The Chinese are coming

Lance Neita, Contributor

China's great leap forward for interaction with the rest of the world has landed in Jamaica with the announcements of mega- partnerships in sugar, housing, construction, and other potential areas of interest.

This is a clear indication that China's strategic investment plan to spread its commercial influence across international borders includes Jamaica, which they regard as a natural hub for creating new business, shipping, and marketing ventures in the Caribbean.

The expansion of China is not one-sided, as it has also opened its doors to foreign investment in auto industry, computer technology, commerce, manufacturing, construction and other major enterprise.

Jamaica would be short-changed if we were left out of the economic miracle that is now taking place in the Far East. We are not strangers to China, and in terms of playing hosts, we have a cultural advantage based on some 150 years of Chinese integration and assimilation into the Jamaican society.

The first Chinese immigrants came in the 1850s, and by the year 1930, some 4,000 had immigrated to Jamaica. They came as indentured farmers, and in the early period were deployed to the large cultivations to work in the planting of coconuts, bananas and sugar cane.

The Chinese genius for trading came with the early immigrants, who started the line of grocery shops that become their trade marks across the country. Known colloquially as 'chiney shops' they could be found in almost every village and town and were the forerunners of the grocery and dry goods business establishments, including the supermarkets that first opened in Jamaica in the 1950s.

The 'chiney shop' of my village and boyhood days was manned by Shim and Madam. If the shop was empty, you would knock on the wooden counter and call out 'Serve'. Madam would appear mysteriously to fill the order of salt fish, corned meat, rice, flour, and cornmeal, and other basic items. If the order was substantial she would slip a mint ball into your hand, accompanied by a conspiratorial wink.

Significant importation

We will watch with interest if there is to be any significant importation of Chinese skills or labour attached to these new business ventures. However, this should not be the case, as the sugar industry, for example, is well staffed, managed and operated by Jamaicans with proven capabilities and years of experience.

The other concern expressed as a fear in some quarters is that China appears set on taking over the wheels of our industry. This suggestion should be dismissed as out-of-touch, with the concept of globalisation, which we have embraced. Our trade and commerce has, for years, been in and out of the hands of multinationals, as well as Jamaicans. The Syrians, the Jews, the Indians, the Chinese, the Americans, and the Europeans have been a part of our corporate landscape, establishing partnerships and dynasties in Jamaica that have served the country well.

In this instance of a new phase of foreign investment, we look to the government to protect our interests. The Chinese are adept at negotiation, and we must seek and share full disclosure of all conditions attached. The discussions appear to be moving smoothly and in a spirit of harmony.

Perhaps, now is the time to broker a deal for the upgrading and conversion of the Trelawny Greenfield Stadium in which the Chinese have some maternal interest, into a super sports development centre that would bring athletes and sportspersons from all over the world for training and world circuit events.

The Chinese and their disciplined approach to work, and the emphasis they place on education and family life, have set an example for the Jamaican society to emulate. Chinese-Jamaicans have made positive and lasting contributions to Jamaica's social and economic development.

They are no strangers in the house.

Comments may be sent to columns@gleanerjm.com or lanceneita@hotmail.com.