The Ministry of Home Affairs today expressed deep concern over “persistent” robberies against the Chinese community and says it has drawn this to the attention of the Commissioner of Police with a view to having the force take strong measures.
In a statement, the ministry also contended that the surge in criminal attacks against members of the Chinese community coincides with a “politically inspired and orchestrated campaign by known opposition elements”. The opposition has rejected these claims noting that it has not criticized the Chinese community but raised concerns about the wisdom of the government allowing Chinese-only labour on the construction of the intended Marriott-branded hotel in Kingston.
The Ministry statement did not provide information on the number of attacks on Chinese businesses recently but associated itself with concerns recently raised by the Private Sector Commission and the Guyana/China Business Council.
“The Ministry of Home Affairs has noted over the past months a pattern of incidents whereby Chinese businesses are being targeted by criminal elements. In many cases the occurrences are reflected in petty robberies and in some cases robberies under arms. However, in the majority of cases the Chinese nationals suffer physical injuries as a result of these criminal attacks.
“The Ministry wishes to bring to the attention of the public that it has not gone unnoticed that this sudden surge in criminal attacks against members of the Chinese community in Guyana originated from and coincides with a politically inspired and orchestrated campaign by known opposition elements. This campaign is characterized by sustained and systematic efforts of vilification, criminalization and xenophobic in character aimed primarily against the Chinese community”, the statement said.
It then went on to state that it appears as if the criminals had “taken their cue from opposition elements who are behind the hostile campaign launched against Chinese nationals resident in our country.”
The Ministry said it had drawn its concerns and that of the Private Sector to the attention of the Commissioner of Police, Leroy Brumell with the intention of having the Force apply “strong investigative and corrective measures so as to provide the Chinese community with an appropriate comfort level so that they can continue to carry on with their legitimate business in Guyana.” It said that such action by the Police must be part of its overall law enforcement posture for the entire business community.
“The Ministry of Home Affairs wishes to remind that the Chinese community constitutes the largest number of foreign nationals resident in Guyana followed by the Brazilians”, statement said. The Ministry said it will continue to monitor the security environment of the Chinese community in particular and the entire business community in general.
It added that the Ministry will assume the necessary policy positions to influence the Police Force in keeping with its mandate to ensure public safety and security.
