Integrity Commission seeks illicit enrichment charges against Minister Wheatley

The Integrity Commission's director of corruption prosecution has ruled that government minister Dr. Andrew Wheatley should face charges for illicit enrichment, knowingly making false statements, and failing to provide information, following a net worth review of his statutory declarations.

Investigators found unexplained increases in Dr. Wheatley's wealth in 2010, 2011, 2014, 2017, and 2020, with the largest jumps in 2011 and 2014. They concluded he could not account for funds totalling $64 million. His filing obligations began in 2003 as councillor and later mayor of Spanish Town, yet between 2003 and 2011 he submitted only two declarations. From 2010 to 2022, investigators traced properties, vehicles, and bank accounts beyond his lawful earnings. The commission also cited omitted assets in several years and repeated delays in responding to notices. Dr. Wheatley called the findings false, inaccurate, and grossly misleading, said he would contest the charges in court, and told Parliament he would defend his reputation.

Deputy Prime Minister and National Security Minister Dr. Horace Chang said Jamaica will not receive payment under an immigration understanding with the United States to accept third-country nationals being deported from the US. Speaking after Wednesday's post-Cabinet briefing at Jamaica House, he said the arrangement allows up to 25 persons every two weeks, with Jamaica retaining the right to refuse entries or end the deal. Opposition spokesman on national security Fitz Jackson said the public was not adequately informed and argued such an arrangement should be tabled in Parliament.

Dr. Chang also said school violence is now recognised nationally as a serious problem, with government programmes active in 39 schools and school resource officers being deployed through a case management initiative. Education Minister Senator Dr. Dana Morris Dixon said community violence is affecting teaching, learning, and child development.

Industry Minister Senator Aubyn Hill said local cement supply has stabilised after shortages linked to Hurricane Melissa, with imports and a safety valve helping balance market demand. Justice Minister Delroy Chuck stood by his claim that Jamaica has no human rights problem, while analyst Dr. Nin Spence said the remark did not reflect ongoing rights challenges.

Opposition spokesman on land Loathan Cousins linked squatting to housing affordability and historical land insecurity, citing official data that roughly 700,000 Jamaicans live on land without registered titles. Area 3 police launched Operation Reset across Clarendon, Manchester, and St. Elizabeth, with ACP Christopher Phillips reporting higher murders and shootings year on year. Police figures show 3,056 domestic violence reports to May 2026, including 1,314 male victims.