Finance Minister Defends Appointment of Dennis Chung as FID Head

Finance Minister, Fayval Williams, says her ministry stands firmly behind the appointment of Dennis Chung as chief technical director of the Financial Investigations Division, FID.

This comes amid a 72-hour ultimatum issued by the opposition People’s National Party, PNP, for his appointment to be withdrawn.

In a statement on Friday, Minister Williams says the selection process was thorough and transparent.

Robian Williams reports.

The appointment of Dennis Chung as chief technical director of the FID has drawn criticism from some quarters, with at least two civil society groups questioning his qualifications.

His appointment, announced on Wednesday, has attracted the ire of the PNP.

Opposition leader, Mark Golding, says Chung’s public utterances about the probe into Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness’ statutory declarations regarding allegations of illicit enrichment disqualify him from the appointment.

And according to Mr. Golding, Chung is “just an accountant.”

But Finance Minister Fayval Williams says her ministry stands firmly behind Mr. Chung’s selection.

Minister Williams has also expressed concern over the proposal to overturn Mr. Chung’s appointment.

She says the decision was made by the Office of the Services Commission, OSC, the independent body responsible for overseeing the selection process.

She adds that the position was publicly advertised, candidates were shortlisted, and interviews were conducted under the oversight of the OSC.

Mr. Chung emerged as the successful candidate through this process.

Minister Williams says, “The proposal for the Government to insert itself into a meritorious process which included advertisement and interviews is both reckless and dangerous.”

A path she urges Jamaica to reject and avoid.