kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
CE visits residents of transitional housing
29.10.2020

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (October 29) visited Nam Cheong 220, the first transitional housing project adopting the modular integrated construction (MiC) method in Nam Cheong Street, Sham Shui Po. She also visited two family households there to learn about their lives. Accompanied by Mr Bernard Chan, Chairperson of the Hong Kong Council of Social Service (HKCSS) which initiated the project; the HKCSS Chief Executive, Mr Chua Hoi-wai; Chairman of the Board of Directors of Tung Wah Group of Hospitals (TWGHs), Ms Ginny Man; and TWGHs Chief Executive, Mr Albert Su, Mrs Lam toured the project which was completed in August this year. Construction works started in December last year, adopting MiC technology which used construction components prefabricated in factories and transported to the site for assembly, taking only a little more than eight months to complete. It consists of a four-storey building which provides 89 one-to-three-person flats to accommodate about 160 people. As of now, most of the residents have already moved in. Nam Cheong 220, with the land lent by Henderson Land Development Co Ltd, is co-ordinated by the HKCSS and operated by TWGHs. The Community Care Fund subsidised the procurement and set-up of the modular housing units; the Charities Trust under the Hong Kong Jockey Club funded the operation; relevant professional teams gave advice and supervised the works; and the Government provided support in terms of policy and construction techniques. The project was completed with collaborative efforts, achieving a tripartite partnership of the community, the business sector and the Government. Mrs Lam visited two family households which moved to the units of Nam Cheong 220 from aged buildings nearby. She was pleased to learn that the households were satisfied with the improvement of their living environment and the alleviation of their rent burden. Both families appreciated very much the efforts of TWGHs in promoting the spirit of mutual help in Nam Cheong 220. "Transitional housing is a more immediate solution for low-income persons and families who have been waiting for public rental housing for more than three years and living in deplorable conditions with urgent housing needs. In the Policy Address last year, I pledged to provide a total of 10 000 transitional housing units within the next three years. I further raised the target to 15 000 units early this year and increased the provision for transitional housing from $2 billion to $5 billion to assist and support non-governmental organisations to participate in transitional housing projects. At present, land capable of providing 12 700 units has been identified. I would like to thank all community groups, developers, professional/technical organisations and relevant public and private organisations which have participated in promoting transitional housing. I hope that with the concerted efforts of various sectors, more transitional housing projects will be rolled out sooner rather than later," Mrs Lam said. Ends/Thursday, October 29, 2020 Issued at HKT 21:50 NNNN
Government announces appointment of Panel Judge under Interception of Communications and Surveillance Ordinance
23.10.2020

The Government announced today (October 23) that the Chief Executive, on the recommendation of the Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal, has appointed Mr Justice Poon Siu-tung as a Panel Judge under the Interception of Communications and Surveillance Ordinance (Chapter 589). Under the Ordinance, the Chief Executive shall, on the recommendation of the Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal, appoint three to six eligible judges as Panel Judges to consider applications for authorisations of interception and Type 1 surveillance and for device retrieval warrants. Under the Ordinance, "eligible judge" means a judge of the Court of First Instance. The Chief Executive has appointed Mr Justice Poon to succeed Mr Justice Mohan Tarachand Bharwaney as a Panel Judge under the Ordinance for a term of three years from October 25, 2020, to October 24, 2023. Mr Justice Poon was born in Hong Kong in 1967. He obtained an LL.B. and a P.C.LL. from the University of Hong Kong in 1990 and 1993 respectively. He was called to the Bar in Hong Kong in 1994 and was in private practice between 1994 and 2002. He was appointed as Permanent Magistrate in 2002, as District Judge in 2009 and as the Chief District Judge in 2012. He was appointed as Judge of the Court of First Instance of the High Court in 2019. The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, said, "I am grateful to Mr Justice Mohan Tarachand Bharwaney for his full dedication in handling the law enforcement agencies' applications for authorisations under the Ordinance since his appointment in 2014. I am confident that Mr Justice Poon Siu-tung will work with the other two incumbent Panel Judges, Mr Justice Barnabas Fung Wah and Madam Justice Lisa Wong Kwok-ying, to make use of their expertise and experience to ensure the effective operation of the regulatory regime under the Ordinance." The Ordinance provides a comprehensive statutory framework for regulating the conduct of interception and covert surveillance by law enforcement agencies, and aims to strike a balance between maintaining law and order and protecting the privacy rights of individuals. Under the Ordinance, Panel Judges shall consider applications for authorisations of interception and Type 1 surveillance and for device retrieval warrants. Ends/Friday, October 23, 2020 Issued at HKT 15:00 NNNN
Acting CE visits Emergency Monitoring and Support Centre
13.10.2020

