Government Launches Fishermen Claims Appeal Board to Address Ex-Gratia Allowance Appeals in Hong Kong Waters

Fishermen Claims Appeal Board set up to process cases affected by marine works projects in north-eastern waters of Hong Kong

The Government today (November 1) announced the establishment of the Fishermen Claims Appeal Board (FCAB) to process ex-gratia allowance (EGA) appeal cases from owners of fishing vessels not exceeding 15 metres in length affected by marine works projects in the north-eastern waters of Hong Kong.

Fishermen in Hong Kong. Photo source: reference image

The FCAB is a non-statutory body set up on an ad hoc basis and comprises one non-official Chairperson and four non-official members. Mr Yeung Ming-tai has been appointed as Chairperson of the FCAB and the members are Mr Au Pak-ching, Dr Chung Shan-shan, Mr Ling Man-sum and Mr Tam Kin-lok. These appointments take immediate effect and their term will last until the completion of work on all appeals.

The Government has established a mechanism to grant EGA to eligible owners of fishing vessels affected by marine works projects. An interdepartmental working group (IWG) within the Government has been set up to handle EGA applications from owners of fishing vessels arising from a total of 25 marine works projects in the north-eastern waters of Hong Kong. The IWG received a total of 861 applications during the registration period. EGA applicants aggrieved by the IWG’s decision regarding the EGA amount approved or their eligibility may lodge an appeal to the FCAB. Three EGA applicants filed appeals against the IWG’s decision, with one appeal against the amount approved and two appeals against their eligibility. These appeals will be heard by the FCAB.

Fishermen in Hong Kong. Photo source: reference image

The terms of reference of the FCAB are:

• to hear and consider the appeals against the decisions of the IWG relating to the appellants' eligibility for EGA and/or the amount of EGA granted under the Government's policy on granting EGA to owners of fishing vessels affected by marine works projects; and

• having examined any new or additional information/evidence provided by the appellants (or their representatives) or the relevant departments, the relevance of and the weight to be given to such information/evidence, to consider whether to uphold the IWG’s decisions on the appellants' cases or to revise the decisions, and to determine the amount of EGA payable to the appellants, as appropriate.

CAS stages concert to celebrate its band's 50th anniversary

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Civil Aid Service (CAS) Band, the CAS today (November1) held the "CAS Band 50th Anniversary Concert" at the Academic Community Hall of HongKong Baptist University (HKBU). The concert featured the premiere of the CAS song "United We Stand", showcasing the spirit of "Serving the Community with Passion, Courage and Commitment". More than a thousand serving and retired CAS members, together with their family members, attended the event to mark this important milestone.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Under Secretary for Security, Mr Michael Cheuk,expressed gratitude to the Organising Committee for the 50th Anniversary Celebrations of the CAS Band for their careful planning and efforts, which contributed to the success of the event. He remarked that over the past half-century, the CAS Band has grown from a small-scale unit into a music group widely recognised by society today. This journey has been forged by the dedication of successive members, bears testimony to the passing of the torch within the Band, and reflects the CAS's steadfast belief in serving society and caring for the community.

Other guests attending the event included the Interim Provost of HKBU, Professor Liu Jiming; the Commissioner of the CAS, Mr Victor Pang; and the Chief Staff Officer of the CAS, Mr Leung Kwun-hong.

The concert featured a rich and diverse programme. The CAS Band, together with HKBU students, performed a series of wellknown pieces, including "only you cannot be replaced", "The Brave Chinese" and "My People, My Country".

Members of the CAS Cadet Corps also presented "You Raise Me Up" and a Chinese drum performance. HKBU students gave performances including piano solos, flute and clarinet duets, as well as Chinese dance. The concert concluded with all performers joining in a mass choir rendition of classic songs, such as "Ode to the Motherland" and "Beneath The Lion Rock", bringing the event to a successful close.

Source: AI-found images