The Financial Investigation Division (FID) is a critical component of Jamaica’s accountability framework, and the organisation mustn’t remain without an appointed head for an extended time.

At the same time, the head of the Division must have the full confidence of the society, having the requisite qualifications, demonstrated independence and impartiality. 

Against this background, the Jamaica Accountability Meter Portal (JAMP) is calling for clarification of the recent appointment of Dennis Chung as chief technical director (CTD) of the FID.

The group noted that the FID is legally mandated to lead complex investigations into money laundering, financial crimes, and asset tracing, particularly where public officials are concerned. “Its remit includes collaboration with international bodies and local agencies such as the Integrity Commission, Tax Administration Jamaica, and law enforcement—often in politically sensitive and high-value matters.

“While the newly appointed CTD is a qualified chartered accountant, there are no known indications of prior experience in:

• Complex forensic investigations involving politically exposed persons (PEPs),
• Leading or managing law enforcement or financial crime teams,
• Working in anti-money laundering or asset recovery fields,
• Navigating cross-border mutual legal assistance or FATF/Egmont standards.

“JAMP calls for further clarification of the appointee’s expertise in the above. We make this call as notwithstanding the FID’s employment of talented forensic accountants, analysts, and investigators, its institutional strength extends to whether the Head brings the requisite competencies to critically assess their output and set investigative priorities with legal procedural and strategic implications in mind,” JAMP said in a release.

The job requires more than accounting; it requires accountability 

JAMP said that in addition to the breadth of experience and competencies for leading the FID, the role of Chief Technical Director of the FID demands the highest level of independence and impartiality.

JAMP said it has concerns, given Chung’s public comments with respect to the Integrity Commission’s reports into matters that were referred to the FID in 2024. 

JAMP therefore calls on the Ministry of Finance and Public Service to:

• Clarify the selection process and criteria used to appoint the current CTD
• Share the job specification and qualifications profile that informed the appointment
• And consider the need for legislative reform to codify competency standards for this critical position, if none exist 

JAMP added: “At stake is not just the outcome of any one investigation, but the confidence that must be inspired in an institution tasked with protecting Jamaica’s financial integrity in an increasingly complex world.”