The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels (HKETO, Brussels) supported the 5th Barcelona International Dragon Boat Fest (Festival) held on May 18 and 19 (Barcelona Time) in Castelldefels, Barcelona in Spain.

     Presenting awards on May 18, Deputy Representative of the HKETO, Brussels Ms Grace Li remarked that the dragon boat racing is a unique blending of power and tradition, bonding people and making unforgettable memories.

     Around 1000 participants and 39 dragon boat teams from 19 countries/regions took part in the competitions in the Festival. Apart from watching the competitions, visitors could experience the fun of the sport by rowing the dragon boat sponsored by the HKETO, Brussels and visit the Hong Kong booth to learn more about Hong Kong. 

    

      A large-scale exercise held biennially by the Civil Aid Service (CAS) concluded successfully today (May 19). This exercise was codenamed "Taurus".

      In a simulated scenario of a super typhoon striking Hong Kong, the CAS was deployed to assist in the rescue operation. The exercise was aimed at testing and evaluating the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the CAS's command and deployment, communication, rescue skills, care for victims and logistical support. 
 
      The exercise, taking place at the Fire and Ambulance Services Academy, was attended by over 500 CAS officers and members from operations, administration and support units. Sessions on a tropical cyclone and flood rescue, a mountain rescue, search and rescue in collapsed structure, fallen tree clearance and transferring casualties were included.

      Apart from simulating potential scenarios during a typhoon, various emergency situations were also designed, such as evacuating residents, rescuing victims from a flood and a collapsed structure, as well as conducting search and rescue operations from an endangered mountain area. By simulating different scenarios, the exercise effectively evaluated members' standard of rescue skills and their responsiveness during emergency operations. The performance of the members during the exercise met the standard required and the outcome of their training was fully demonstrated.

      The CAS will review and analyse the exercise reports and refine its training programmes and operational procedures to further enhance the operational efficiency and rescuing capability of members from all ranks.

                  

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

     Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (May 19) that due to big waves, red flag has been hoisted at Cheung Chau Tung Wan Beach in Islands District. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at the beach.

The following is issued on behalf of the Liquor Licensing Board:

     The Liquor Licensing Board will meet on Tuesday (May 21) to consider an application for renewal of a liquor licence.
               
     The application is:
 
New Territories:
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"Mei Mun Restaurant" in Yuen Long

     The meeting will be held at 9.45am in the conference room, Room 102, 1/F, 258 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai. Members of the public are welcome to attend.

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

     Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (May 19) that due to big waves, red flags have been hoisted at Stanley Main Beach, Shek O Beach and Big Wave Bay Beach in Southern District, Hong Kong Island; and Silverstrand Beach in Sai Kung District. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at these beaches.