KINGSTON, Jamaica – Dennis Chung, the incoming Financial Investigation Division (FID) chief technical director, has been assigned police protection following threats and undue pressure for him not to assume the role.

The Jamaica Observer has learnt the rhetoric associated with opposition to Chung’s appointment also influenced security officials’ determination of the threat level.

Controversy has greeted Chung’s appointment which becomes effective June 2, 2025. He will replace Selvin Hay, who demitted office in July 2024.

On Thursday, after Chung’s appointment was announced by Finance Minister Fayval Williams, the Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) objected, claiming that Chung is compromised and not qualified to serve in the post. The PNP had also given the Government 72 hours to rescind Chung’s appointment or face islandwide action.

According to PNP President Mark Golding, Chung has already publicly stated positions in relation to the matters that the FID ought to be investigating, “and which seek to undermine or belittle the impact and importance of the findings that the Integrity Commission (IC) has made”.

Golding’s reference was to comments made by Chung in the wake of the commission’s report into the finances of Prime Minister Andrew Holness.

The report raised several red flags about the prime minister’s accounts and referred the matter for additional investigations by the FID. However, Chung, a chartered accountant, had, in his capacity as a public commentator, questioned the findings of the IC.

During a news conference on Thursday, Golding charged that Chung has publicly sought to take a position that has led to the impression that there was nothing amiss, there was no case to answer by Holness, and everything was above board.

“He clearly is a biased person on this matter; he clearly would have a conflict leading the FID to investigate this matter. That is why we’re saying he should resign that position if he’s accepted it, or the appointment should be rescinded and revoked forthwith,” said Golding.

However, on Friday, the finance minister chided the Opposition while pointing out that Chung’s appointment was a recommendation of the Public Services Commission (PSC).

“The proposal for the Government to insert itself into a meritorious process which included advertisement and interviews, and was conducted by the PSC, is both reckless and dangerous. This is a path which Jamaica should avoid,” Williams said in a press release.

READ: Dennis Chung leaving JFF, heading to FID

READ: JLP rejects PNP call to rescind Dennis Chung FID appointment