KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Umbrella Group of Churches (JUGC) is urging Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister, Dr Andrew Wheatley, to step aside or be removed from the Cabinet following findings by the Integrity Commission that he should face charges linked to alleged illicit enrichment and other offences.

In a statement issued Thursday, the church group said the issues highlighted in the commission’s report, including concerns about possible tax non-compliance and recommendations for criminal charges, raise serious questions about accountability, transparency and integrity in public office.

The JUGC argued that public officials are expected to maintain the highest standards of conduct and argued that the allegations against Wheatley could undermine public confidence in government.