness joined those mourning Crawford, describing him as a dedicated public servant whose warmth, compassion and commitment to his community left a lasting impression.
- “I am profoundly saddened by the passing of Councillor Dwight ‘Debo’ Crawford… a truly magnanimous and benevolent son of Jamaica.
Montego Bay Deputy Mayor and Spring Garden Division Councillor Dwight Crawford died suddenly on Saturday, November 14, prompting an outpouring of tributes from political leaders, civic officials, business representatives and residents across western Jamaica.
Crawford, affectionately known as “Debo,” reportedly died after being rushed to the hospital when he was found unresponsive. His death came just hours after he attended the official reopening of the Accident and Emergency Department at Cornwall Regional Hospital on Friday.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness joined those mourning Crawford, describing him as a dedicated public servant whose warmth, compassion and commitment to his community left a lasting impression.
“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,” Holness said in a statement.
The prime minister also extended condolences on behalf of the government and people of Jamaica.
Mayor of Montego Bay and Chairman of the St. James Municipal Corporation Richard Vernon described Crawford's death as a shock, revealing that the two had been working together late Friday night.
“To wake up this morning (November 14) only to hear that he has passed suddenly is what makes it even harder to process. Montego Bay and the entire parish of St. James have suffered an immeasurable loss. ‘Debo’, as he was affectionately known, was more than just a colleague. He was a true stalwart, a dependable Deputy Mayor, and a genuine friend to all of us… regardless of political persuasion,” Vernon told JIS News.
The mayor said Crawford's passing had left a significant void in the municipal corporation and among his constituents in the Spring Garden Division.
“We have lost a giant of a man who led with humility and grace right through… and he served with heart. He was there for the people. He was a community leader, and he understood the mission was delivering service to the people as a servant,” Vernon said.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security and Peace Horace Chang also paid tribute, recognizing Crawford's extensive contributions to the people of St. James.
Member of Parliament for St. James West Central Marlene Malahoo Forte described the late deputy mayor as a trusted colleague and hardworking representative whose grassroots efforts played an important role in the constituency's development.
Custos of St. James Bishop Conrad Pitkin recalled seeing Crawford just a day before his death at the Cornwall Regional Hospital ceremony.
“We shook hands. I had to leave… some time after the ceremony, and told him I was not going to do the tour… and he said, ‘Okay, we will see each other another time’,” Pitkin recalled.
He described Crawford as a hardworking and dedicated public servant, noting his efforts to assist residents in Catherine Hall and West Green following Hurricane Melissa.
President of the Western Jamaica Media Association Janet Silvera remembered Crawford for his openness and ability to work across political divides, describing him as “the poster child of bipartisanship” and “one of western Jamaica’s finest sons.”
Deputy Chairman of the Jamaica Tourist Board John Byles praised Crawford as a loyal friend and a hands-on leader who consistently worked to improve his community.
“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,” Byles said.
Local entrepreneur and Smokeez Restaurant owner Lowell Spence also highlighted Crawford's accessibility and support for small businesses, while close friend Joseph Lloyd remembered him as a humble, “down-to-earth brother” who always made time for residents.
Crawford's sudden passing has left the Spring Garden Division and the wider St. James community mourning a political representative widely recognized for his commitment to public service and community development
