Mark Wignall | Case of pot calling the kettle black

In April, Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) ministers Edmund Bartlett and Kamina Johnson Smith wrote to Integrity Commission (IC) chairman Carol Lawrence Beswick, expressing concern about the appointment of Roneiph Lawrence as acting director of corruption prosecution because he knew Dayton Campbell, the general secretary of the People’s National Party (PNP).

Campbell and Lawrence went to school together and have socialised on occasion. So going to school with and knowing someone makes you suspect? The IC chairman, Lawrence Beswick, rightfully requested evidence that Mr Lawrence was conflicted. To date, I know of no such evidence having come to light.

Meanwhile, sometime in September 2024, when there was some furore over the prime minister’s private financial affairs and the IC would not certify the PM’s declarations, Mr Dennis Chung stated in the media: “ I don’t think that it is irregular to have 28 bank accounts. In fact, I can tell you my experience is that if you go into several private- sector businesses or speak to several businessmen, you’ll find that they have a multitude of bank accounts, some of them inactive, some of them they’re using”. Mr Chung went on to say in the media that in his view, the Integrity Commission’s commentary about bank accounts, which is contained in the report that was tabled in the House of Representatives concerning the prime minister’s financial affairs, is a distraction and appears pointless. Sounds to me like Mr Chung has formed an opinion about the PM’s IC declarations.

FID SAGA

At some point in the last quarter of 2024, the Financial Investigations Division (FID) advertised for a new technical director. The initial requirements called for 12 years of law-enforcement experience and other qualifications. Curiously, after the initial job advertisement the 12-year law-enforcement experience requirement was deleted, and thereafter, the same Dennis Chung who found the IC report about the PM’s bank accounts a distraction and pointless, was appointed technical director of the FID.

Mr Chung does not have 12 years of law-enforcement experience. Sounds like the job requirements were adjusted to meet Mr Chung’s qualifications. The PNP has raised serious concerns about Mr Chung’s appointment due to his opinion on the PM’s bank accounts and has been quite stout in its opposition to the appointment of Mr Chung.

The same JLP that was concerned about Mr Lawrence knowing Mr. Campbell is now amazed at the PNP’s concerns and has accused the PNP of manufactured rage. Really!

HYPOCRISY

Some thoughts: Well, first, hypocrisy comes to mind. Second, how does the PM not see it is a bad look to appoint someone who has stated not privately, but publicly, what he stated. Third, the appointment of Chung can lead to the conclusion that the PM is a bit of a worried man and would like a sympathetic person at the FID because the PM’s financial affairs are questionable - to say the least. Fourth, the PM has stated that he takes his reputation very seriously. Really. If he did, then why not appoint someone who has not opined publicly as Mr Chung has. I am certain that there are many well-qualified candidates available.

Fifth, why was the 12-year law-enforcement requirement removed from the FID technical director job posting? It may be that 12 years of law enforcement is not a necessity to be an effective and competent technical director of the FID. But considering the PM’s IC problems, the removal of the 12 years’ law-enforcement requirement and the hiring of Chung create a very bad look. The PM could easily resolve this questionable situation. Have Mr Chung step down. There are others posts he can be given, and appoint someone else to be technical director of the FID. The failure to do so means that the PM is not just worried about his reputation. He may be worried about further scrutiny of his personal finances.

Mr Dennis Chung has a face that most people like. I am certain he knows that. I am certain he knows that he has to go out of his way to prove himself.

This may not even be an election breaker. Right now I believe that the JLP can win and Chung keep his job. Wish it didn’t have to be so.

Should Dennis act as forthright as I know he can be, the goal is for him to do the right thing and step aside. There is only one way to go forward.

Mark Wignall is a political and public affairs analyst. Send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com and mawigsr@gmail.com.