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The Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, today (January 7) toured Cheung Chau and Tai O in the Islands District, where he served as District Officer in the 70s.
Revisiting the places of well-preserved traditions and customs in the first weekend of 2006, Mr Tsang was touched and impressed by the community's tranquility, stability and harmony.
Mr Tsang visited the elderly at Wan Ho Kan Neighbourhood Elderly Centre and looked at services provided for them. They include counselling and rehabilitation services, support services for elderly carers and social activities.
"It is important to foster a caring community and I am pleased to see the centre help promote an active and healthy lifestyle and enhance our seniors' sense of belonging to society," Mr Tsang said.
He enjoyed home-made red bean cake at a teahouse run by a Japanese couple near East Bay, Cheung Chau, saying, "Hong Kong is a place full of opportunities and the amicable and agreeable nature of our society enables people of different nationalities to root in Hong Kong easily."
The Chief Executive then visited the new Tai O Sheltered Boat Anchorage at Tai O. It not only provides permanent anchorage facilities for Tai O fishermen but also integrates protection of the ecosystem, preservation of cultural heritage and promotion of tourism, as well as revitalising the economy of Tai O.
"Tai O was one of the largest fishing villages in Hong Kong and an historical base for fishing boats in the western approaches of Lantau Island and the Peal River Estuary. As the old seawall had been seriously eroded, the Government restored it with provision of railing to form a pedestrian link," the Chief Executive said. "The restored seawall, together with the mangrove habitat, will become valuable attributes of Tai O for visitors interested in eco-tourism and cultural heritage."
Mr Tsang visited the Tai O Rural Committee Historical and Cultural Centre established by the Tai O Rural Committee in 2004. It exhibits more than 100 monumental antiques and fishing tools of Tai O.
"The exhibits witness the changes and development of Tai O and help Hong Kong people and visitors better understand the history of the place as a fishing village," he said.
He called on a family living in a stilted house in Tai O. One 74-year-old family member told Mr Tsang that he enjoyed a tranquil life in Tai O while also seeing its development over the years.
Mr Tsang enjoyed lunch at a Tai O restaurant which has been operating since the 60s.
The Chief Executive is fond of the traditional cultures and customs in the Islands District. He said the Government would preserve this tourism treasure-house so that both local and overseas visitors would be able to explore its valuable monuments and experience Hong Kong's traditional customs.
Ends/Saturday, January 7, 2006
Issued at HKT 15:44
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