The Acting Chief Executive, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, visited the Emergency Monitoring and Support Centre (EMSC) of the Security Bureau this morning (October 13) and was briefed on the latest position of Tropical Cyclone Nangka and the measures and work undertaken by relevant departments and agencies. Tropical Cyclone Nangka is the second Gale or Storm with Signal No. 8 issued by the Hong Kong Observatory this year. In order to cope with the potentially serious threats brought about by typhoons, the relevant government departments have already been well prepared, including an inter-departmental pre-typhoon table-top exercise held by the Security Bureau in May this year to test the preparedness, response and recovery capabilities of relevant bureaux and departments. As the level of threat of typhoons hitting Hong Kong could be affected by various factors, relevant departments have stayed in close liaison since the exercise, with a view to facilitating the Government’s assessment of the situation and drawing up plans and measures in response. Mr Cheung expressed appreciation to colleagues and staff members in other organisations for staying vigilant in discharging their duties and closely monitoring the situation in all districts with a view to taking immediate action to handle emergencies so as to protect the lives and property of Hong Kong people. Mr Cheung urges all residents to take proper precautionary measures, remain at safe places and pay close attention to the latest information released by the Government on Tropical Cyclone Nangka. The EMSC is activated when the no. 8 gale or storm signal is hoisted to co-ordinate the resources and emergency response operations across various government departments. Ends/Tuesday, October 13, 2020 Issued at HKT 8:28 NNNN
Delivery date of Policy Address postponed
12.10.2020

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, announced at a media session today (October 12) that the 2020 Policy Address scheduled for release on Wednesday (October 14) will be postponed. Detailed arrangements will be announced in due course. In accordance with section 9(2) of the Legislative Council Ordinance (Cap. 542), Mrs Lam in the Government Gazette published on August 21 specified October 14 as the date on which the 2020-2021 ordinary session of the Legislative Council (LegCo) is to begin. Following the postponement of the delivery of the 2020 Policy Address, the President of the LegCo announced that four Government bills, which were pending the resumption of Second Reading debate before the end of the 2019-2020 legislative year, will be dealt with in the LegCo meeting on October 14. They are the Statute Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2019, the Fisheries Protection (Amendment) Bill 2019, the Broadcasting and Telecommunications Legislation (Amendment) Bill 2019 and the Freight Containers (Safety) (Amendment) Bill 2019. Relevant government bureaux will facilitate the LegCo's scrutiny of the bills. All government bureaux will continue to take forward their work in various areas, and will promulgate and implement initiatives as soon as possible once ready. Ends/Monday, October 12, 2020 Issued at HKT 17:49 NNNN
Senior judicial appointment: non-permanent judge from another common law jurisdiction of the Court of Final Appeal
5.10.2020

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, has accepted the recommendation of the Judicial Officers Recommendation Commission (JORC) on the appointment of the Right Honourable Lord Patrick Hodge (Lord Hodge) as a non-permanent judge from another common law jurisdiction of the Court of Final Appeal. Subject to the endorsement of the Legislative Council, the Chief Executive will make the appointment under Article 88 of the Basic Law. Mrs Lam said, "I am pleased to accept the JORC's recommendation on the appointment of Lord Hodge as a non-permanent judge from another common law jurisdiction of the Court of Final Appeal. Lord Hodge has been appointed as Deputy President of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom since February 2020. He is a judge of eminent standing and reputation. I am confident that he will be a great asset to the Court of Final Appeal." "With the appointment of Lord Hodge, the panel of non-permanent judges from other common law jurisdictions will consist of 14 eminent judges from the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada. The presence of these esteemed non-permanent judges manifests the judicial independence of Hong Kong, helps maintain a high degree of confidence in our legal system, and allows Hong Kong to maintain strong links with other common law jurisdictions. I have every confidence that these distinguished jurists from overseas with profound judicial experience will continue to be a unique strength of our judicial system," Mrs Lam said. The Court of Final Appeal is constituted by five judges when hearing and determining appeals. Since July 1, 1997, apart from very few exceptions, one of the judges has invariably been drawn from the list of non-permanent judges from other common law jurisdictions to hear a substantive appeal in the Court of Final Appeal. Article 90 of the Basic Law provides that the Chief Executive shall obtain the endorsement of the Legislative Council on the appointment of judges of the Court of Final Appeal. The Government will seek the endorsement of the Legislative Council of the recommended appointment in due course. The curriculum vitae of Lord Hodge is at Annex. Ends/Monday, October 5, 2020 Issued at HKT 10:30 NNNN
Celebrations to mark 71st National Day
29.9.2020

