The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) condemns PNP President Mark Golding’s attack on the private sector for not joining “his partisan, inappropriate and unprincipled” call for the appointment of Dennis Chung to the Financial Investigation Division (FID) to be overturned by the Government of Jamaica following a recruitment process led by the Public Services Commission (PSC)

While addressing a recent PNP meeting, Golding stated: “I am very disappointed that there are some leaders in the private sector who seem to think there is nothing wrong with what has taken place. I suggest that they reconsider the matter.”

The PNP president also accused the private sector of following “blindly” views which are supportive of the appointment.

Chairman of the Jamaica Labour Party’s Communication Taskforce, Senator Abka Fitz-Henley, says the PNP President’s comments reflect a sense of entitlement and desperation.

“It is unfortunate that Golding has sought to lash out at the private sector for expressing their view concerning a recruitment process which was conducted by the Public Services Commission. His attempt to inveigle the private sector to reconsider its stance and cuss those who have expressed their view reflects entitlement and desperation.

Senator Fitz-Henley says Golding’s behaviour towards patriotic private sector leaders who supported the FID appointment, including William Mahfood and Metry Seaga, confirms the kind of leadership he proposes to bring, one characterised by taking to the political platform and berating those who disagree with his perspective.

Fitz-Henley concluded: “Messers Seaga and Mahfood are not bashful about disagreeing when they see it fit to so do. For Golding to seek to insist that they reconsider their stance and berate them for their views is unbecoming. Golding should do better.

“His fixation with this matter, however, confirms that the PNP has no message to bring to the Jamaican people. They are reeling from the fact that murders are down by 44 per cent and the unemployment and poverty levels are at record lows, hence they are attempting to raise distractions. But the Jamaica Labour Party will not be distracted. We remain focused on delivering for the Jamaican people.”