Hong Kong’s protests are hurting small businesses and costing people their jobs. Who is speaking for them?

A few days ago a friend sent me a photograph he had taken of a “Free Hong Kong” poster via WhatsApp. He had taken the photo while on holiday in Portugal, so effective is the distribution of a simple message.

What about the voice of our government or for that matter our chambers of commerce?

All we hear from them are ritual and ineffective condemnations of violence or statements about the losses to the economy.

And yet, every day, small businesses struggle to survive, putting at risk the livelihoods of not just their owners but also their employees and suppliers. Retailers are having a terrible time. In the food and beverage industry, employees are either being laid off or going on unpaid leave. They are suffering. Employment opportunities in many larger companies are drying up, vacant posts are not being filled.

Who in our society is gathering this data and speaking for these people?

Thousands of jobs and businesses are at risk and all the government does is organise an awkward debate with 150 people.

It is indeed difficult to negotiate with a protest movement that has no leaders. But an intelligent government would recognise that violent protesters are in the minority and that many peaceful protesters may be willing to support a political solution led by a government that not only understands the concerns of the many but has effective policy solutions to offer.

At present, the government is not in working order. If Beijing does step in, local incompetence will be largely to blame.

David Hall, Mid-Levels

A leadership strategy for Carrie Lam’s consideration

The complete absence of leadership from the senior figures in the Hong Kong government is appalling. What on earth is going on? Are they still receiving salaries?

I am reminded of the anecdote the journalist Jeremy Paxman presented in his 1998 book The English: A Portrait of a People.

Upon his appointment to his bishopric in northern East Anglia, where people are notoriously independent, the Bishop of Norwich was told: “If you want to lead someone in this part of the world, find out where they’re going. And walk in front of them.”

As Chief Executive Carrie Lam appears to be clueless, perhaps she could consider this strategy.

Jason Ali, Mui Wo

Be a leader, not an ostrich

Dear Chief Executive Carrie Lam, I agree with you. I condemn the violence that is taking place now. I abhor it and it should end.

I also condemn you for your failure to listen to hundreds of thousands, maybe millions of us, when we protested against the extradition bill.

I condemn the Hong Kong police for their apparent collaboration with triads and for their use of disproportionate force.

I condemn your government for the failure to address legitimate concerns regarding housing, medical care, the Mandatory Provident Fund, retirement savings and more. We have crises in these areas; stop endlessly studying these areas and start taking action.

I also condemn your Executive Council for failing to provide you with helpful advice due to their lack of connection to citizens. You should replace them with advisers who have their ear to the ground.

Finally, I condemn you for failing to lead and for hiding from the people of Hong Kong. Be a leader, not an ostrich!

So, yes, let’s condemn what is wrong and what needs to change. And then please act. A crisis requires a response, not more committees and studies.

Mike Sherman, Causeway Bay