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The Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Tsang Tak-sing, visited two families and met members of Eastern District Council today (April 28). During the visit, Mr Tsang encouraged district people to care about their neighbourhood and to face up to economic challenges and the possible threat of infectious disease imported from overseas.
Mr Tsang arrived at the Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence in the afternoon. Accompanied by the Eastern District Council Chairman Ms Christina Ting and Vice-Chairman Mr Christopher Chung, Mr Tsang toured the "History of Island East Exhibition" to look back at the developments in the district. Mr Tsang then met members of the Eastern District Council and listened to their opinions on district issues.
Later on, Mr Tsang visited a family with new arrivals from the Mainland in Siu Sai Wan, and listened to their first-hand experience on aspects of housing, employment and education as new arrivals.
He told the family that the District Offices and non-governmental organisations have long been providing various services and activities for new arrivals and the Home Affairs Department also published a Service Handbook for New Arrivals, providing information about relevant services and the general situation in Hong Kong.
Mr Tsang visited a middle-class family in Quarry Bay to learn more about the lives of middle-class people on the last leg of his visit.
Concluding the visit, Mr Tsang said he was delighted to see the young and the elderly in the two families were living together harmoniously. He said: "Under the poor overall economic environment, the government is very concerned about people's livelihood and the pressure they are facing -- no matter they are from the grassroots, middle-class or new arrivals.
"Concerning the new arrivals, the government has been trying hard to help them integrate into the local community as soon as possible. New arrivals, just like other Hong Kong people, are ensured of having opportunities to further develop and exercise their full potential. People should give mutual help in the community as well."
Ends/Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Issued at HKT 18:53
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