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, and senior government officials will attend a flag-raising ceremony and a National Day reception on October 1 (Thursday) to celebrate the 71st anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. The flag-raising ceremony will be held at Golden Bauhinia Square outside the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) in Wan Chai at 8am. The Police Band will perform at the ceremony and two singers, Chen Chen and Louise Kwong, will sing the national anthem, followed by a fly-past and a sea parade by the disciplined services. In view of the current public health risk, no public viewing area will be set up for the flag-raising ceremony on October 1. The celebration reception, led by the Chief Executive, will be held at the Grand Hall on Level 3 of the HKCEC after the flag-raising ceremony. Motorists are reminded that Golden Bauhinia Square and the nearby area will be designated as a restricted zone by the Police. Ends/Tuesday, September 29, 2020 Issued at HKT 16:00 NNNN
Ninth meeting of Chief Executive&apos;s Council of Advisers on Innovation and Strategic Development held
8.9.2020

The Chief Executive's Council of Advisers on Innovation and Strategic Development held its ninth meeting today (September 8) to exchange views on the latest situation in Hong Kong and to provide input to the Chief Executive's 2020 Policy Address. At the meeting, members were briefed on the multifaceted crisis facing Hong Kong, including the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic, the international perception of the Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (National Security Law) and the US sanctions unjustifiably imposed on Hong Kong. Members agreed that "one country, two systems" is the best institutional arrangement to ensure Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability, noting that the National Security Law has restored stability and would give Hong Kong more opportunities to participate in national development. The Chief Executive emphasised that it would be of paramount importance to maintain Hong Kong's international status as a financial, aviation, maritime and technology hub. She highlighted Hong Kong's role in the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, as well as the Government's efforts on further consolidating Hong Kong's status as an international financial centre. Members gave suggestions on how to grasp the opportunities arising from integration into the national development and co-operation with other Asian economies, and recommended that the Government should step up promotion to overseas countries and the Mainland. The Chief Executive shared with members that while the current wave of COVID-19 has been fading, plans are in hand to get Hong Kong more prepared for a winter surge. Members deliberated on the experience gained from fighting against COVID-19 and agreed that there should be wider application of technology in business operations to minimise chances of infection. Members were generally of the view that while government support measures are essential, the fiscal challenge would render such intervention unsustainable. The Government and society as a whole should focus on economic recovery, and resumption of cross-boundary and international travel is crucial. The Council is a high-level body to give advice on Hong Kong's strategic positioning in the global and regional contexts and directions of economic development, provide guidance on evidence-based research and studies on related issues, and advise on stakeholder engagement and public participation in the policy formulation and consensus building process. Ends/Tuesday, September 8, 2020 Issued at HKT 21:12 NNNN
CE visits community testing centres at Kowloon City Sports Centre and To Kwa Wan Sports Centre
7.9.2020

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (September 7) visited two community testing centres at Kowloon City Sports Centre and To Kwa Wan Sports Centre to learn more about their operation as the Universal Community Testing Programme (UCTP) enters its second week and to thank the healthcare workers and staff members for their dedication and hard work. The healthcare workers of the two community testing centres come from St Teresa's Hospital and Evangel Hospital respectively. Mrs Lam listened to briefings by staff members on the operation of the community testing centres over the past week and expressed her sincere gratitude to medical superintendent of St Teresa's Hospital Dr Wong Chi-ming and medical superintendent of Evangel Hospital Dr Winnie Ng as well as the healthcare workers and staff members at the centres. She said that, with their hard work and active participation by members of the public, the UCTP has been running smoothly with a number of asymptomatic patients identified, thereby contributing to the fight against the virus. Mrs Lam also chatted with members of the public who underwent tests and said she was pleased to note that they were satisfied with the arrangement of the programme. Mrs Lam pointed out that the Government last week decided to extend the UCTP to September 11, and said that it is reviewing the operation of various community testing centres and the public's demand for the testing service to decide whether to further extend the programme. She appealed to members of the public to seize the opportunity to take part in the programme to help the Government identify asymptomatic patients in the community early, thereby enabling the resumption of people's daily lives and economic activities in safe circumstances. She also urged employers of various sectors to encourage their staff members to participate in the UCTP in order to protect the health of the employees and clients, and to boost the confidence of the Government in relaxing the social distancing measures gradually. Details of the UCTP are available on the dedicated website www.communitytest.gov.hk . Ends/Monday, September 7, 2020 Issued at HKT 21:10 NNNN
CE visits community testing centres at Wong Nai Chung Sports Centre and Queen Elizabeth Stadium
4.9.2020

