KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Accountability Meter Portal (JAMP) is calling for urgent reforms to the process used to vet Cabinet appointees, arguing that the Integrity Commission’s (IC) investigation into Dr Andrew Wheatley has exposed significant gaps in Jamaica’s governance framework.

In a statement on Tuesday, the accountability watchdog noted that Wheatley had been under active investigation by the Integrity Commission for four years before being appointed to the Cabinet, raising questions about the standards and procedures used in selecting ministers.

“This raises the question as to what standards or requirements exist that are factored into the determination of Cabinet appointments. The present situation begs for urgent reforms to strengthen vetting,” JAMP said.