PRESS RELEASE 13 November 2006

Hong Kong Rallies to Support the Protection of Victoria Harbour

Thousands of citizens and students took part in the “Harbour Walk” and “Harbour Carnival” organised by the Society for Protection of the Harbour (SPH), Action Group on Protection of the Harbour (Action Group), Friends of the Harbour (FOTH) and the United Social Service Centre on 12 th November 2006 (Sunday), at Edinburgh Place and Golden Bauhinia Square . The events have attracted about 3,000 people from the local community, politicians as well as environmental activists, sharing an afternoon of celebrations of Victoria Harbour .

Thousands of people also participated in a “Blue Ribbon Action” by tying blue ribbons at Queen's Pier to say ‘goodbye' to the Star Ferry Pier and Queen's Pier which formed part of our local history for more than half a century. During the “Walk for the Harbour” from Edinburgh Place to Golden Bauhinia Square, many people expressed regret to see their beloved Harbour hoarded up all the way by construction boards for further reclamation.

At Golden Bauhinia Square , dozens of game booths were set up for the Harbour Carnival where many youngsters had an enjoyable afternoon in a festive atmosphere. The Organisers hope that the public, especially the youngsters, will learn to love our Harbour through the educational games prepared for the event. Highlights of the Carnival also included stage performances and an award-winning photo exhibition of Victoria Harbour and harbour-related themes. Awards were also made to the most supportive kindergartens, primary and secondary schools who participated in “Walk for the Harbour”.

Pop singers Vincy & Sun Boy'z also attended the Harbour Carnival and pledged their commitment to spread the message of harbour protection to the public. They were formally appointed as ‘ Harbour Ambassador' of Society for Protection of the Harbour.

Mr Simon F.S. Li, former Judge of the Court of Appeal, a longstanding supporter of harbour protection, was the Carnival's officiating Guest of Honour. He was joined by Legislative Councillors, the Honourable Mr. Alan Leong, Mr. Lee Wing Tat, Ms. Audrey Eu, Dr. Yeung Sum, Ms. Margaret Ng, Mr. Leung Kwok Hung, as well as Ms. Christine Loh, Chairperson of SPH; Mr. Winston Chu, Advisor of SPH; and Dr. Hon.Kwok Ka Ki, Convenor of Action Group. Mr. Winston Chu stated, “This event follows the successful Sydney Harbour Week, we wish to launch a Harbour Day on the 2 nd Sunday of November every year, so as to attract more people of Hong Kong to aware of the need to protect the Harbour.”

Wish to see you at the Harbour Week 2007.

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