The Opposition Peoples National party says there is no issue with its candidate for South East St. Mary, declaring that Dr. Shane Alexis was legitimately nominated.

He was responding to reported comments from Finance Minister Audley Shaw that Dr. Alexis was not born in Jamaica.  He was born in Canada.

Irie FM News understands that the Finance Minister made the comments at a party meeting in Bellfield St. Mary, last night (Oct 9).

The PNP nominated Dr. Alexis yesterday to contest the South East St. Mary parliamentary seat in a by-election on October 30.

He will go up against the JLP’s Dr. Norman Dunn.

Speaking with Irie FM News this morning (Oct 10) General Secretary of the PNP Julian Robinson admitted that Dr. Alexis was not born in Jamaica, but because he 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.