London's docklands thronged with thousands of people who came together to enjoy a day of Dragon Boat racing and cultural performances at the London Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival 2019, sponsored by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, London (London ETO) on June 30 (London time). The festival took place in London's Royal Albert Dock, opposite London City Airport, and helped raise money for Chinese charities in London.

     The teams taking part ranged from local community and city businesses to public organisations and charities, and included several British Dragon Boat Association teams. The London Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival is organised by the London Chinatown Lions Club, the London Chinese Community Centre and the Hong Kong Executives Club. A record number of 56 dragon boat teams took part in a full day of racing.

     Addressing the opening ceremony, the Director-General of the London ETO, Ms Priscilla To, said, "Dragon boat racing originated in ancient Chinese folklore more than two thousand years ago. To this date, it has become one of the most celebrated festivals all over the globe. 

     "Dragon boat racing has become a symbol of Hong Kong's strength, vitality and dynamism.   The excitement of the games, the colour of the racing boats and the flying flags, as well as the drums on the boat and the cheers of spectators all resemble the energy, the charm and the vibrancy of Hong Kong."

     Apart from the racing, the festival created a true carnival atmosphere. As well as the thrilling races, there was a main East West stage featuring a wide range of acts, including traditional Chinese lion dancing; live music from up-and-coming local artists; theatrical acts; dance performances; tai chi demonstrations and comedy acts. There was also a food festival allowing people to try traditional street food from Asia including Chinese, Japanese and Korean Cuisine.

     More information about the London Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival 2019 is available at www.lhkdbf.co.uk/.

          

Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:

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     Members of the public are advised to report any street flooding that comes to their notice to the Drainage Services Department by calling the 24-hour drainage hotline on 2300 1110.

     As the rainstorm warning has been issued by the Hong Kong Observatory, the Labour Department (LD) reminds employers and contractors that they should adopt necessary work arrangements and take suitable safety measures to protect the safety of their employees when they are carrying out electrical work or handling electrical plant.

     A spokesman for the LD said today (July 3) that employers and contractors should avoid assigning employees to carry out electrical work (like electric arc welding work) or handle electrical plant at places affected by rainstorms, and should refer to the "Code of Practice in times of Typhoons and Rainstorms" and the "Guide on Safety at Work in times of Inclement Weather" issued by the LD.

     Even if electrical work is carried out or electrical plant is handled at places not affected by the rainstorm, suitable safety measures must still be adopted to prevent electric shock as the air would be more humid. Such measures include:

(i) Ensure that all live parts of an electrical installation are isolated from the power supply source and rendered dead, and the isolation from the power supply source must be maintained as long as electrical work is being carried out;

(ii) Before carrying out any electrical work or handling any electrical plant, cut off and lock out the power supply source, then test the circuit concerned to confirm it is dead and display suitable warning notices, and issue a work permit thereafter;

(iii) Ensure that protective devices (such as suitable and adequate fuses and circuit breakers) for the electrical installations or electrical plant have been installed and maintained in good working order, and portable electric tools must be double-insulated or properly earthed;

(iv) Provide suitable personal protective equipment such as insulating gloves and insulating mats for employees; and

(v) If live electrical work is unavoidable, a comprehensive risk assessment should be conducted by a competent person and the appropriate safety precautions should be taken to remove or properly control the electrical hazards involved before such work can proceed.

     In addition, employees should co-operate with the employer or contractor to follow the safety instructions and use the safety equipment provided.

     The LD has published guidebooks and leaflets on electrical work safety. These safety publications are available free from divisional offices of the department or can be downloaded from its website (www.labour.gov.hk/eng/public/content2_8.htm).

     Should there be any questions about occupational safety and health matters, please contact the Occupational Safety Officer of the LD at 2559 2297.

     In response to an online media report saying that the Chief Executive has requested the People's Liberation Army to assist in handling the recent conflicts, a Government spokesman clarifies that the report is totally unfounded.

     The Government spokesman expressed deep regret over the untrue report by the media outlet involved.

     Art lovers and dealers have the opportunity to see works from one of Hong Kong's leading art fairs at the Fine Art Asia Showcase within Masterpiece London 2019, one of the key events in the art and design world, from June 27 – July 3 (London time). The Fine Art Asia Showcase features antique Chinese works of art and classical furniture, complemented by "New Ink" paintings by contemporary Chinese artists. The Showcase was organised by Hong Kong-based Fine Art Asia as part of an ongoing partnership with Masterpiece, and was supported by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, London (HKETO).

     Speaking at a reception to launch the Showcase on June 27 (London time), the Director-General of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Priscilla To, promoted Hong Kong's role as an international art trading hub in Asia: "Highly internationalised and yet with a rich heritage of the Chinese culture, Hong Kong is a colourful and exciting metropolis full of energy, creativity and vitality" she said. "Our arts and culture scene in recent years has been booming, and we are seeing a growing appetite for art and creative works in Hong Kong. We have also developed ourselves as one of the top locations in the world for art trading. Leveraging on our strengths in global connectivity, openness to trade and business, and vibrant business and professional services sectors, Hong Kong has become a hub for the international arts scene in Asia, with different art fairs and festivals setting up there to capitalise on the fast-growing Asian markets."

     Masterpiece London, which takes place at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, brings together collectors, exhibitors and curators from around the world to view collections of fine art, antiques and design from over 150 galleries across the globe. All the items on display are selected by committees of independent experts. As part of the partnership with Fine Art Asia, Masterpiece London will take 20 galleries to participate in the Fine Art Asia fair in Hong Kong in October. This signifies the close collaboration between London and Hong Kong on arts and culture.

     More information on the Fine Art Asia Showcase and on Masterpiece London 2019 can be found at www.masterpiecefair.com.