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The following is the speech delivered by the Commissioner of Police, Mr Tsang Wai-hung, at the Guard of Honour Ceremony today (April 30):
Honoured guests, ladies and gentlemen,
I will soon commence my pre-retirement leave after working for 37-odd years in the Hong Kong Police. The Force has changed beyond recognition since I first joined in 1978 and we are now a modern and professional police service dedicated to serving the people of Hong Kong.
For decades, the men and women of the Force ˇV regular, auxiliary and civilian ˇV have strived to make Hong Kong one of the safest and most stable societies in the world. Crime rates continue to drop and the streets of Hong Kong have never been safer. Many say we are Asiaˇ¦s Finest, even one of the worldˇ¦s best. One thing of which I am sure is that the Force will never rest on its laurels. We have a great deal of talent in the Force and I am sure our organisation will continue to be a success.
It is a great privilege to be given a Guard of Honour Parade on one of my final days in the Force. I would like to thank members of the parade contingent, the Force Escort Group and the Police Band for their high standard of turnout, drill and music.
My heartfelt thanks also go to our community leaders who have always supported us, many of whom are present today.
There will be many things that I will miss when I retire from the Hong Kong Police. Most of all, I will miss the camaraderie, the teamwork and the esprit de corps so characteristic of our organisation. These have been the cornerstones of our success and I have to thank you all for making this possible.
And last, but not least, I would like to thank my wife, Cecilia, and my family. I will always be grateful for their understanding and for the sacrifices that they have made for me throughout my career.
Thank you.
Ends/Thursday, April 30, 2015
Issued at HKT 12:22
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