Month: May 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Following is a question by the Hon Carmen Kan and a written reply by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, in the Legislative Council today (May 14):

Question:(i) the nature, cause, delay time, recovery time, remedial measures taken and number of passengers affected for each incident; and
(ii) the number of incidents of service disruption of 31 minutes or above caused by factors within the control of MTRCL under the Service Performance Rebate, and their percentage of the total number of incidents in that year;

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

​Following is a question by the Hon Gary Zhang and a reply by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, in the Legislative Council today (May 14):

Question:

It has been reported that the passenger throughput at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) reached 5.28 million in January this year, with an average daily passenger throughput of over 170 000. However, there are views pointing out that the existing VIP lounge services set up by airlines or enterprises at HKIA are unable to meet the demand, resulting in chronic queues. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council whether it knows:

(1) the current number of VIP lounges at HKIA, as well as the respective average daily number of passengers served and maximum capacity, floor area and year of opening; whether the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) will consider allowing enterprises to re-establish VIP lounges on the Arrivals Level in response to the increased passenger throughput due to the expansion of HKIA; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;

(2) the number of additional VIP lounges planned to be provided in HKIA’s Terminal 1 in the next five years, together with their respective area, target average daily number of passengers to be served and maximum capacity; the eligibility criteria, approval standards, procedures and time required for applications to establish or expand VIP lounges; and

(3) the number of VIP lounges planned to be established after the expansion of HKIA’s Terminal 2; the respective location, area, target average daily number of passengers to be served and maximum capacity of these VIP lounges and their opening dates?

Reply:

President,

Hong Kong is an international aviation hub. This positioning is recognised in the National 14th Five-Year Plan and the Outline Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. To this end, the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) have been taking measures to continuously enhance the strengths and competitiveness of Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA).

With regard to passenger services, the efficiency of airport operations and the passenger experience are our keys to success. Taking into account the large number of passengers, who are of different backgrounds and with different travel purposes, received by the airport every day, the AAHK has been providing a wide range of facilities and services at HKIA, and has been continuously reviewing and striving to improve the facilities to cater for the needs of different groups of passengers. In particular, to cater for the needs of high-end and business travellers, the AAHK has reserved locations in the Passenger Terminal Building of HKIA for airlines or other corporations to set up and operate lounges in accordance with the market demand and commercial modes, with a view to providing travellers with a more superior and comfortable travel experience.

With regard to the matters relating to the lounges in the question, having consulted the AAHK, my reply is as follows:

(1) At present, there are 17 lounges at HKIA, including nine lounges operated by airlines for use by designated passengers of the airlines and their alliances, and eight other lounges operated by other non-airline corporations, which are open to passengers on a pay-per-visit basis or on other prescribed modes.

These lounges, which first started operation in 1998, range in size from less than 200 square metres to over 6 000 square metres. The location, size and establishment year of each lounge are set out at the Annex. As regards the service capacity, the 17 lounges mentioned above can receive a total of about 22 000 visitors per day on average, and are currently receiving about 16 000 visitors per day. As the numbers of visitors received by each individual lounge involve commercially sensitive information of the operators, the AAHK is not positioned to provide such information.

Taking into account the fact that departing or transfer passengers generally stay in the restricted area of the airport for a longer period of time to wait for boarding and departure, and that most arriving passengers leave the airport for the urban area expeditiously upon their arrival in Hong Kong, the AAHK has mainly reserved spaces for lounges on the Departures Level of the restricted area to cater for the needs of passengers waiting for their flights. At present, all the 17 lounges at HKIA are located on the Departures Level of the restricted area of Terminal 1 for use by departing or transit passengers. That said, in view of the demand of some arriving passengers for lounge services, there were previously two lounges in the original Terminal 2. The AAHK has reserved spaces for re-establishing two lounges in the Arrivals Hall of the expanded Terminal 2. The proposed lounges will be located outside the restricted area and adjacent to Terminal 1, which will facilitate the reception of passengers arriving via either terminals.

(2) and (3) With the increasing number of high-end passengers, the AAHK has been maintaining communication with airlines and other related corporations, and negotiating with airlines and other corporations interested in setting up, expanding and refurbishing lounges on the leasing arrangements as well as the related operational details, so as to ensure that the facilities of the airport lounges can meet the demand of passengers.

With regard to Terminal 1, the AAHK has already received and approved expansion plans for two lounges currently operated by airlines, with their areas be increased by about 4 200 square metres. One of the lounges will be refurbished and expanded within this year and will reopen in 2027, while the other will commence expansion works in 2028 and reopen in 2030. Meanwhile, the AAHK has reserved another three locations on the Departures Level for the operation of new lounges and is in discussion with a number of airlines with a view to bringing the lounges into operation progressively from this year onwards. The total area of the three lounges is about 2 300 square metres.

For the expanded Terminal 2 and the Terminal 2 Concourse (T2C), the AAHK is now working with its business partners on the preparatory work and will commission the facilities in phases in accordance with passenger demand. Of them, the abovementioned two lounges at the Arrivals Hall, with a total area of about 1 000 square metres, are expected to come into service in phases to tie in with the phased opening of Terminal 2 from end of this year. The AAHK has also reserved spaces on the Departures Level for seven lounges, with a total area of about 6 000 square metres, which will come into operation gradually to tie in with the opening of T2C.
​
President, overall speaking, apart from continuously improving and upgrading airport facilities (e.g. lounges), we have also adopted a multi-pronged approach to enhance the passenger experience at the airport, which includes adopting a number of measures such as increasing efficiency through the use of innovative technology, enhancing the customer service standard of airport staff, and increasing the variety of shopping and dining options at the airport, with a view to providing passengers with more comfortable and convenient services.

