The Opposition People’s National Party is declaring that its candidate for South East St. Mary Dr. Shane Alexis was properly nominated.

The party is defending the nomination of Dr. Alexis following comments from Finance Minister Audley Shaw at a Jamaica Labour Party meeting in Belfield, St. Mary last night.

Mr. Shaw revealed that Dr. Alexis was not born in Jamaica.

The PNP today confirmed that Dr. Alexis was born in Canada and grew up in Jamaica.

Dr. Alexis was nominated by the PNP yesterday and is going up against JLP candidate Dr. Norman Dunn in the October 30 by election.

And, speaking with Irie FM News this morning, General Secretary of the PNP Julian Robinson explained that because Dr. Alexis was born in a commonwealth country, this will not be an issue.

Mr. Robinson says Mr. Shaw is being mischievous.

He adds that the issue of Dr. Alexis’ birth was also discussed with the Director of Elections.

The PNP later issued a statement outlining Dr. Alexis’ background, including schooling in Jamaica.

The party in describing Mr. Shaw’s comments as scare mongering, saying its despicable and can only be viewed as a desperate attempt to distract the voters of South East St. Mary.

The PNP states that Mr. Shaw knows very well that there are members of his own party in parliament, who also hold commonwealth citizenship.

And, Member of Parliament for West Portland, Daryl Vaz is questioning why the PNP candidate for South East St. Mary, Dr. Shane Alexis is not making an effort, to become a naturalized Jamaican citizen, if he chooses to serve the people of Jamaica.

Speaking at a press conference this afternoon (Oct 10) Mr. Vaz said the aspiring Member of Parliament was born in Canada and is not the holder of a Jamaican passport.

Mr. Vaz says it is hypocritical that being a commonwealth citizen, Dr. Alexis is eligible to run for office under Jamaican law.

However, Mr. Vaz says it’s not about legality but morality.