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, visited community testing centres at Wong Nai Chung Sports Centre in Happy Valley and Queen Elizabeth Stadium in Wan Chai this evening (September 4) to learn more about the operation of the Universal Community Testing Programme (UCTP) since its commencement on September 1, and to give encouragement to the healthcare workers and staff members. Accompanied by the Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Patrick Nip, and the Secretary for Food and Health, Professor Sophia Chan, Mrs Lam first visited the community testing centre at Wong Nai Chung Sports Centre. The healthcare personnel of the testing centre came from the Hong Kong Sanatorium and Hospital (HKSH). Mrs Lam was briefed by the hospital's Medical Superintendent, Dr Walton Li, on the testing centre's operation over the past few days. She also talked to the healthcare personnel and other staff members, expressing her gratitude for their contributions. Mrs Lam was pleased to note that the HKSH had formed a healthcare team with more than 200 members comprising doctors, nurses and physiotherapists in response to the call by the Government to the healthcare sector earlier to help with specimen collections for members of the public at two testing centres. She thanked the HKSH for its staunch support for the UCTP, praising them for being an important partner of the Government in its fight against the virus. Mrs Lam and the other officials then visited the community testing centre at Queen Elizabeth Stadium. The overall operation of the centre is led by dental and nursing staff from the Department of Health (DH). Mrs Lam was briefed on the operation of the centre and people’s reaction to the programme over the past few days by the Director of Health, Dr Constance Chan. Mrs Lam expressed her gratitude to the DH colleagues for fighting the virus at the forefront since the onset of the epidemic early this year, demonstrating in full their professionalism and contributions to public health. Mrs Lam also chatted with members of the public who underwent tests. Pleased to note that they were satisfied with the arrangement of the programme, she appealed to them to encourage their relatives and friends to take part as well. After reviewing the data and experience from the operation of the UCTP, as well as the public's demand for the testing service, the Government today announced that the UCTP will be extended for four days to September 11 to enable more people to receive tests. "The UCTP is identifying asymptomatic patients in the community for us, thereby cutting the virus transmission chains and helping Hong Kong get through the epidemic early. I appeal to members of the public to sign up to make appointments for testing immediately," Mrs Lam said. Details of the UCTP are available on the dedicated website www.communitytest.gov.hk . Ends/Friday, September 4, 2020 Issued at HKT 22:16 NNNN
CE visits community testing centre at Lai Chi Kok Park Sports Centre
1.9.2020

To identify asymptomatic COVID-19 patients and to cut the transmission chains in the community, the Government today (September 1) launched the Universal Community Testing Programme (UCTP) to provide a one-off free testing service for members of the public at 141 community testing centres. The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, accompanied by the Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Patrick Nip and the Secretary for Food and Health, Professor Sophia Chan, visited the community testing centre at Lai Chi Kok Park Sports Centre this evening to inspect its operation on the first day of the launch of the UCTP and to give encouragement to the staff members. Mrs Lam was briefed by a staff member of the community testing centre on its manpower deployment, centre design and workflow. He also shared with her the operational experience of the centre today. She was pleased to note that the centre operated smoothly and conducted tests for more than 1 000 people today, and that all the necessary procedures were completed in accordance with the infection control and social distancing measures implemented at the centre by all the staff and members of the public who underwent tests. Mrs Lam chatted with a member of the public who was satisfied with the arrangement of the programme. The healthcare personnel of the testing centre came from the School of Nursing of Tung Wah College and was led by a lecturer of the College, who is also a registered nurse. Mrs Lam expressed her gratitude to the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals (TWGHs), Ms Ginny Man who received her at the centre, for the support of TWGHs for the UCTP by arranging healthcare personnel to help with specimen collection for members of the public at two testing centres. Mrs Lam also talked to the healthcare personnel and other staff members of the centre, expressing her appreciation for their participation and dedication and giving encouragement to those who will continue to serve in the following days. Mrs Lam said that the Government has decided to increase the test quota for the public to make appointments after reviewing the operation of the programme today. She expressed the hope that members of the public can make good use of the programme and sign up for tests proactively. "The UCTP can help us identify asymptomatic patients in the community and curb the epidemic early, thereby enabling the resumption of economic activities and social lives which people have longed for. The testing process is safe, convenient and quick while privacy is protected. I appeal to members of the public to sign up now to protect oneself and others." Details of the UCTP are available on the dedicated website www.communitytest.gov.hk . Ends/Tuesday, September 1, 2020 Issued at HKT 23:06 NNNN