By Myesha Broadie and Natalie Campbell

The opposition People’s National Party (PNP) has vowed to continue to protest against the appointment of Dennis Chung to the Financial Investigations Division (FID). 

Yesterday, hundreds of PNP members and supporters gathered near the Finance Ministry at Heroes Circle, in Downtown, Kingston, calling for Mr. Chung’s appointment as the Division’s Chief Technical Director to be revoked.

Mr. Chung officially assumed the post yesterday.

The Finance Ministry says it stands firmly behind Mr. Chung’s selection.

However, the PNP said the appointment is a conflict of interest, as Mr. Chung has made public pronouncements on cases which are being investigated by the FID, including one relating to the statutory declarations of the Prime Minister. 

The government has clarified that the selection was made by the Public Service Commission, but speaking during yesterday’s protest, Spokesperson on Justice Donna Scott Mottley accused the Andrew Holness-led administration of choosing Mr. chug for its benefit.

She noted that Mr. Chung made statements suggesting that Dr. Holness is innocent and this may affect the FID’s probe.

Adding his voice to the matter, Spokesperson on Finance, Julian Robinson maintained that Mr. Chung, does not qualify for the post.

Former PNP President Dr. Peter Phillips said the party will continue to take action against this decision.

In the meantime, the Jamaica Labour Party is condemning what it says are calls and messages to close associates of Dennis Chung, indicating that in the interest of his family, he should decline the appointment as Chief Technical Director of the FID.

The JLP is alleging that the calls were made by persons affiliated with the Opposition.

The party says the action is tantamount to inappropriate conduct and serious intimidation at a Jamaican who has served his country across various administrations.

The JLP says such action is inappropriate and offends due process.

The party is also alleging that attempts are being made to apply pressure to office holders in key and sensitive agencies seeking to interfere in the conduct of their work.