Chinese Embassy acknowledges Ryan’s concerns and says its gov’t enterprises must abide by local laws and regulations

The action taken by Elton Ryan, the operator of Tappa Farms, has prompted an official response from the Chinese Embassy here.

For the past year, Ryan’s farm at North Sound has been negatively impacted by cement dust and other emissions from a neighbouring Chinese business – the China Civil Engineering and Construction Company (CCECC) – and he has been unable to get help from any government agency.

Accordingly, he staged a one-man picket outside the Paradise View embassy on Thursday, April 28.

Ryan’s action attracted the attention of the embassy’s staff and he has been promised an audience with Chinese officials today, Friday, April 30.

However, ahead of that meeting, the Embassy has issued a public statement that acknowledges the concerns expressed by the livestock farmer. 

It says the Chinese Government has always required that its enterprises operating in other countries abide by the laws and regulations of that state when carrying out economic activities.

Additionally, these Chinese businesses should also avoid any negative impact on the local environment and the people’s livelihood, a spokesperson says.

According to the Embassy, it hopes the issues brought to light can be properly resolved “through a fact-based and cordial consultation process between the CCECC” and Ryan in conformity with the laws of Antigua and Barbuda.  

Ryan has complained to all the relevant government agencies that the CCECC – which is a state-run entity of China – has put his life and livelihood at risk through its operation of a cement and concrete-block plant.

There is already a court case pending between Ryan and the Chinese company.