Golding Urges Holness to Oust Wheatley After Integrity Commission Backs Criminal Charges

Opposition Leader Mark Golding has pressed Prime Minister Andrew Holness to remove Dr Andrew Wheatley from the Cabinet without delay, following the tabling in Parliament of an Integrity Commission investigation report that recommends criminal charges against the minister.

"Prime Minister Holness must act immediately. The integrity of our public institutions and the trust of the Jamaican people demand nothing less," Golding said in a statement.

He also took issue with Wheatley's reappointment to the Executive after the 2025 General Election, citing what he called "clear warning signs" and describing the move as a "grave misjudgment."

The report states that the Director of Corruption Prosecution determined Dr Wheatley should answer to four charges, including Illicit Enrichment, Knowingly Making False Statements in Statutory Declarations, and Failing to Provide Information to the Integrity Commission.

It further found that Wheatley built up assets worth roughly J$164 million above his lawful earnings between 2013 and 2022, and did not supply a satisfactory explanation when the commission required one.