Integrity Commission backs prosecution of Minister Andrew Wheatley over unexplained $164 million

Jamaica's Integrity Commission has ruled that Cabinet Minister Dr Andrew Wheatley should be prosecuted for illicit enrichment, following a critical report on his statutory declarations.

The director of corruption prosecution has been directed to pursue charges that include illicit enrichment, knowingly making false statements, and failing to provide required information. A net worth review of Wheatley's filings identified unexplained increases in 2010, 2011, 2014, 2017, and 2020, with the largest gaps appearing in 2011 and 2014. Investigators concluded he could not account for funds totalling $164 million.

Wheatley, who holds the science, technology, and special projects portfolio, has been required to file statutory declarations since 2003, when he served as a councillor and later as mayor of Spanish Town. Between 2003 and 2011—just before he won the St Catherine South Central seat on 29 December 2011—he submitted only two declarations, for 2007 and 2010.

From 2010 to 2022, investigators traced properties, vehicles, and bank accounts that appeared to exceed his lawful earnings. His explanations did not satisfy section 14(5) of the Corruption Prevention Act. He is also said to have omitted assets in filings for 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2021. The commission found prima facie breaches under the Integrity Commission Act and the Parliament Integrity of Members Act.

The report records repeated delays, missed interviews, and partial responses after notices of illicit enrichment were served. Replies he provided did not match evidence gathered from banks, tax authorities, and property registries. Commissioners concluded he breached statutory obligations, made false statements by omission, and failed to comply with lawful requests. They also recommended stronger parliamentary oversight of members' declarations.

The findings emerge months after a general election campaign in which both the Jamaica Labour Party and the People's National Party rejected suggestions that their members were among several people under investigation for illicit enrichment.