Mayor of St. Ann’s Bay and Councillor for the Ocho Rios Division, Michael Belnavis has accused the People’s National Party (PNP) of running scared following its decision not to contest the by-election for North East St. Ann.

The by-election follows the resignation of Member of Parliament Marsha Smith last week.

Ms. Smith has been replaced by Matthew Samuda, the former minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth & Job Creation.

Speaking at a worker’s meeting in St. Ann’s Bay yesterday, Mayor Belnavis blasted the PNP for deciding not to contest the by-election.