Speech by SCST at Swire Properties White Christmas Street Fair 2025
Following is the speech by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, at the Swire Properties White Christmas Street Fair 2025 today (December 11):
Tim (Chief Executive of the Swire Properties, Mr Tim Blackburn), Tammy (Editor-in-Chief of the South China Morning Post, Ms Tammy Tam), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good evening. First of all, a big thank you, Tim, for your invitation to me for this year's White Christmas Street Fair at Taikoo Place.
The White Christmas Street Fair 2024 was in fact one of the first few events that I attended after my appointment as the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism this time last year. I recalled it was a very nice event in which I talked to enthusiastic young presenters, tried different Christmas delicacies, and appreciated the heartwarming festive décor all through the Fair. It is still a fond memory.
So here I am attending this Fair again, this year with the added intention of sending the true Christmas message of Peace and Hope to all of you who are here today and to all Hong Kong fellow citizens, especially those who are braving the hardship brought by the Tai Po fire. I know that we will observe a moment of silence later on. Aside from paying tribute to the victims and sending silent regards to all affected, I hope that, if it is amenable to you, during the silence you could also pray for peace at heart and light of hope for everyone in Hong Kong.
Christmas is celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, who, according to the Bible, brought the hope of salvation to earth. Whether or not you are a Christian, Christmas is also a time to reconnect with what is truly important. This year's White Christmas Street Fair, which is a part of the Hong Kong Tourism Board's Hong Kong WinterFest, holds a special meaning for all of us. Now in its 13th year, it is much more than just a festive event. It embraces elements of the Christmas values, such as love, peace, hope and the importance of coming together as a community to share meaningful moments.
The theme of this year's fair, "Colour the Season - Lights of Hope", is timely. Inspired by Hong Kong's iconic neon lights, it brings us nostalgic feelings, allows us to relive childhood scenes, and reminds us that light in different colours and formats is all around us. As we gradually come out of the haze of the fire, the Fair gives us a very good opportunity to go back to a familiar atmosphere and to take our little ones, or bring bigger friends, to experience a moment of ease and comfort. So, I do encourage everyone here to spread the news of the Fair so that those who could use a drop of light at heart could come and join us.
I would like to say a big "thank you" to the Swire Properties for your generosity and dedication to supporting those in need. As Tim alluded to just now, on top of the corporate donations, the proceeds from on-site activities, along with a portion of sales at the retail and F&B (food and beverage) booths, will go to Operation Santa Claus to support a range of NGOs (non-governmental organisations). What's more, the Swire Properties will match every dollar raised with a dedicated contribution to the Tai Po relief effort. This thoughtful contribution truly embodies the spirit of Christmas - spreading love, hope and care to those in need, and making the Street Fair even more meaningful and special.
At the same time, the Hong Kong Tourism Board's Christmas Wonderland Central at Statue Square is another highlight of the Hong Kong WinterFest. There, a stunning 20-metre Christmas tree shines and a brand new Immersive Lights Show is on, every night throughout Christmas - another chance for us to take a moment to appreciate the beauty and creativity that surrounds us and to feel a sense of calm and joy.
My gratitude again to Swire for the invitation, and I am pleased to be a part of this meaningful evening. May I wish everyone a peaceful Christmas filled with love.
Thank you.
Source: AI-found images
DH advises public to avoid visiting Tsing Yi Nature Trails to reduce risk of contracting chikungunya fever
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health announced that, as of 5pm today (December 11), no new cases of chikungunya fever (CF) had been recorded. Hong Kong has recorded a total of 79 confirmed CF cases this year. Among them, 11 were local cases, and the rest were imported. The Tsing Yi Nature Trails is currently closed until further notice. The relevant government departments are conducting large-scale mosquito control and prevention efforts along the trails. The CHP reiterated its appeal for the public to avoid entering the area in order to reduce the risk of contracting CF and to avoid exposure to chemicals or interfering with the mosquito control operations.
