He’s going nowhere- Dr Andrew Wheatley has my full confidence-PM Holness

Prime Minister Andrew is not swayed by the furore surrounding Cabinet minister Dr. Andrew Wheatley and calls for him to step down.

The Integrity Commission has recommended that Dr Andrew Wheatley face four charges, including illicit enrichment, and further added that the parliamentarian was not forthcoming in submitting pertinent information

In an interview with Cliff Hughes, the Prime Minister said he was aware of the situation and had taken a cursory look at the report, but had yet to read it in depth.

According to the Integrity Commission, Dr Andrew Wheatley cannot account for $164 million he acquired between 2013 and 2022. Dr Wheatley’s lawful income was $187 million, and his total expenditure and assets over the period were $352 million. He had $590 million lodged in four Scotiabank accounts.  He was doing very well financially, way above the means of a Government minister.

Talking about the Dr Wheatley matter, the Prime Minister said: “Dr Wheatley retains my confidence in the work that he has been doing in the office of the Prime Minister, particularly in AI, cyber and those other areas. As it relates to the report that was tabled on him, I have read the report briefly. I haven’t had the chance to go through it. The charges that are recommended are serious charges, but the challenge is that no charges have been proffered against him. Until that point, we will observe the situation.”

And that’s the salient point here: no charges have been made, and the police have not arrested Dr Wheatley. Our Today believes that Dr Wheatley should step aside until he is able to clear his name, such is the serious nature of the Integrity Commission’s report and claims of illicit enrichment.

Is the Prime Minister of the view that Dr Wheatley is doing a good job and until this goes to the police, there is no cause to remove him, or does he think, as in his instance, the Integrity Commission is being punitive and that Dr Wheatley should be protected?

Dr Wheatley says he is innocent and that the Integrity Commission has this all wrong.  The Minister Without Portfolio for Science, Technology and Special Projects supporters say there is nothing wrong bolstering your finances with astute investments and that Dr Wheatley did nothing illegal, but this is a case of “bad mind” people not wanting to see someone from humble beginnings in Spanish Town prosper.

The Integrity Commission is looking into the Prime Minister’s financial;l situation, and there are reports that the Financial Investigation Division (FID) have reported back to the Integrity Commission that there is no case to answer here and that the Prime Minister is in the clear.

So does the Prime Minister have confidence in the Integrity Commission?

“The  Integrity Commission is a necessary agency that tackles corruption in Jamaica. I believe that thee are changes necessary for it to become more effective. 

“So far it has focused heavily on persons who are in the Jamaica Labour Party but I cannot use that to say it is biased.”