Opposition Senator Damion Crawford is under fire for comments he made during a recent People’s National Party (PNP) stakeholders meeting in Portmore, with Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie threatening a multi-million-dollar defamation lawsuit unless Crawford retracts and apologizes.
The Controversial Comments
During the meeting on Sunday, Crawford claimed that Portmore was the PNP’s vision and accused the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) of “capping” (a term implying deceit or exaggeration). These remarks, which were widely circulated on social media, have drawn sharp criticism from McKenzie’s legal team.
McKenzie’s Legal Response
In a letter dated Tuesday, McKenzie’s attorney, Lemar Neale, demanded that Crawford retract his statements and issue a public apology within three days. Neale described Crawford’s comments as “patently false” and “reckless,” especially given Crawford’s position as a lawmaker.
The letter stated that the remarks were made without credible evidence and were intended to damage McKenzie’s reputation as a parliamentarian. Neale argued that the comments were calculated to “lower our client in the estimation of right-thinking members of society” and expose him to “public odium, contempt, and ridicule.”
Demands and Consequences
McKenzie’s legal team has demanded that Crawford:
- Publish a retraction of his statements on all digital platforms, including his social media pages, and in print media.
- Issue a full and unreserved apology.
- Enter into discussions to provide compensation for the damage caused.
Failure to comply within the stipulated timeframe will result in legal action. Neale warned, “If we do not hear from you within the time period stipulated above, we have our client’s instructions to commence proceedings for defamation against you, without further reference to you.”
