THE JAMAICA Employers Federation (JEF) said yesterday that statements made by Minister of Finance, Dr. Omar Davies, linking the Federation with thievery in the financial sector were "unacceptable and unwarranted" and is demanding an apology.
In a statement, marking its first official response to the controversial statements made by Dr. Davies at a People's National Party (PNP) North West St. Andrew meeting, the JEF said that it was unaware of any of its member's involvement in stealing from the financial sector, as claimed by the Minister. The JEF, headed by president Herbert Lewis, also said that it is not aware of anyone being convicted in any court of law in connection with the financial sector meltdown.
"The Jamaica Employers Federation wishes to assure the Minister, and the public in general, that it will never be supportive of any attempt by any individual or organisation involved in stealing or covering up of any corruption, whether in the public sector, private sector or political arena," said the Federation in a statement.
"We trust that the minister, in his usual frank and forthright manner, will see it fit to apologise to the federation and its members," the statement said.
Dr. Davies was quoted at a People's National Party North West St. Andrew meeting on February 9, as blasting the JEF for its criticism of the salary increase to parliamentarians. Dr. Davies said, "And when I hear the Employers Federation (talking), they know that I know how much them t'ief out of the financial sector, Labourites and Comrades, some of the names would shock you."
