United they stand: Democracy protests bond Hongkongers from all walks of life

Politicians, democracy advocates, lawmakers, senior citizens and young students – all converged on the harbourfront in Admiralty to defend a site where the city’s political landscape could be reshaped forever.

Many had rushed to the government headquarters after waking up to the news that Occupy Central had begun in the early hours of yesterday.

Among them was Mrs To, a silver-haired 92-year-old, who did not tell her civil servant son she was going to Tim Mei Avenue to be with the protesters. She would wait to be arrested, she said, and hoped someone like veteran Democrat Martin Lee Chu-ming could bail her out.

“When I heard [Benny] Tai say Occupy had started after I woke up, I immediately packed my backpack and came – ready to be jailed. The pursuit of democracy is worth my sacrifice,” said To, adding that the Communist Party could not be trusted.
Ng Tim, 82, was accompanied by her daughter.

“I came here to support the poor students. I came from the mainland when my land was seized by the communists. Years on, they are just as bad, forcing the younger generations to suffer to this extent. I support democracy.”

Also showing support to the students and the Occupy sit-in was 60-year-old Kim Yeung. “After learning that it had kicked-off, I felt obliged to come,” she said.

But youngsters were also keen to get involved. Among them was Andrew Wong Chun-hin, 14, who said: “There is no reason for adults to shoulder the responsibility alone.”