Cabinet has distanced itself from a recent controversial statement made by Junior Minister for Agriculture and land, Errol Ennis.

Ennis, in a letter to the editor of a newspaper, criticised the Financial Investigation Division (FID) for what he described as its "Gestapo-type" invasion of David Smith's Olint Corporation's offices last year. Olint is a high-interest investment club.

Speaking at the weekly post-Cabinet news conference at Jamaica House yesterday, Information Minister Donald Buchanan said: "The Cabinet's confidence in the Financial Services Commission remains firm. The Cabinet disassociates itself from Minister Ennis' pronouncements."

SUPPORT

The Financial Investigation Division provides support to the Financial Services Commission. Both entities fall under the Ministry of Finance and Planning.

According to Mr. Buchanan, Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller has appointed a team to meet with the junior minister to discuss his statement and to ascertain whether he was still maintaining his position on the issue.

It is believed that if Ennis refuses to withdraw his remarks he could face sanctions.