JCC urges Gov’t to preserve public confidence after IC findings regarding Wheatley

KINGSTON, Jamaica—The Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC) is urging the Government to take all necessary steps to preserve public confidence in the integrity of public office after the Integrity Commission (IC) recommended that Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister, Dr Andrew Wheatley, face charges related to illicit enrichment and other offences.

JCC in a press release on Thursday said it has taken note of the recently published report of the IC concerning Wheatley, including the findings and recommendations contained in the report.

“The Chamber respects the independence and constitutional mandate of the Integrity Commission as a critical pillar of Jamaica’s public accountability framework. It takes seriously any findings made by the Commission in the lawful exercise of its functions,” it said.

At the same time, the Chamber affirmed its commitment to the rule of law, due process, and natural justice. It said these principles require that any person who is the subject of legal proceedings be given a fair opportunity to answer the allegations made against them before conclusions are drawn.

“The Chamber has observed that Integrity Commission reports raising concerns about members of both major political parties have not always appeared to result in timely or transparent conclusions. Where serious allegations remain unresolved for extended periods, public confidence in accountability and justice is weakened,” the JCC said.

“This moment should be used to re-examine whether the current systems are sufficiently robust to achieve their intended purpose: a fair, transparent, and expeditious process for addressing allegations of corruption, while preserving the rule of law and natural justice,” it added.

The JCC, which made reference to the CMI U4 Anti-Corruption Resource Centre, noted that as of 2024, 29 countries had courts focused solely on anti-corruption cases and said Jamaica should consider whether it is time to become the 30th.

“The Chamber would welcome and participate in a broad review of the existing process, including input from civil society and the private sector, to address any structural issues that may prevent timely, transparent, and definitive resolution of such matters,” it said.

It also said the Government should take all necessary steps to preserve public confidence in the integrity of public office during the pendency of these proceedings, including such measures as it considers necessary, while respecting the constitutional rights of all parties involved.