â€‹The Hong Kong Observatory Calendar 2024 is on sale today (November 24).
 
     The calendar displays beautiful photos of weather and optical phenomena contributed by photography enthusiasts through the Community Weather Observing Scheme. Members of the public can appreciate the wonders of nature through these photos, which include scenes of double rainbows, asperitas and radiation fog. The Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) wishes that the photos will encourage the general public to protect the environment, be aware of climate change and its impacts, and embrace a greener lifestyle.
 
     Each calendar photo has a QR code that allows readers to access information about the photo. The calendar also contains climate and astronomical information, including monthly climatological data and special climatological events, the times for the rising and setting of the sun and the moon, as well as tidal information.
 
     At $28 a copy, the calendar is available for sale at the online Government Bookstore, the HKO Resource Centre, the Publications Sales Unit of the Information Services Department and the Kowloon Map Publications Centre of the Lands Department.

     The Lands Department announced today (November 24) that demand notes for Government rent in excess of $100 per annum for the half year ending December 25 in respect of properties subject to the Government Leases Ordinance (Cap. 40) and certain other properties have been issued.

     Payers can settle Government rent through various electronic means including autopay, bank automated teller machines, e-Cheque/e-Cashier's Order, the Faster Payment System, payment by phone service (PPS), and bill payment services provided by banks and PPS on the Internet. Payment may also be made in person and in cash at designated convenience stores. For details, please visit the Treasury's website at www.try.gov.hk.

     Payment may be made by sending a crossed cheque to PO Box No. 28000, Gloucester Road Post Office, Hong Kong, or in person at any post office. Please ensure sufficient mailing time and postage to make the delivery in order. Underpaid mail will be rejected. For locations of post offices and their opening hours, please call Hongkong Post's enquiry hotline at 2921 2222 or visit its website at www.hongkongpost.hk.

     Government rent payers who have not received their demand notes should enquire at the Government Rent and Premium Unit of the Lands Department at 1/F, North Point Government Offices, 333 Java Road, North Point, Hong Kong, or call 2231 3033.

     Purchasers of properties are strongly advised to instruct their solicitors to ensure that Government rent has been paid to date at the time of purchase. Enquiries on outstanding accounts can be made at 2231 3033 or by email to landsd@landsd.gov.hk. An enquiry fee is payable for each property if a written confirmation of accounts position is needed.

     The 2023 Honours and Awards Presentation Ceremony will be held tomorrow (November 25) at the ballroom of Government House. The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, will present honours and awards at the ceremony.

     The first session of the ceremony will be broadcast live from 9.30am tomorrow. Members of the public can view it on the website of the Information Services Department (webcast.info.gov.hk) and the news.gov.hk's Facebook page (www.facebook.com/govnews.hk). Radio Television Hong Kong TV 32 will also broadcast the first session of the ceremony.

     The 2023 Honours List was announced on July 1 (www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202307/01/P2023063000277.htm?fontSize=3).

     A spokesman for the Development Bureau (DEVB) said today (November 24) that the Government attached great importance to construction site safety. In response to the fatal industrial incident on a private works site at the Peak yesterday (November 23), the DEVB, being the party to procure services for public works, has suspended the contractor concerned from tendering for public works contracts pursuant to the regulating regime. 

     The spokesman said that the contractor concerned was under the List of Approved Contractors for Public Works (the List). The DEVB issued a notification to the contractor concerned yesterday evening to suspend it from tendering for public works contracts in site formation category with immediate effect. The contractor concerned has to conduct an independent safety audit to review its safety management system. Taking cognisance of the outcome of the independent safety audit, the contractor is required to submit an improvement action plan and implement improvement measures, with a view to demonstrating that it has an effective safety management system before uplifting of the suspension from tendering can be considered. The suspension from tendering is not only confined to future tender exercises, but is also applicable to tender exercises with procedures initiated but not concluded.

     Relevant government department is investigating this industrial incident and will handle it in accordance with the law. Subject to the investigation findings, the DEVB will impose further regulating actions on the contractor concerned later on, including extension of the period of suspension from tendering for public works contracts and even removal from the List.

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 (November 24) that due to big waves, the red flag has been hoisted at Deep Water Bay Beach in Southern District, Hong Kong Island. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at the beach.