Government Senator Abka Fitz-Henley has described as “wrong, entitled and increasingly desperate” Opposition Leader Mark Golding’s criticism of the private sector for not joining the People’s National Party’s condemnation of Dennis Chung’s appointment as head of the Financial Investigations Division (FID).

Fitz-Henley, in a response to Golding, accused the PNP president of attempting to rake the private sector over the coals for not supporting what he described as “the PNP’s blatant mischief and wrongdoing”.

Golding, in an address at a town hall meeting staged by the PNP in Montego Bay last Wednesday evening, said he was “very disappointed that there are some leaders in the private sector who seem to think there’s nothing wrong with what has taken place”.

Though Golding did not identify any individual or organisation by name, the powerful Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ), through its President Metry Seaga, is one of the groups that have embraced Chung’s appointment.

“He has the full support of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica. I do think he has the knowledge and experience to be able to be effective in the position. I know Mr Chung is a no-nonsense person,” Seaga was quoted as saying.

Additionally, Wisynco Group Chairman William Mahfood has been reported as supporting Chung’s move to the FID.

However, Golding suggested that those who see nothing wrong with Chung’s appointment are misguided.

“I suggest that they reconsider the matter and look at the facts, because it is absolutely clear and blatant that this appointment is totally inappropriate, untenable and should not stand,” he insisted.

In response, Fitz-Henley said the Opposition’s problem with Chung is that in his capacity as one of the financial public affairs experts that media often turned to, Chung pointed out that 28 bank accounts connected to a public figure’s relatives, along with loan accounts, business account, insurance related account and other lines of credit, including credit card and mortgage accounts, are not a lot or unusual.

The Government senator’s reference was to an Integrity Commission report on Prime Minister Andrew Holness’ statutory declaration which noted the existence of 28 bank accounts associated with Holness.

“The PNP has been untruthful about the prime minister suggesting he is the beneficial owner of 28 bank accounts. This is a blatant case of the PNP spreading lies,” Fitz-Henley said.

“The Integrity Commission’s document they reference takes into consideration the prime minister’s father, sister and mother’s accounts which he does not benefit from. Also considered are at least six insurance accounts connected to his family over many years. Mortgage accounts, loan accounts, credit card accounts, dormant accounts along with investment/business and savings accounts were also considered. The vast majority of the accounts do not render any monetary benefit to the prime minister but the Opposition has been speaking untruth that this is the case,” Fitz-Henley said.

“So really they are vexed with Mr Chung for making a comment some time ago when asked by the media, a comment which, if interrogated by fair-minded Jamaicans, might have exposed the lies they have been telling on the prime minister. This is what they and some of their area leaders went to Heroes Circle to protest last week,” Fitz-Henley said.

Charging that the PNP has been maliciously attempting to weaponise misinformation about Holness, Fitz-Henley said, “The PNP, which has been spreading propaganda on the prime minister, know that if you compile the accounts of a public figure’s mother, father, sister along with their bank loan, insurance, credit card and investment accounts, along with dormant accounts, that figure is likely to make 28 look paltry, but they choose to speak untruth, spread mischief and attack anyone who at anytime provides clarity.”

He said Golding’s use of a political platform to reprimand and attempt to secure a reversal of the position taken by some private sector leaders, who have defended Chung’s appointment, “smacks of a sense of entitlement and desperation” which has crept into the PNP’s General Election campaign.

Fitz-Henley said Golding should apologise to the private sector for his comments at the town hall meeting.

He said Seaga and Mahfood have never been afraid to be vocal when they disagree with a course of action taken, adding “Golding’s attack on sections of the private sector is unfortunate, wrong, out-of-place and indecent. It confirms that the PNP has nothing to campaign on, beyond attempting to desperately and unfairly seek to attack the prime minister’s reputation and cuss whoever makes any comment which may shine light on the truth”.

Fitz-Henley, who serves as parliamentary secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister and chairman of the governing Jamaica Labour Party’s Communication Taskforce, said the PNP has chosen to “attempt to tear down Holness” because the party is struggling to debate the Government on important national issues, including the 44-per cent decline in murders as well as the record low unemployment rate and incidents of poverty.