Spurred on by a story from Nationwide News Network, speculation was rife this week that politcal firebrand Damion Crawford was set to challenge Opposition Leader Mark Golding for the presidency of the People’s National Party (PNP).

Fresh on the heels of a third defeat at the polls after the September 3 General Election, this caused consternation within the PNP, and many Jamaicans wondered whether there was credence behind this.

Damion Crawford is a star within the PNP and is favourably regarded by Jamaicans. He is certainly a contender to lead the party sometime in the future. It would be trite to dismiss him as simply a warm-up act to get the crowd riled up. Now that he has been returned to Parliament, his abilities and thoughts on nation-building will be on display.

Mark Golding took a  great political party that found itself on the floor, its glory days way behind it and breathed new life into it, giving the PNP a fighting chance. Five years ago, when he took over as leader, not many foresaw that he would accomplish this. It was said that the party was fractured and that the beating it received in 2020 would leave a deep scar for a very long time.

Some said Golding’s favourability standing would be an impediment to a return to power. It has been quite the opposite. As time has gone on, it has gained momentum as more Jamaicans have come to know him. His style of politics and the way he comports himself are viewed as positive. Furthermore, no skeletons have come out of the closet.

The PNP has been on the back foot since Portia Simpson Miller stepped away. Her popularity and political brand resonated with Jamaicans, and it was at odds with the more intellectual, educated members of the high command of the party. They looked down their noses at her and didn’t think she was up to the job. She was challenged and came out triumphant.

She proved a winner both within the party and with Jamaica at large despite her perceived limitations.

This conundrum has caused the PNP’s misfortunes. While it has engaged in internal fighting and taken its eye off the task of making Jamaica a better country to live in, it lost its moorings. It’s a  mistake it can’t afford to repeat .

Part of Mark Golding’s charm is that he comes off as a reluctant leader. ‘I am happy to serve if you want me to’. His naked ambition is not as transparent as some who think they have the right stuff to lead the PNP.

Better to be called upon than stick your neck out.

Peter Phillips, Peter Bunting, Omar Davies and Lisa Hanna have all gone that route. Hanna was supposed to be a major force in the party, and rather than stay, work diligently with her colleagues and set the party on the path to power, she pulled away. Now the question is being asked whether she ever really was committed or was she just an opportunist? When the going got tough, she retreated to a most comfortable home and hearth, secure with a wealthy husband.

You have to play the long game with politics, and you have to be strategic with your moves. You also have to be a team player and win the trust, loyalty and support of party members.

Damion Crawford perhaps should have come out earlier, declaring that Mark Golding has his full support and he is the one to lead the party into its next chapter. The party has now gone from 14 to 28 seats and will play a stronger role in national affairs.

He should publicly give credit to Golding for the positive showing and make it clear he stands ready to serve alongside him.

Right there, Golding would know Crawford has his back and that he can count on his loyalty. This would go some way to keeping the party in line, lock step behind Golding. It’s always distressing having to look out for where the stab in the back is coming from and whose hand is on the blade.

Crawford put out a video with him addressing the issue, sitting in the front seat of a car. For a man who speaks with both passion and conviction, this effort was tepid at best. Why? 

Some will grumble and surmise it is another five years in opposition, and that another leader can get them over the line next time. But who else can do so at this time? Damion Crawford still has some work to do. Lisa Hanna cannot ride in now on a white horse and save the day after a hard-fought battle that she did not participate in. Peter Bunting, though able, is feared and resented more so by those who envy his wealth. Phillip Paulwell has the experience and the respect, but sees the bigger picture. So too does Anthony Hylton.

The PNP cannot go through another bruising internal leadership contest that would only serve to yet again signal to the country that it is not ready to lead and is in a state of disrepair.

It is better for Damion Crawford to be one of the leading voices of a rejuvenated PNP that has been tested and can cross the winner’s line next time. Mark Golding’s leadership position is going to be uncontested, and that is the right thing to do.

The JLP was in the wilderness for almost two decades under Edward Seaga and Bruce Golding. Not many would have foreseen a young Andrew Holness bringing stability to the party and securing three terms as the Government. Those within the party see where their bread is buttered, and those who have aspirations now have to keep themselves in check. Holness has earned the right to lead imperiously, considering where the JLP was a generation ago.

Best stick with a leader who has helped you gain yardage rather than overreach only to end up resoundingly losing the game. Give yourself a chance at victory you can savour.

It’s not an easy road, especially with loyal companions to walk it with you. But that’s politics.