THE constant attacks on Chinese nationals, their businesses and contributions to the local economy has been condemned by the Guyana-China Business Council.

The council issued a press release yesterday to the media, calling on them to be responsible in their  reportage and avoid publishing unsubstantiated information which has the capacity to create fear. That practice in itself, the release added, presents a security dilemma for the Chinese nationals and could diminish the interest of foreign investors’ who would like to inject much needed foreign capital into the economy of Guyana.
The council, in its release, reiterated that it stands by its original position that such investments must be continually implemented in accordance with vital social and economic requirements. In addition, it must be within the confines of international best practices for technological training, transfers and other mandates.
The release, which was sent by the public relations officer of the council, and was signed by Chairman Clinton Williams, pointed out that with the recent developments and current impasse, the council was forced to hold an extraordinary meeting where several issues were discussed on Friday last.
It was noted that the council views the investments made in Guyana by the Chinese Government and private business enterprises over the years as being crucial to the development of Guyana and its economy.
The council plans to strengthen the scope of its oversight and facilitation mandate in order to ensure that the China-based companies engaged in business on these shores are sufficiently familiar with the labour laws of Guyana, while ensuring that there is across-the-board compliance.
Over the past month, nationals of China have been coming in for some harsh, and in some cases, unjustified bashing from some sections of the society, and in some cases, sections of the media.
Among this bashing was the violation of their rights, when the photos of two Chinese who were before the court were circulated on social websites by a social activist who also infringed on their rights to earn when he stood in front of their business place turning away shoppers for reason only known to him.
This attack was taken to a next level when several political groups launched a campaign against the Chinese workers at the Marriott Hotel construction site after they thought that the Chinese were the only ones working there and no Guyanese were employed.
The recent attacks seemed more like a campaign on “anything Chinese”, one man was quoted as saying recently.