OPM says no gov't resources for Wheatley, others reviewing social intervention measures

Prime Minister Andrew Holness says former energy minister Dr Andrew Wheatley and two other backbenchers will not be given government resources for their assignment to review social intervention mechanisms.

Last week, Holness announced that Wheatley, the St Catherine South Central MP as well as Leslie Campbell (St Catherine North Eastern) and Juliet Cuthbert-Flynn (St Andrew West Rural) were being tasked to identify ways that would help to enhance the government's policy to reduce poverty.

The announcement had evoked concern that Wheatley who was forced to resign over his role in the Petrojam corruption sandal was being given access to government resources.

However, in a release today, the Office of the Prime Minister said the assignment of the three government MPs is not a part of the formal parliamentary process.

It further said, as a result, the MPs will depend solely on their capacity as private members of the House of Representatives as they will not have charge of any staff either.

Holness said the MPs will be expected to study and understand the best practices for poverty alleviation to better assist with building national awareness and championing the cause in parliament.

The Prime Minister has previously tasked backbenchers like Senator Mathew Samuda to develop broad policies.

Samuda studied the impact of plastics on the environment resulting in the ban of single-use plastics that went into effect January 1.

We want to hear from you! Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169, email us at editors@gleanerjm.com or onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com.