"Don't expect me to treat any Chinese national better than any other citizen of T&T." These were the words of National Security Minister Jack Warner as he responded to statements from the relatives of murdered Chinese couple Yang Jiang Hua and Wu Xia Hua, who were shot dead during a robbery at their Cunupia restaurant on July 13.
Relatives said they were disappointed at the slow pace of investigations and the inability of the police to find the killers. But speaking to reporters after opening two roads at Claxton Bay yesterday, Warner said he was doing all that he could to help the family. He also said that he did not know what more was expected of him.
"I met with them a week ago. I went to their home and met with them and I asked the police to accelerate the investigation. I have asked for an inquiry into the conduct of the two police officers who were slow in responding to the crime. I have written to the Chinese Embassy to give condolences. I told them that we will work harder to catch the offenders. I also told the Chinese community to reopen their business that I will do more patrols to protect them but apart from that, I don't know what else they expect," Warner said.
He added: "But I am telling you again that I will not treat them any better than the people of this country or any better than any national of T&T," Warner added. Asked to give an update on the murder, Warner said this will be done by the Commissioner of Police Dwayne Gibbs.
Meanwhile, first vice-president of Toy Shang Association, Robert Chin Ching, said it was possible that the comments made by Hua's relatives were misconstrued. He said the language barriers were a problem in comprehending statements. He explained that a meeting will be sought with Warner to discuss how the Government can protect the Chinese community from crime.
Chin Ching added that crime was a national problem that must be addressed. The China Society and its subsidiary groups-Sun Wai Association, Toy Shan Association, Fui Tong On Association, Chinese Civic Association, Chinese Association of T&T St Ann's and Chung Shan Association held emergency meetings last week to discuss the increase of crimes.
President of the China Society Yung Gen Siu said too many Chinese nationals were being targeted. Secretary of the China Society, Michael Lee said many of the crimes go unreported. Xia Hua, 60, and her husband Yang Jiang Hua, 59, were shot at Tiger's Chinese Restaurant and Bar at 30 Southern Main Road, Cunupia. Xia Hua died on the spot and Jiang Hua died hours later at hospital.