Principal Director of the National Integrity Action, NIA, Dr. Gavin Myers believes Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness should do what he must to dispel any perception of corruption in his cabinet.

He’s reacting to the Integrity Commission’s recommendation that Science, Technology and Special Projects Minister, Dr. Andrew Wheatley, be charged for illicit enrichment.

Mahiri Stewart has that story.

The Integrity Commission ruled that Dr. Andrew Wheatley should answer four charges relating to his income and assets between December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2022.

The Member of Parliament for South Central St. Catherine has declared that he will vigorously defend his reputation against the charges that include illicit enrichment.

One of his attorneys, Abe Dabdoub, also dismissed the IC’s allegations.

Reacting to the developments, the NIA’s Principal Director, Dr. Gavin Myers, told Nationwide News that the Prime Minister should act to prevent his government from being perceived as corrupt.

Opposition Leader, Mark Golding, has called for Dr. Wheatley to be sacked.

He says any minister facing four criminal charges has no place in cabinet.

Golding also highlighted that the current IC investigation is not the first time that Dr. Wheatley’s conduct in public office has been called into question.

Also referencing Dr Wheatley’s 2018 resignation from government, Dr. Myers noted that Cabinet must be about reproach.

Dr. Myers believes it should be the leader who takes initiative in matters such as these as opposed to leaving the decision to the government member.