Golding says no PNP MPs or senators under illicit enrichment probe, renews call for Wheatley to step down

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Opposition Leader Mark Golding says that, to the best of his knowledge, no People’s National Party (PNP) Member of Parliament (MP) or senator is currently under investigation by the Integrity Commission (IC) for illicit enrichment.

“None of my members, to the best of my knowledge, are under investigation,” Golding said.

He made the disclosure during a press conference on Thursday while renewing calls for Dr Andrew Wheatley to immediately resign from the Cabinet following findings outlined in an IC investigation report tabled in Parliament on Wednesday.

The IC report recommended that Wheatley be charged with illicit enrichment after concluding that the St Catherine South Central MP possessed assets disproportionate to his lawful earnings, amounting to approximately $164 million, and was unable to provide a satisfactory explanation for the discrepancy.

Wheatley has strongly rejected the report’s findings, issuing a detailed statement in which he accused investigators of disregarding evidence that he believes would have significantly altered the outcome of the investigation.

READ:WHEATLEY’S WOES

Addressing reporters on Thursday, Golding expressed confidence in the integrity of his party, explaining that his conclusion is based on guidance previously provided by representatives of the IC on the Integrity Commission Oversight Committee. According to him, individuals being investigated for illicit enrichment would be aware of the probe because they would have been contacted and asked to submit information supporting their asset declarations.

He said that after annual IC reports revealed that several public officials were under investigation for illicit enrichment, he personally questioned all PNP MPs and senators on the matter.

“I individually asked each of our MPs and senators that question at a time when the annual reports of the Integrity Commission had shown that at first it was six persons who were under investigation for illicit enrichment, then, in] a subsequent report, that number increased to eight,” he said.

“The answer was across the board. None of our MPs or senators said to me they are under investigation for illicit enrichment, and they knew I was asking them this for the reason that I was going to have to respond to the public [about] our situation on our side,” Golding added.

Golding’s remarks came as he renewed his call for Dr Wheatley to resign from the Cabinet or be removed by Prime Minister Andrew Holness.

“The prime minister has that power right away to do it, and no doubt is considering what to do,” Golding said.

He argued that the matter was bigger than personal relationships and centred on Jamaica’s reputation and standards of governance.

“What really matters is Jamaica’s reputation, our image internationally and locally, and upholding the rule of law and decency in public life,” Golding said. “The prime minister has a responsibility to lead in that regard and cannot continue to embrace somebody in this Cabinet who has serious charges pending against him.”

Golding also indicated that the Opposition intends to seek support from other groups in society for its position.

“We will continue to agitate for it until we get an outcome which we think is the best for Jamaica,” he said.

Golding also referenced an ongoing matter involving Prime Minister Holness, noting that the Integrity Commission had previously referred findings concerning the prime minister’s statutory declarations to the Financial Investigations Division (FID) for further investigation.

READ:Integrity Commission wants FID, TAJ to probe aspects of PM’s financial affairs

He argued that issues of accountability and integrity in public office make it even more important for decisive action to be taken regarding Wheatley’s Cabinet position.

“We hope that all well-thinking Jamaicans and all organisations that have an interest in national development and the good governance of the country will put some pressure on the Government so that the right thing can be done,” Golding said.