Golding calls for removal of Wheatley from Cabinet amid IC report

Opposition Leader Mark Golding has called for the immediate dismissal of Andrew Wheatley from his position as minister without portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister. The demand comes after the tabling of an Integrity Commission investigation report that recommends multiple criminal charges against Wheatley.

Golding stated that Wheatley is to be charged with four criminal offenses, including illicit enrichment, knowingly making false statements, and failing to provide required information. "A minister who has been recommended for prosecution on four criminal charges, including the serious offence of illicit enrichment, cannot be allowed to remain in the Cabinet of Jamaica," Golding asserted in a statement. He urged Prime Minister Holness to act swiftly, emphasizing the need to uphold public trust and institutional integrity.

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A minister who has been recommended for prosecution on four criminal charges, including the serious offence of illicit enrichment, cannot be allowed to remain in the Cabinet of Jamaica. Prime Minister Holness must act immediately. The integrity of our public institutions and the trust of the Jamaican people demand nothing less.

The Integrity Commission's report alleges that Wheatley acquired assets disproportionate to his lawful earnings, amounting to approximately $164 million over nine years, without providing a satisfactory explanation. Wheatley has denied the allegations, pointing to $168 million in real estate earnings that he claims the commission overlooked.

Golding also criticized Prime Minister Holness's decision to reappoint Wheatley to the Cabinet after previous concerns about his conduct in public office. He questioned whether Wheatley had informed the prime minister of the ongoing investigation, suggesting that either scenario indicated a significant misjudgment by Holness. "Good governance is not a mere slogan, it is a required standard," Golding declared, stressing the prime minister's duty to maintain this standard.

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Good governance is not a mere slogan, it is a required standard. The prime minister has a duty to uphold that standard, immediately and without hesitation.