The Jamaica Labour Party is calling for Phillip Paulwell to resign as Opposition Spokesman on Energy, or to be fired by Opposition Leader Peter Phillips.

The JLP says there has been no accountability with respect to the opposition spokesperson on energy, who served as minister for three of the five year span reviewed in the auditor general’s probe.

JLP General Secretary Dr. Horace Chang says it’s also noteworthy and regrettable that over $5 b worth of unaccounted for oil at Petrojam extends to the tenure of the former energy minister.

The governing party says Paulwell should be held to account for the delay in the country’s crucial move towards energy security.

The JLP General Secretary further stated that it’s unfortunate that Paulwell, who served as minister during a number of scandals, has now positioned himself as a voice of reason, in relation to issues at Petrojam, which also prevailed under his watch.

And, in a swift response, Opposition Leader, Dr. Peter Phillips, says he has full confidence in Phillip Paulwell, and that he will not be removing him as the opposition spokesman on mining and energy.

The Opposition Leader described the call for Paulwell’s removal as evidence that the JLP administration has no plan to deal with the deepening crisis of corruption, nepotism, maladministration and possible criminal behaviour, which has engulfed Petrojam.

Dr. Phillips said, there is overwhelming evidence that during Mr. Paulwell’s tenure during the last PNP administration, steps were taken to reduce the oil loss revenue to below industry standard, which stood at 49,000 barrels, when he demitted office.

He says this is better than the international industry standard and was projected to fall even lower, had it not been for the intervention of the JLP administration.