China’s Ambassador to Guyana, Guo Haiyan yesterday said that the Embassy will be working closely with the government to remind Chinese citizens to increase security measures to protect themselves.
The Ambassador praised the swift response of the police following the recent robberies of Chinese business establishments and stated that measures are being taken to ensure the safety of Chinese nationals. She mentioned that she had met with Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn and Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken to discuss these issues.
“We are happy that the police responded swiftly. I have paid a courtesy call to Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn and also Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken. We will work closely to remind Chinese citizens here to increase precautions to take more measures to protect themselves. And I’m happy that the police and government will also take measures to protect the life and interest of Chinese nationals and of course all citizens of Guyana,” Haiyan told members of the media during a press briefing yesterday.
During the briefing held at the Chinese Embassy on Mandela Avenue, the Chinese Ambassador to Guyana highlighted the importance of the collaboration between China and Guyana.
Asked how many Chinese citizens have migrated here over the last decade, Ambassador Haiyan estimated that the number is between 1,000 and 2,000, and noted that all Chinese citizens are being encouraged to register with the embassy. In recent years, concerns have been raised here about Chinese-owned supermarkets and hardware stores causing a miniaturization of the local trading sector.
On the topic of China’s global Belt and Road Initiative, Ambassador Haiyan mentioned that discussions are ongoing, and the relevant authorities are working on a detailed proposal for the initiative.
During her presentation, Haiyan said that “there is no fixed model for democracy. Despite the differences in political systems, she emphasized the importance of respecting each other’s models of democracy. She said that China’s “whole-process people’s democracy” may differ from the liberal or representative democracy of countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, like Guyana, but both models are working well for the respective nations.
“I think Guyanese people are proud of the democratic system here. I think it works and it suits the situational condition of Guyana. So, I don’t have many comments on that,” she stated.
Regarding the impact of China’s economic growth on Latin America and the Caribbean, Haiyan emphasized the potential for economic growth in Latin America and the Caribbean region through collaboration with China. She further mentioned that China’s economic growth can have a positive impact on other countries, including those in Latin America and the Caribbean, by increasing demand and providing opportunities for bilateral investments.
The concerns over the safety of Chinese nationals in Guyana were heightened by a tragic incident earlier this month, where Chinese national and supermarket owner, Yang Lisong, was murdered during a robbery at Eteringbang Landing in the Cuyuni River.
In light of the tragic incident, on March 19 Haiyan paid a visit to Benn to discuss the security of Chinese citizens in Guyana. Prior to this visit, on March 18, Deputy Commander of Regional Division #9, Deputy Superintendent Mohamed Ally, led an Outreach initiative along the commercial area in Lethem. Among the businesses visited were those owned by Chinese nationals.
On March 16, Deputy Commander Region No.3, Woman Superintendent Shellon Daniels led a sensitisation operation with other ranks regarding the security posture at 21 supermarkets operated by Chinese nationals from Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo to Windsor Forest, West Coast Demerara.
A release from the police said that during the outreach effort from 9 am to 1 pm, the team addressed and advised the proprietors to apply what the Laws of Guyana require regarding the posture and security of their business premises.
An inspection at one of the supermarkets (Police photo)
“During the visit to the 21 supermarkets, only one security guard was observed to be vigilant, alert, properly attired, and intact. The team observed other guards on their cellular phones; they had no bulletproof vests, uniforms, or firearms. Also, one hundred per cent (100%) of the security guards’ precepts were photocopied. During the operation, one firearm was seized and lodged”, the release said.
The proprietors without security were advised to urgently put systems in place to ensure safety during business hours, the release said. The proprietors were also advised that the security guards must not assist in packing shelves or groceries but rather stay alert and security-conscious of their surroundings.
