Not just yet but Wheatley could return to Cabinet
Published:Monday | December 10, 2018 | 12:00 AM
Not just yet.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness has said there are other things to consider before any decision to reappoint resigned Energy Minister Dr Andrew Wheatley to the cabinet.
It was one of the issues addressed by Holness this morning at a press conference to respond to the Auditor General’s damning findings following a probe at the state-owned oil refinery.
"I’ve paid close attention to public opinion and I don’t think the public is of a mood or a mind in that regard as yet," Holness said.
WATCH: Resigned Energy Minister @Aowheatley could be returned to the Cabinet depending on the outcome of other investigations but not at this moment Prime Minister @AndrewHolnessJM has asserted. #PetrojamReport pic.twitter.com/C4N8qHcAQf
— Jamaica Gleaner (@JamaicaGleaner) December 10, 2018
According to Holness, so far, he has met with Wheatley three times to see that he understands where there have been shortcomings.
The Prime Minister said Wheatley has explained where he has seen his own deficiencies and shortcomings.
“I’m always a believer in second chances, in reforming … in redemption,” said Holness.
However, he said there are still investigations and reports outstanding, asserting that these will influence Wheatley’s return to the executive.
IN PHOTO: Prime Minister Andrew Holness
“If the reports that are left to come, the investigations in the future, what he does going forward… if the assessment is such, then it should not be a difficulty,” said the Prime Minister.
The Auditor General’s report revealed weak oversight of Petrojam which was under Wheatley’s portfolio.
It also detailed two surprise parties for the minister that cost tax payers $2.6 million dollars.
For one of the parties held in Montego Bay, St James a cake costing US$1,000 was bought with Petrojam funds.
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