KINGSTON, Jamaica – President of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI) on Monday told members of the second city’s Chinese business community that she did not intend to give rise to any belief that Chinese nationals were being singled out for vilification.

She was speaking to representatives from the community at a meeting convened following the publication of recent articles in the media.

Henry had told The Gleaner earlier this month that, except for the older members of the Chinese community who have been here over the years, the Chinese have not been doing anything in their community.

The newspaper reported Henry as saying that the matter was discussed at a recent chamber meeting because “apparently it’s not unique to Montego Bay; it is something that is widespread throughout Jamaica”.

According to the report, Henry said the chamber would tell its members not to do business “with people who are not giving back to the community”. She also said the chamber would be meeting with the Chinese business operators and would tell them that they had a duty to give back to the community from which they were making a living.

A news release from the chamber Wednesday said, at the meeting, Henry explained that she had only intended to highlight an initiative to clean up downtown Montego Bay.

“… And considering the strong presence of Chinese-owned businesses, in that area of the city, it was agreed that for any initiative to bear fruit the Chinese business community would have to be engaged,” the release read.

Henry reportedly noted that in the past, dialogue with members of the Chinese community has borne less than desirable results and more efficient lines of communication would have to be established.

She noted that some Chinese business owners were offended by the statements attributed to her, and reassured that it was never her intention to offend. She pointed out that her reference to requiring support from the Chinese business operators was not in reference to financial terms but, rather in compliance with the “clean-up initiative”. She also indicated that her suggestion of censorship was the “naming and shaming” of businesses’ non-compliance with the National Solid Waste Management Act and it should be applied to all businesses.

The release said the meeting brought about “significant positives, foremost of which, is the reinvigorated relationship between the MBBCI and key stalwarts within the Chinese business community”.

It also said both parties have recommitted to championing the clean-up and revitalisation of downtown Montego Bay.