Chinese nationals warned to ensure documents valid

http://www.stabroeknews.com/index.pl/article?id=56531599

Chinese nationals warned to ensure documents valid
Stabroek News, Tuesday, October 23rd 2007

Chinese nationals residing in Guyana are being urged to ensure that all
their documents are in order to avoid having to face the full penalty
of the law, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported
yesterday.

During a meeting held yesterday at the Chinese Embassy to educate
nationals on the importance of proper documentation and the correct
procedure that should be used, Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee
urged that they take documentation seriously.

According to GINA, Rohee told them "Documentation is extremely
important. You always have to ensure that your documents are in order
and that your stay is regularized. The consequences could be very
severe because the law could be very unkind."

And the home affairs minister also advised the nationals to desist from
paying bribes and to use the relevant agencies to seek assistance - the
Ministry of Home Affairs, the Chinese Embassy, and the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs.

"I want to emphasize that you should avoid indulging in bribery. This
is not abiding by the laws of Guyana…," GINA quoted Rohee as saying.

Deputy Chief Immigration Officer George Vyhpuis, Permanent Secretary of
the Ministry of Home Affairs Angela Johnson, Director General of the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Elisabeth Harper and Chinese embassy
officials were also present at the meeting.

China's Ambassador to Guyana Zhang Jungao advised nationals to make an
effort to better understand the laws of Guyana and continue to make a
positive contribution to the development of the country.

"Abide by the laws of Guyana and learn more about it… Over the years
we (Chinese) have made significant contributions to the development of
this country and have also been able to better our diplomatic
relations. Let that continue," Jungao said, according to GINA.

Meanwhile the home affairs minister reaffirmed government's commitment
to fighting crime and zero in on the issue where Chinese nationals are
being targeted.

"We (government) have been following carefully the criminal activities
on the Chinese community. I can assure that the ministry and the police
are doing our best to address this issue… the government recognizes
the contribution of Chinese to Guyana and it is because of this it is
necessary for the government to ensure all nationals are comfortable
and live within the law," Rohee is quoted by GINA as saying.

Ambassador Jungao said: "I know that you are often victims of crime so
I advise the businessmen to install some safety measures at their
businesses and to close their shops earlier… I also hope that the
Chinese Association will also be more functional to enable a cohesive
force."