Regarding some local cases of CF who visited the Tsing Yi Nature Trails or the surrounding area, the CHP has held an interdepartmental meeting with representatives from the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD), the Home Affairs Department, the Drainage Services Department (DSD), the Lands Department, and the Civil Engineering and Development Department, to further confirm measures to strengthen mosquito prevention and control in the vicinity of the Tsing Yi Nature Trails.
The CHP continues to urge individuals who have recently hiked along the Tsing Yi Nature Trails to seek medical attention as soon as possible if they develop relevant symptoms and to call the enquiry hotline (Tel: 2125 2373). All doctors and hospitals in Hong Kong should closely monitor whether their patients present with compatible symptoms and arrange blood tests for those concerned. The CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch will provide free testing services.
Specifically targeting confirmed cases who visited the Tsing Yi Nature Trails or the surrounding area, the FEHD has been continuously conducting intensive fogging operations to eliminate adult mosquitoes along the hiking trails. At suitable locations, large ultra-low volume foggers have been deployed, and robot dog is being put on trial to enhance operational effectiveness. The FEHD has also set up new mosquito trapping devices, cleared discarded containers and garbage that could bring stagnant water, and applied larvicide oil or larvicides in areas with stagnant water that cannot be removed immediately. The FEHD has been collaborating with the Kwai Tsing District Office, the Lands Department and the DSD to strengthen efforts in eliminating potential mosquito breeding sites along the Tsing Yi Nature Trails. Pamphlets have been distributed to hikers in the area, urging citizens to be vigilant against mosquito infestations and take personal protective measures. The FEHD also held meetings of the interdepartmental task forces on anti-mosquito work across districts, to discuss the latest developments regarding the situation and plan accordingly to co-ordinate relevant departments and stakeholders in strengthening mosquito prevention and control measures in areas under their purview.
Furthermore, the FEHD and relevant departments have comprehensively enhanced the mosquito control operations in Hong Kong since July this year, and this has continued. Among these, the FEHD has conducted vector investigations and targeted mosquito control operations against the imported and local cases. In light of the local cases, the FEHD has immediately conducted follow-up actions, including:
- carrying out intensive fogging in scrubby areas within a 250-metre radius of the relevant locations to kill adult mosquitoes;
- carrying out inspections of the locations, removing stagnant water, applying insecticides and disposing of abandoned water containers every week with a view to preventing mosquito breeding; and
- enhancing public education efforts through organising health talks, setting up mobile education stations, and distributing publicity leaflets.
The abovementioned measures will be continued. Furthermore, the Government will further enhance the mosquito control efforts in addition to the existing measures.
Members of the public should use DEET-containing insect repellents or other effective active ingredients properly to prevent mosquito bites, but the following precautions should be taken when using them:
- read the label instructions carefully first;
- apply right before entering an area with a risk of mosquito bites;
- apply on exposed skin and clothing;
- use DEET of up to 30 per cent for pregnant women and up to 10 per cent for children (For children who travel to countries or areas where mosquito-borne diseases are endemic or epidemic and where exposure is likely, those aged 2 months or above can use DEET-containing insect repellents with a DEET concentration of up to 30 per cent);
- apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent;
- reapply only when needed and follow the instructions; and
- in addition to DEET, there are other insect repellents available on the market containing different active ingredients, such as IR3535 and picaridin. When using any insect repellent, the public should follow the usage instructions and precautions on the product label.
The FEHD also appeals to members of the public to continue to stay alert and work together to carry out mosquito prevention and control measures early, including inspecting their homes and surroundings to remove potential breeding grounds, changing water in vases and scrubbing their inner surfaces, removing water in saucers under potted plants at least once a week, and properly disposing of containers such as empty cans and lunch boxes. The FEHD also advises members of the public and property management agencies to keep drains free of blockage and level all defective ground surfaces to prevent the accumulation of water. They should also scrub all drains and surface sewers with an alkaline detergent at least once a week to remove any mosquito eggs.
The public should call 1823 in case of mosquito problems, and may visit the following pages for more information: the CF page of the CHP and the Travel Health Service, the latest Travel Health News, tips for using insect repellents, and the CHP Facebook Page,Instagram Account and YouTube Channel, and also the Mosquito Prevention and Control dedicated page of the FEHD.
Source: AI-found images
