Dr Andrew Wheatley says he decided to step aside to allow for the issues surrounding the management of the Energy, Science and Technology portfolio to be ventilated.

News of Wheatley's resignation came this afternoon, weeks after calls from the opposition and members of civil society called for his removal over the allegations of corruption, fraud and mismanagement at the state-own oil refinery Petrojam and the National Energy Solutions Limited.

Both agencies fall under the ministry.

In his resignation letter, an embattled Wheatley indicated that there should be a general performance review of the ministry in light of the questions that have been raised.

Arguing that he believes in the tenets of good governance, he said that this necessary review should be done without his presence.

It is for that reason he resigned today with immediate effect.

“This is necessary to reassure the public that the highest standards of probity are being applied to the administration of the affairs of public bodies under the portfolios.

“With immediate effect, I will step back from my duties as Minister and Cabinet member. This will allow me to focus on my Constituency and Parliamentary obligations,” Wheatley said.

Full Statement

After consultations with the Prime Minister against the background of continued questions, it was agreed that there should be a general performance review of the board and executive levels of the Energy, Science and Technology portfolios.

This is necessary to reassure the public that the highest standards of probity are being applied to the administration of the affairs of public bodies under the portfolios.

As someone who believes in the tenets of good governance, and committed to upholding the public trust, I believe this necessary process of review should be done without my presence or ministerial authority. With immediate effect, I will step back from my duties as Minister and Cabinet member. This will allow me to focus on my Constituency and Parliamentary obligations. 

I want to thank, the Prime Minister for affording me the privilege of serving my country as a Minister. The prosperity of the Jamaican people continues to be my abiding concern and I will continue to work in the field in the interest of the people and development of my country.

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