Prime Minister, Andrew Holness says Jamaica is not a xenophobic country.

Xenophobia is the dislike of, or prejudice against people from other countries.

The comments from the Prime Minister follow increasing concerns about the number of contracts received by Chinese firms, for major developments in Jamaica.

The issues have been raised, most recently by local contractors.

Earlier this month, the Fair Trading Commission (FTC) said it launched a probe into Chinese owned construction companies, operating in Jamaica.

The FTC says since January, it has been probing the companies after receiving complaints that the companies have an unfair advantage over local construction companies, when bidding for private sector projects.

Mr. Holness was speaking today (Apl 25) at the ground breaking ceremony for construction of an early childhood institution in Olympic Gardens, West Central St. Andrew, his constituency.

He said a Chinese firm would be constructing the school.

The Prime Minister says the government will not be giving away the country and Jamaica’s best interest will be put first.  However, he says the country must welcome investors.

The school project results from two agreements on economic and technical cooperation between Jamaica and China.

A grant in the amount of CNY 43.12 m will be disbursed, during the construction phase.

The National Education Trust (NET) is the project manager.