Dennis Chung's appointment as Chief Technical Director of the Financial Investigations Division (FID) has come under scrutiny. (Gleaner file photo)
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Lorraine Walker reports
Anti-corruption watchdog groups, National Integrity Action (NIA) and Jamaica Accountability Meter Portal (JAMP) are calling for the government to provide full transparency on the selection process and criteria used in appointing Dennis Chung to head the Financial Investigations Division (FID).
Mr. Chung's appointment as the new Chief Technical Director of the FID comes into effect on Monday, June 2.
The NIA says it shares in the public's concern regarding the transparency of the appointment, mainly as the division is tasked with investigating the Integrity Commission's report on the financial affairs of the Prime Minister.
It says the selection process for such a critical entity at this time is pivotal in building and maintaining the confidence of both local and international law enforcement.
The NIA argues that Mr. Chung's dedication to service and Jamaica is unquestionable, but says his previous statements on the Integrity Commission's report raised legitimate questions regarding his objectivity.
Noting that Mr. Chung is a former chairman of NIA, the group says it is confident that he appreciates the validity of these concerns, adding that his selection has far-reaching implications.
The NIA says Mr. Chung should seriously consider whether he wants to take up the appointment.
Meanwhile, the Jamaica Accountability Meter Portal argues that while Mr. Chung is a qualified chartered accountant, there are no known indications that he has prior experience in investigating financial crimes.
The watchdog group asserts that the head of the FID must have the requisite qualifications, demonstrated independence and impartiality to enjoy the full confidence of the society.
It's therefore calling for clarification of Mr. Chung's expertise in areas such as the supervision of complex forensic investigations involving politically exposed people, leading or managing law enforcement or financial crime teams, and working in anti-money laundering or asset recovery fields.
JAMP says it acknowledges that talented forensic accountants, analysts and investigators are employed to the FID, but maintains that the institutional strength of the agency hinges on the head having the requisite competencies to critically assess employee output and set investigative priorities with legal, procedural and strategic implications in mind.
The group says it wants the Ministry of Finance to clarify the selection process and criteria used to appoint Mr. Chung, as well as to share the job specification and qualifications profile that informed the appointment.
Additionally, it says the Ministry should consider legislative reform to codify competency standards for this critical position, if none exists.
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