Energy Minister, Dr. Andrew Wheatley, has sought to defend the integrity of Petrojam, in the wake of accusations of nepotism and corruption, from the Opposition.

Last week, Opposition Spokesman Julian Robinson, raised questions about the operations at Petrojam, and made claims about funds donated to politically affiliated projects.

Speaking in parliament today (May 29) Dr. Wheatley says, Petrojam has a strict policy and process by which projects are selected and donations given.

The Energy Minister says, donations over a certain amount, have to be approved by the board.

Dr. Wheatley explains that Petrojam made donations to projects in six constituencies, valued at over $69 m.

When asked by Opposition member, Peter Bunting, if half of the funds donated went to projects in his constituency, Dr. Wheatley stated that he had no influence on Petrojam’s approval process.

The minister said it’s unfortunate that the Opposition attempted to devalue Petrojam’s corporate responsibility programme.

Meantime, opposition members took Energy Minister, Dr. Andrew Wheatley to task today, about staffing issues at Petrojam.

The primary concern was about the termination of the Chief Financial Officer.

Dr. Wheatley says a comprehensive audit as it relates to staffing is being done at Petrojam.

He adds that over the past 2 years, about thirty-nine workers were separated from the company.

Dr. Wheatley says, the matter involving the Chief Financial Officer is going through the due process.

Opposition member Horace Dalley asked the minister to say if the CFO was in a substantive post, or on contract.