The Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) is calling for Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness to seriously consider having Minister without portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Wheatley step aside from his ministerial duties while allegations raised by the Integrity Commission are addressed.
The PSOJ is the latest group calling for Dr. Wheatley to step aside.
In a statement Thursday, the PSOJ expressed concern about the issues arising from the Integrity Commission’s investigations and recommendations involving Dr. Wheatley.
The organisation says it remains committed to the principles of good governance, transparency, accountability and integrity. It says these are essential to maintaining public confidence, protecting Jamaica’s international reputation and supporting economic growth.
The PSOJ says while allegations of this nature are of significant public interest, confidence in the country’s governance framework depends on matters of public accountability being handled through credible, independent and transparent processes.
The business group also stressed that it respects the role of the Integrity Commission and the legal and constitutional processes in place, including the principle that individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty. But it says given the sensitive responsibilities of Cabinet ministers, it believes Dr. Wheatley stepping aside while the matter is resolved would help preserve public confidence, protect the integrity of the office and reinforce Jamaica’s governance framework.
The PSOJ adds that Jamaica has made significant progress in strengthening its governance systems and says that that progress must continue through consistent adherence to accountability, transparency and the rule of law.
They were taken to the Port Antonio Police Station for immigration and health processing.
They will be held overnight in police custody as the Passport, Immigration & Citizenship Agency (PICA) will continue their processing.
A set of Haitians, five men, were seen on the College of Agriculture, Science and Education campus, and the police were alerted early this morning.
The police intensified their search and 12 others were picked up – five men, four women and three children.
The five other men were later picked up in the Passley Gardens, Norwich area.