Dr. the Honourable Andrew Wheatley is a distinguished scientist, educator, legislator, and public servant whose career reflects a strong commitment to national development through science, technology, innovation, and community leadership.
Born in Spanish Town, St. Catherine, Dr. Wheatley received his early education at St. Catherine Preparatory, Braeton Primary and Junior High, and St. Jago High School. His tertiary training spans Jamaica, the United States, and the United Kingdom, including studies at the University of the West Indies, Prairie View A&M University in Texas, and Imperial College, University of London.
A British Commonwealth Scholar, Dr. Wheatley holds a Bachelor of Science degree with Honours in Biochemistry and Chemistry and a Doctorate in Basic Medicine. As a Senior Lecturer and Research Scientist at the University of the West Indies, he contributed to important areas of medical research, including diabetes management, metabolic disorders, genetic engineering, tissue culturing, the pharmaceutical properties of indigenous materials, and research related to the reversal of the effects of cocaine addiction. He has published in international peer-reviewed journals and holds local and international patents for his scientific work.
Dr. Wheatley’s public service career began in local government, where he served as Councillor for the Naggo Head Division, Deputy Mayor of Spanish Town, Mayor of Spanish Town, and Chairman of the St. Catherine Parish Council. He also served as Vice-President of the Association of Local Government Authorities of Jamaica.
He is the Member of Parliament for St. Catherine South Central, now serving his fourth term, and has also served as Deputy General Secretary of the
Jamaica Labour Party and Opposition Spokesman on Science, ICT, Digital Society Development, and the Environment.
On September 17, 2025, Dr. Wheatley was appointed Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Science, Technology and Special Projects. In this role, he is focused on advancing Jamaica’s innovation agenda, strengthening scientific application, supporting high-value employment, and positioning Jamaica as a creator—not merely a consumer—of technology.
