Comrades For Action

Corruption Enabling Appointments: The Quiet Political Return of Andrew Wheatley

In 2018, Andrew Wheatley resigned under a cloud of corruption scandal and quietly reinstated to power in 2025.

Jamaica’s state-owned oil refinery Petrojam was at the centre of one of the country’s most high profile corruption scandals. Under the oversight of Andrew Wheatley, the organisation became a symbol of state capture. Financial irregularities, mismanagement and politically motivated appointments plagued the institution.

The Integrity Commission later revealed that several individuals were strategically appointed to the Petrojam board. These board members were later involved in key HR decisions and the approval of controversial donations, raising alarm bells about a corruption enabling network under ministerial direction.

Among the most troubling findings was the appointment of a “former assistant”. In truth, she was the mother of his nephew, a connection Wheatley failed to disclose. Her position, along with others, helped create a triangle of influence between HR leadership, board governance and political decision makers.

The Integrity Commission raised serious concerns about politically influenced donations, lack of oversight mechanisms and dubious board appointments, all pointing back to systemic failures under Wheatley’s ministerial watch.

In 2020, Wheatley sued the Integrity Commission in the Supreme Court, but the case was dismissed. The court affirmed that the Commission was within its rights to describe Wheatley’s conduct as dishonest and misleading.

Despite these findings and zero accountability, Wheatley was quietly reinstated by Andrew Holness to oversee special projects without public vetting or transparency.

Andrew Wheatley vs The Integrity Commission

https://supremecourt.gov.jm/content/wheatley-dr-andrew-v-integrity-commission

This moment exposed the deepening erosion of accountability in Jamaica’s democracy.

In March 2024, Comrade Mark Golding was forced to continue his speech outside Gordon House after Andrew walked out of Parliament when challenge over his decision to appoint his wife Juliet as Speaker of the House.

This act signalled more than arrogance, it signalled a belief that he is above the scrutiny and untouchable.

There is an inherent conflict of interest when the person tasked with upholding parliamentary impartiality is the spouse of the head of government. This undermines public trust and raises urgent questions about whether the Speaker can act independently in safeguarding democratic norms.

We call on Comrade Mark Golding to continue defending our democratic institutions and to push for a full, independent, and transparent investigation into allegations of voter corruption and electoral misconduct.

https://www.japarliament.gov.jm/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1115&Itemid=60

Mark Golding finishes his speech outside Gordon House 19, 2024: Opposition Leader Mark Golding says the walkout by Government Members of Parliament (MPs) on today is the first time in indepe...

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