THE Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) yesterday expressed deep concern over persistent incidents of robbery committed on business places owned by Chinese nationals, many of whom are naturalized Guyanese. Consequently, the ministry has drawn its concerns, and that of the Private Sector, to the attention of the Commissioner of Police with a view to having the GPF take strong measures in order to provide the Chinese community with an appropriate comfort level, so that they can continue to carry on with their legitimate business in Guyana.  

The ministry, in a press statement yesterday, said that the action on the part of the police must be part and parcel of its overall law enforcement posture for the entire business community, and, by extension, the entire populace of Guyana.

The MoHA also observed, over the past months, a pattern of incidents whereby Chinese businesses are being targeted by criminal elements. It noted that, 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 resulting from these criminal attacks.

The ministry said further that it has not gone unnoticed that the incidents 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 and criminalization, and is also xenophobic in character, being aimed primarily against the Chinese community, the ministry declared.
It pointed out also that, from all indications, it appears as if the criminals have taken their cue from opposition elements who are behind this hostile campaign launched against Chinese nationals resident in this country.

Largest number
Meanwhile, the Home Affairs Ministry has also issued a reminder that the Chinese community constitutes the largest number of foreign nationals resident in Guyana, and this is followed by the Brazilians.  

Only recently, Guyana observed the 160th Anniversary of the arrival of the Chinese to these shores. The observance of this anniversary was celebrated in a big way, and saw mammoth and enthusiastic participation by the Guyanese people at an event held at the National Park to mark the occasion.

The MoHA has said it will continue to actively monitor the security environment of the Chinese community in particular, and the entire business community in general. Moreover, the ministry will adopt the necessary policy positions to influence the posture of the Guyana Police Force, in keeping with the latter entity’s mandate to ensure that public safety and security is maintained in the country, the press statement concluded.