The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (January 19) following up on two clusters of Candida auris carrier cases involving a total of 13 residents from two residential care homes for the… read more
Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, at a media session on enhanced arrangements on promoting municipal solid waste charging at the lobby of West Wing, Central Government Offices, today (January 19):
Reporter: Would you or anyone from the relevant Government departments need to be held responsible for the postponement of this municipal (solid) waste charging scheme? Would this affect the Government’s credibility and the waste charging scheme’s future rollout? The second question, by postponing the plan until August, what does the Government hope to address specifically, such as the implementation of the scheme with the support of some communities affected by the scheme? Are you confident that you can solve these issues before August? The last question, what is the logic and rationale of allowing the Government to implement the waste charging scheme first? Wouldn’t the same problem exist in the scheme when you launch it later? Would pushing the implementation period and the six-month transition period into the holidays and beyond affect the trash collection efficiency?
Secretary for Environment and Ecology: As I have explained, in this week, I noted many discussions and questions raised by various sectors and the community about waste charging. Many people expressed their concern to me that the general public do not understand how waste charging will be implemented and the related details. I think as a responsible Government, we would like to implement waste charging successfully and smoothly and therefore I believe it is just a responsible act for us to put more time into education so that when we implement waste charging it will be implemented successfully and smoothly. I must also emphasise that we will not only just put more time into publicity and education, but also put forward a new approach, that is, we will put forward demonstrations so that different people, different sectors and the public can actually see how waste charging will be in operation, how it is operated and if you have some minor problems, how they will be resolved, etc. I think it is the best way.
You have asked about (the rationale of) the Government doing it first, will it actually help? I think the answer is certainly. When the Government is going to do it, then we will have real operation cases for people to observe. It is not only for people to observe, we will make use of those demonstrations to take movie (video) and bring the media and the public to look at it so that people can see the real thing and how it operates. People will ease their mind and know the details. I think that will help the implementation of the scheme in the future.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.) read more
The Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, today (January 19) expressed deep sorrow over the death of a fireman, Mr Yau Yiu-man, who passed away while on duty at Penny’s Bay. Mr Tang sent his deepest condolences to Mr Yau’s family.
Mr Tang said, “The Fire Services Department will make every effort to provide necessary support to help Mr Yau’s family through this difficult time.” read more
The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, today (January 19) expressed support for and agreement with the decision of the Hong Kong Arts Development Council (HKADC) regarding the funding arrangement for the Hong Kong Drama Awards.
“Government departments and government-funded organisations are obliged to ensure public funds and resources are used properly, and for supporting projects with appropriate content only. After prudent discussion and review, the HKADC considered the content and arrangement of the 31st Hong Kong Drama Awards not appropriate, and decided to reduce the funding support for that round of the Awards. It is reasonable and legitimate for the HKADC to ensure public funds will only subsidise and support arts programmes with appropriate content. The decision of the HKADC meets the requirement and expectation of the Government,” Mr Yeung stressed.
“Whether or not any cultural and artistic programmes should be supported by public funds is a question of the proper use of resources, and has nothing to do with restrictions on creativity. There are opinions that the HKADC’s decision will affect or even stifle room for creativity. The Government believes that this is putting the cart before the horse and is confusing to the public. The Government does not agree with such unreasonable remarks,” he said.
“The Government firmly supports all government-funded organisations to discharge their responsibilities and ensure the appropriate use of public funds and resources, while promoting the development of arts and culture,” he reiterated. read more
The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mrs Ingrid Yeung, today (January 19) expressed deep sorrow over the passing of a fireman, Mr Yau Yiu-man, who was sent to hospital due to discomfort during his work at Penny’s Bay and then passed away. She extended her deepest condolences to Mr Yau’s family.
Mr Yau served the Fire Services Department (FSD) for over 31 years. The Civil Service Bureau is in contact with the FSD to make every effort to help the family during this sad and difficult period. read more