THE Solomon Islands Chinese Association (SICA) has condemned in its strongest terms the ongoing attacks on Chinese business owners.
A statement from SICA yesterday (Saturday 12th February) said it is shocking to learn that in recent weeks there is an increased number of robberies, break and enters, home invasions and attacks on Chinese business owners.
The statement said it is more worrying that these criminals are armed with knives and other weapons as well as rock throwing.
It said the most recent incident involved a group of some 40 men who robbed and assaulted a Chinese business owner causing grievous bodily harm using knives and it happened almost adjacent to the China Town Police Post.
“Innocent and peace-loving Chinese are being hurt in these incidences.
“We also understand that other innocent individuals were also targeted and fell victims to these criminal activities.
“We call on the Commissioner of Police to increase police patrols and always maintain a high visibility.
“What is surprising is that all these criminal activities happened during curfew hours.
“Obviously, the enforcement of the curfew restrictions is lacking somewhere,” SICA said.
It said the Chinese business community endured the horrendous sufferings and incurred losses during the recent riots, lootings and burnings but it continued to support Solomon Islanders in need and the Government’s COVID-19 efforts.
“Chinese businesses contributed generously and swiftly again recently when the call by the Honourable Prime Minister to provide foodstuffs for peoples’ livelihood.
“Our members risk their own and that of their family’s health and safety, to collect and deliver these much-needed foodstuff.
“As disheartening as these recent incidences are, we continue to believe that the majority of Solomon Islanders are peace loving and God-fearing people and can be assured of our continual support whenever and wherever possible, as we have demonstrated time and time again over many decades, even during our country’s darkest moments in history,” SICA said.
Therefore, it called on all peace loving and law-abiding citizens as well as residents to support SICA in its call to condemn these criminal activities in the strongest possible terms.
“…report anyone that you are aware who are involved, to the police for their investigation and hopefully leading to arrests and convictions,” the statement said.
“We now need to, more than any time before, to channel all our energy and resources in supporting each other in the fight against COVID-19, and not on any criminal activities at all.
“May God continue to bless Solomon Islands and all its people from shore to shore.”
