The Chinese are buying up prime Jamaican properties and buildings right across the island....There is near total ownership of former black people's businesses in Spalding, Clarendon; Christiana, Manchester; and Alexandria and Brown's Town, St Ann..

Published July 10, 2015 Jamaica Gleaner

Dear Editor,

Dr Caroline Cooper brought out the most important story for a long while. Whether we turn a blind eye or we play hypocrites, it is staring us in the face — the increased property and community purchase by Chinese immigrants.

No longer are they temporary citizens, the Chinese are holding on to prime Jamaican properties and buildings right across the island. But Cooper is a little late with her story, as Hope Pastures is not the only area where there is a rush for properties. There is near total ownership of former black people's businesses in Spalding, Clarendon; Christiana, Manchester; and Alexandria and Brown's Town, St Ann.

While no one can deny people the right to acquire property, it smacks of the same behaviour demonstrated to the people of continental Africa in the areas of Zambia, South Africa, Namibia, Uganda, and Zimbabwe, where they conduct business and are now purchasing real estate for permanent abode.

While we invite and welcome foreigners, they should realise that they cannot trample on the rights of locals. Their failure to respect Jamaicans rights and privileges will only lead to a poor relationship and intolerance.

Maurice Christie

christiemaurice@yahoo.com