Finance Minister Fayval Williams entered the firestorm sparked by Dennis Chung’s appointment as head of the Financial Investigations Division (FID), describing as “reckless and dangerous” the demand by the Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) that the Government rescinds the selection.

Williams did not name the PNP in a news release on the issue on Friday. However, it was obvious that her reprimand was levelled at the party which, on Thursday, claimed that Chung is compromised and not qualified to serve as FID chief technical director. 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”.

He was referring to comments made by Chung in the wake of the commission’s report into the finances of Prime Minister Dr 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 That is why we’re saying he should resign that position if he’s accepted it, or the appointment should be rescinded and revoked forthwith,” said Golding.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.

“If the aforementioned is the approach to governance that any individual or organisation proposes to apply to the corridors of Government, Jamaicans should take careful note and reject this inclination,” Williams added.

She also took to task comments on Chung’s suitability for the job by Opposition spokesman on finance Julian Robinson and spokesman on national security Senator Peter Bunting.

Robinson had argued that Jamaica’s anti-corruption framework, from the IC to the FID, is staffed by people with extensive backgrounds in law enforcement, financial crimes, anti-money laundering, and similar areas.

“This is the first time that an individual, while having general accounting and management experience, would be leading the FID without specific investigative experience,” Robinson said as he argued that it is important that the credibility of Jamaica’s investigation of financial crimes be maintained.

“Putting Dennis Chung there, I believe, threatens that credibility,” said Robinson, who described the appointment as a retrograde step.

That position was shared by Bunting, who charged that Chung, based on his qualifications, is a “weak and unsuitable candidate for this post”.

In her retort, Williams said that characterising Chung as “just an accountant” demonstrates ignorance as it pertains to the competency and skillset required for the position.

“Those questioning should do a search that will indicate that to become the head of a financial investigation division you’ll need a …strong combination of education, experience, and skills. Typically, this involves a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field like accounting, finance, law, or a related area, along with at least seven to 10 years’ experience in areas like auditing, financial analysis, or investigations.

Williams said that Chung “possesses ample relevant education, experience and skills for this position”.

She insisted that the selection process was transparent, the position was advertised, candidates were short-listed and interviewed, and Chung came out successful.

“We stand firmly behind his selection on the basis that due process was observed,” the finance minister said.

Chung, whose appointment was announced on Thursday, has more than 35 years’ experience in accounting and financial management and has served in both the public and private sectors.

He holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in accounting, both from The University of the West Indies.

He previously served as project manager and head of legacy operations, divestment team at Air Jamaica Limited; from 2018 to 2022 he led Supreme Ventures Services Limited as CEO; and has also held directorships at several institutions, including the Bank of Jamaica, First Global Financial Services, and the Betting, Gaming & Lotteries Commission.

He now serves on the boards of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management, Wigton Windfarm Limited, and GK Capital Management Limited — all of which he will demit prior to his start date at FID on June 2, 2025.

Since November 2022 he served as general secretary of the Jamaica Football Federation, a position from which he resigned effective today.

Chung will replace Selvin Hay, who demitted office in July 2024.