Dear Editor,
If it is one thing I know, I am not a politician. I also know that I am not as bright as the rest of the class. However, my teachers have always taught me to listen carefully, think rationally, and patiently dissect information before I form my own opinion. This is to ensure that I am able to defend my opinions once I formulate them.
I have listened to enough speeches from politicians to separate facts from propaganda.
The matter of the appointment to the leadership of Financial Investigations Division (FID) has caught my attention.
I congratulate Dennis Chung on his appointment. Having read about his previous appointments and experience, I would say that he is suitably qualified, except I have not read or heard any mention of his certification or experience in the areas of security, law, or investigations.
This leads to some questions:
1) How will he lead a team in investigating financial malpractice when he does not hold qualification or experience in conducting investigations?
2) Is it that he is expected to learn on the job? If so, can other members of society be employed in key areas of responsibility and also learn on the job?
It makes no sense reiterating all that other journalists have written. Whether Chung’s appointment is repayment for past advocacy or expectation for future favours is not my concern as a citizen of Jamaica. What concerns me is if he will make any difference in the investigations of the millions of dollars reportedly stolen from/or to be stolen or misused.
I am sure that there are suitably qualified officers who could have received this appointment. How can I be so sure? It is because when I look at the qualifications of the officers for the five portfolios, five areas, and 19 divisional commands of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), they have qualifications to the highest heights of professional study. This is information that is easily accessed from the JCF’s website.
Dr Kevin Blake has a PhD in sustainable development from The University of the West Indies. His dissertation was in the fields of information systems and policing which saw him being the recipient of two awards. He has a master of science in computer-based management information system and a bachelor’s degree with honours in computer science and mathematics. This is the commissioner of police.
Deputy Commission Police (DCP) Clifford Blake holds a master of science. DCP Richard Stewart holds of a master of science in accounting, a bachelor’s degree in accounting and management, a Bachelor of Law (honours) and a Certificate of Legal Education (CLE). DCP Andrew Lewis holds of a bachelor of science in computer science and mathematics (honours) and a Bachelor of Law as well as a CLE. DCP Warren Clarke heads strategic operations portfolio, and the lone female in the DCP category Karina Powell-Hood is currently reading for an MBA with a concentration in security management studies.
With these leaders why appoint someone who has no experience or qualification in policing? What made Chung the prime candidate for the job?

Not a politician
Citizen