Tsang vows full efforts for Games, quake aid
Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen pledged Hong Kong would do its best in hosting the Olympic equestrian events and help in the country's post-quake reconstruction, as the special administrative region celebrated its 11th anniversary yesterday.
'Hong Kong is honoured to co-host the Olympic equestrian events, and we will do our best to make the events a great success to demonstrate that we are worthy of the trust bestowed upon us by our country,' he said, officiating at the government reception at the Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Having returned from the quake zone in Sichuan on Sunday, Mr Tsang repeated the city's readiness to provide help. 'While the devastating earthquake in Wenchuan shook the whole Chinese nation, we have demonstrated the virtue of 'When one place suffers misfortune, aid comes from all sides', and the solidarity, indomitable will and great courage of Chinese people.
'People of Hong Kong share the victims' sadness, showing great care and love for the families and making very generous donations. The Hong Kong SAR government will actively participate in the reconstruction to contribute to the country.'
The official handover celebration began with a flag-raising ceremony at Golden Bauhinia Square, Wan Chai, at 8am, followed by a sea parade and a fly-past by the disciplined services. About 1,000 members of the public attended, many wearing red caps and waving flags.
Mr Tsang and his wife, Selina Tsang Pou Siu-mei, shook hands with spectators before the ceremony, during which the chief executive received a petition from an elderly woman, who said: 'Please raise the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance amount. We are very poor.'
In a variety show celebrating the anniversary, several earthquake survivors from Sichuan shared their experiences with an audience of more than 10,000 at the Coliseum, where rescuers from the mainland and Hong Kong were honoured. The audience donated cash to be used for reconstruction work in Wenchuan county.
Newly appointed undersecretaries took part in the festivities. 'Eleven years ago I was at the Chief Executive's Office, helping with the handover ceremony. In a wink, it's already 11 years. I am very excited to stay in the government and continue to serve citizens,' said Undersecretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Raymond Tam Chi-yuen.
Undersecretary for Commerce and Economic Development Greg So Kam-leung said he felt honoured to attend the celebration as a government official for the first time.
About 10 members of the League of Social Democrats and April Fifth Action groups protested in Wan Chai before the flag-raising ceremony. They held banners, a wreath and a letter demanding vindication for members of the June 4 student movement for democracy on the mainland. Police blocked their progress to the venue, and they burned their protest letter before leaving.
