Transport Minister Daryl Vaz threatens legal action against PNP over visa comments
Vanassa McKenzie / Our Today
Transport Minister Daryl Vaz has threatened to take legal action against the People’s National Party (PNP) following comments made by the party in a media release surrounding the circumstances of the reinstatement of his visa.
“While the PNP has never sought to politicise the past of any individual, the JLP’s current stance against Isat Buchanan underscores a troubling double standard. In 2021, Transport Minister Daryl Vaz had his visa reinstated with a rare discretionary waiver that reads: “212(d) (3) (A) WAIVER of 212 (A) (2C) (1).” In US immigration law, 212(A) (2C) (1) refers to inadmissibility due to controlled substance traffickers. Yet, this has faced no scrutiny by their members,” said the PNP in a statement.
The PNP’s comment follows the recent criticism from the governing Jamaica Labour Party questioning the moral authority of the People’s National Party after it announced attorney Isat Buchanan as its candidate to contest the East Portland constituency in the upcoming general election.
The JLP was quick to argue against the PNP endorsing Buchanan, who they described as a two-time drug convict and confessed cocaine smuggler. The JLP noted that Buchanan served time in a Jamaican prison (21 days and paid a fine) for possession of, dealing in and taking steps to smuggle cocaine.
Vaz in a post on X (formerly known as Twitter) moved to debunk the comments by the PNP noting that it is an attempt to defame his character. He said he will refer the matter to his lawyers.
“For full #Transparency and #Accountability: My 2 US visas (DIPLOMATIC and B1/B2-10 year Visas) were reinstated in September 2021 and September 2022 respectively, over 2 years ago and CLEARED. I have noted the PNP media release attempting to once again malign and defame my character and will refer to my lawyers. Once again I remind them that WHO GOD BLESS NO MAN CURSE. I continue to work hard in service to my country 🇯🇲 and the people . 🙏🇯🇲💪💯,” Vaz wrote, sharing photographs of his passport to substantiate his claims.
READ: PNP defends support for Isat Buchanan amid JLP criticism
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