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SCMP Reporter

2003

May 30 InvestHK proposes a HK$1 billion fund to help restore the city's image after Sars

Sept 3 American Chamber of Commerce and InvestHK announce plans for Harbour Fest

Oct 11 The Rolling Stones are scrubbed from the Harbour Fest bill after failing to sign their contract. The band plays on November 7 and 9 after all. Mike Rowse, InvestHK?s director-general, says the band had received a deposit but forgotten to sign the contract

Oct 20 Financial Secretary Henry Tang Ying-yen says he is disappointed by poor ticket sales and blames AmCham's 'layman' status as a concert organiser

Oct 28 It emerges that Red Canvas, the company named in the contract to handle Harbour Fest, is owned by then AmCham chairman James Thompson and his wife

Nov 5 The government announces inquiry into handling of Harbour Fest

Nov 15 Legislators are told the government will have to foot all of the HK$100 million it promised to underwrite the festival. Ticket sales brought in HK$48 million out of HK$52 million in revenue, but costs ballooned to HK$153 million, with HK$89 million spent on artist fees

Dec 12 A two-person panel of inquiry is appointed

2004

May Following the panel?s report, the chief executive directs the secretary for the civil service to consider whether any action needs to be taken

August The Secretariat on Civil Service Discipline concludes there is a prima facie case of misconduct on the part of 'one civil servant', ie Mr Rowse

November Formal disciplinary hearing begins. The 12-session hearing ends in January 2005

2005

Early October Mr Rowse is told of the secretary for the civil service's decision to punish him with a severe reprimand, fine and warning

Mid October Mr Rowse appeals against the guilty verdict and punishment

Early 2006 Chief Secretary Rafael Hui Si-yan begins considering the appeal and upholds the findings and punishment

2007

January 26 Mr Rowse is informed of the decision



FACING THE MUSIC