PNP intensifies push to remove Wheatley from cabinet after Integrity Commission ruling

The People's National Party stepped up demands on Thursday, 18 June 2026, for Cabinet Minister Dr Andrew Wheatley to leave the Holness administration after the Integrity Commission recommended prosecution over alleged illicit enrichment.

Opposition spokesmen said the ruling, tabled in Parliament on Wednesday, left Dr Wheatley unable to continue as a minister. Finance spokesman Julian Robinson argued that "Anyone who operates like this, whose own credibility cannot stand the test of scrutiny, should not be a member of a cabinet." Opposition Leader Mark Golding said the commission's work was complete and Dr Wheatley must step aside regardless of whatever defence he may offer. "We don't know the outcome of any prosecution. That's not for us to determine. The point is, whatever Dr. Wheatley may be saying in his defense is really irrelevant at this point. The investigation is concluded, a decision has been made, he is to be prosecuted for these matters, he must step back. He cannot remain part of the government."

The commission found that between 2013 and 2022 Dr Wheatley acquired assets roughly J$164 million above what his lawful earnings could explain, and failed to give a satisfactory account when required. Investigators also flagged a sharp rise in net worth around 2011, including property linked to East Kirkland, though pre-2013 banking records could not be fully examined.

PNP officials questioned whether Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness knew Dr Wheatley was under investigation before reappointing him in September 2025. Deputy spokesperson Cleveland Tomlinson noted the probe dated to 29 January 2024, before that return to Cabinet. Several other legislators are also under investigation, and the opposition urged them to identify themselves publicly.

Government MPs largely declined comment. Dr Wheatley, who had spoken defiantly inside Gordon House, told reporters outside that he had no comment. Leader of government business Floyd Green said, "I'll have to read the report first," while security staff blocked journalists from questioning the Prime Minister.

National Integrity Action principal director Dr Gavin Myers said the Prime Minister would likely act carefully because his political capital depends on how he handles concrete corruption allegations. He urged Dr Wheatley not to frame scrutiny as persecution tied to humble origins, saying ministers must meet declaration rules.

In other domestic news, Speaker Juliet Holness paused the House after opposition MP Nikisha Burchell was accused of recording proceedings in breach of standing orders; minister Robert Morgan faced a similar allegation. Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton's proposal to ban social media for children under 16 drew mixed reaction from students, psychologists and data-protection experts. Ripton Rodgers opened the US$15.5 million Rogers Commercial Centre on Lady Musgrave Road in Kingston. Abroad, Barbados Central Bank Governor Kevin Greenidge apologised and released figures on the Bimpay system after public backlash, Grenada launched a US$300,000 fisheries governance project, and severe storms flooded villages in Galicia, Spain.