KINGSTON, Jamaica— The Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) has joined the growing number of organisations urging Prime Minister Andrew Holness to remove Dr Andrew Wheatley from the Cabinet following findings by the Integrity Commission that he should face charges linked to alleged illicit enrichment and other offences.

The PSOJ has added its voice to the several organisations and church groups calling for Wheatley to be removed from his role as Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister until the matter is fully and conclusively resolved.

It said if Wheatley is removed from his ministerial role it would serve to preserve public confidence, protect the integrity of the office and reinforce the strength of Jamaica’s governance framework.

“Allegations of this nature are understandably of significant public interest and underscore the importance of strong institutions and effective oversight mechanisms. The PSOJ believes that confidence in Jamaica’s governance framework is reinforced when matters concerning public accountability are addressed through credible, independent, and transparent processes,” the PSOJ said in a statement on Thursday.

The organisation said it has consistently advocated for the highest standards of governance, transparency, accountability, and integrity in both the public and private sectors. It said these principles are fundamental to maintaining public trust, strengthening Jamaica’s reputation, and supporting a stable environment for investment and sustained economic growth.

“At the same time, the Organisation respects the role of the Integrity Commission, as well as the broader legal and constitutional processes that exist to examine and determine such matters, including the foundational principle of the presumption of innocence until proven guilty,” it emphasised.

“Jamaica has made considerable progress in strengthening its governance architecture over the years. It is vital that this progress continues, and that public confidence in our institutions is preserved through consistent adherence to the principles of accountability, transparency, and the rule of law,” the PSOJ added.

READ: WHEATLEY’S WOES