JLP MP Warmington Backs Wheatley After Integrity Commission Seeks Corruption Charges

Government minister Dr. Andrew Wheatley has received public backing from Jamaica Labour Party MP Eve Warmington, even as the Integrity Commission has recommended he face four corruption-related charges, chief among them illicit enrichment.

Warmington, who represents St. Catherine South Western, said Wheatley should be allowed to defend himself and must not be judged solely on the commission's report. A longstanding critic of the Integrity Commission, she told TVJ News that many Jamaicans do not trust the agency.

"Jamaicans don't believe in them. Why do I say so? It is known that they are bias in whatever they're doing," Warmington said. She argued the commission targets government MPs while paying little attention to matters involving the opposition.

Warmington also pushed back against calls for Wheatley to step aside before any legal process runs its course. When asked whether the minister should resign in light of the allegations, she said: "Is he guilty of anything? Give a chance to prove himself. If it came from somewhere else, maybe, but not from the integrity commission. It has no credibility."

The commission's report, tabled in Parliament almost a week earlier, recommended four charges against Wheatley. As of Tuesday, 23 June, TVJ News understands he had not been charged and remained a member of the Cabinet.

Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has acknowledged the detailed report but said he continues to have confidence in Wheatley. In an interview with Nationwide News Network, Holness said he was due to meet Wheatley on Monday, 22 June, to discuss the findings. He stressed that no charges had yet been brought against the minister.

The report has also referenced opposition figures, though not on the same grounds as Wheatley. Mikuel Phillips was fined by the Integrity Commission for filing his statutory declarations late. Ian Hales's matter was referred to the Commissioner of Police for a possible forgery investigation. When TVJ News contacted the Jamaica Constabulary Force's corporate communications unit, officials said they were not aware of any active investigation. Neither opposition MP was investigated for illicit enrichment.