FID rift widens: PNP to stage protest against ‘unqualified’ Dennis Chung
/ Our Today
administrator
The appointment of chartered accountant Dennis Chung as chief technical director of the Financial Investigations Division (FID), a Jamaican state agency, has lit a firestorm with many questioning his credentials for the position.
Opposition Leader Mark Golding is now calling for a peaceful protest on Monday (June 2) at the National Heroes Circle as the People’s National Party (PNP) is calling for Chung’s appointment to be rescinded.
The contentious issue that has incurred the ire of many is the investigative component of this position, which some argue has been downplayed in the job description.
Chung, immediate past general secretary of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF), boasts accounting experience and has held management positions, but has never worked in an investigative or law enforcement capacity.
This was always going to be a problem for him as the chief technical director of the FID. Professionals in both the public and private sectors are raising eyebrows at this appointment, and the scepticism does not appear to be abating.
Peter Dunbar of BDO (Chartered Accountants) said: “In recent years, Dennis Chung has held a number of public sector roles and sat on a number of government boards. He is a confidante of the prime minister and has his ear. It is true that he doesn’t have an investigative background, and this is new territory for him, but that doesn’t necessarily disqualify him for this position. To question his impartiality and going about his work with probity does his professionalism a disservice. He may very well have to address his detractors.”
Mark Golding said: “The appointment of Dennis Chung to lead the Financial Investigations Division (FID) is not just a political issue. It concerns every single Jamaican who believes in good governance, accountability for corruption and in the rule of law. This appointment is a direct assault on those fundamental principles.”
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