Source:

Reverend Laupama Solomona,

Honorable Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Niuava Eti Malolo,

Honorable Members of Cabinet,

Members of Parliament

Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Seuseu Dr. Joseph Tauati,

Chief Executive Officer of the Scientific Research Organization of Samoa,

Distinguished guests and beneficiaries,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Talofa lava and warm greetings to you all.

It is both an honor and privilege for me to be here with you all in the presence of all dignitaries on this important occasion. On behalf of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, FAO, I dedicate to all Samoan friends this official launch of the wild pig traps with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Samoa, under the Sustainable Transformation of Domestic Agrifood Systems, STODAS Project.

This initiative is made possible through FAO with generous funding from the European Union. Today marks an important step forward in addressing the persistent challenges faced by our communities – particularly the damage caused by wild and feral pigs to crops and food sources.

The provision of these traps represents a timely and practical solution, aimed at improving food security, protecting livelihoods, and promoting sustainable agriculture. We commend the leadership of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries who have taken the lead in coordinating the distribution of the traps.

Their strong commitment to supporting farming communities ensures that these resources are delivered effectively and equitably to the intended beneficiaries.

To the recipients here today – your presence and participation are deeply appreciated. Your commitment to improving your communities and safeguarding your agricultural resources is at the heart of this initiative, and we are proud to stand with you through this collaboration between Samoa, FAO, and the EU.

As they say, a taro saved is a taro produced. So let us work together to see that through a shared and concerted effort that we address this problem of food loss through proper installation, monitoring and maintenance of these pig traps. FAO would like to work closely with MAF to develop good case studies on the issue of feral pig management as this is a problem faced by many across Samoa and the Pacific region.

Good learnings from this intervention will have long term implications for us all. I seek your support in this endeavor and wish you all well. Let us continue to move forward in partnership, united in our shared goal of sustainable development and food security for all.

May today’s launch be a step forward in building a more resilient, food-secure, and thriving agrifood system for Samoa.

FA’AFETAI LAVA

May 14, 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source:

[PRESS RELEASE 17 April 2025] – Cabinet has approved significant developments concerning the Apia Park Complex. This decision marks a pivotal step in enhancing the sports infrastructure in Samoa, aimed at fostering athletic excellence and providing state-of-the-art facilities for both athletes and spectators.

1. Cessation of Usage: Effective immediately, the three grandstands located on the Western side of the Grand Stadium at Apia Park will cease to be used. This measure ensures the safety of all users and aligns with the recommendations from the recent inspection report.

2. Demolition of Grandstands: The approved directive mandates the immediate demolition of these three grandstands. This action is a proactive measure to facilitate the construction of a new and improved sports stadium.

3. Collaborative Efforts for New Stadium Construction: The Ministry of Sports and Recreation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, will initiate discussions with earmarked Development Partners. These discussions aim to seek assistance in building a new sports stadium that meets international standards.

Cabinet’s decision is informed by an Inspection Report and recommendations provided by the Chinese Team, who are currently overseeing the maintenance and upgrade of the Apia Park Complex. This partnership underscores the commitment of both nations to advance sports development and infrastructure in Samoa.

The Ministry of Sports and Recreation is dedicated to ensuring a seamless transition during this period of development and will keep the public informed of progress and updates. We appreciate the understanding and support of the community as we embark on this exciting journey to enhance our sporting facilities.

For further information, please contact:

Ministry of Sports and Recreation s.tautu@msr.gov.ws +685 33774

Follow us on our Facebook Page for the latest updates.

“End of Release”

SOURCE – Ministry of Sports and Recreation

Photo by Savali Newspaper

May 14, 2025

Source:

[PRESS RELEASE – APIA, 17 April 2025] – The Ministry of Health is officially declaring a dengue fever outbreak in Samoa. There has been a significant increase in the number of suspected and confirmed cases, particularly in Upolu, over the past two weeks.

Since January a total of 15 confirmed cases have been reported from the laboratory, with I of these cases identified within the past two weeks. Most cases have been reported at the Moto’otua Main Hospital (TTM), where patients initially presented with other flu-like symptoms before testing positive for dengue.

The majority of these individuals have recovered well without requiring admission to hospital.

The most affected areas are those located in the North west of Upolu, with cases reported across all age groups. Tragically, one death has been confirmed as related to dengue. Our thoughts and prayers are with the affected family during this difficult time.

Dengue fever is a viral illness caused by four (U) different types of dengue virus (DENV-1, DENV-2), DENV-3 and DENV-4) and is spread by mosquitoes. It is transmitted from person to person through the bites of infected mosquitoes.

All four (U) types of the virus can lead to severe infections, including Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever, a potentially life-threatening condition that may cause internal bleeding and organ failure. Hemorrhagic dengue can progress rapidly and may lead to death if not treated promptly.

Common symptoms of dengue include;

• High fever

• Severe headache

• Pain behind the eyes

• Joint and muscle pain

• Nausea

• Rash

• Fatigue.

Severe symptoms of dengue include abdominal pain, bleeding gums, and vomiting blood, all of which require urgent medical attention.

The Ministry of Health is actively monitoring the situation and continues to strengthen its response efforts.

We are learning from regional trend, as neighboring countries such as Tonga, Fiji and the French Polynesia are experiencing similar dengue outbreaks.

We urge the public to be vigilant and work together to help prevent the spread of this disease by taking simple, yet important actions:

• Remove standing water around homes, buckets, Eres, and containers where mosquitoes can breed

• Use mosquito repellents, nets, and coils, especially during the day

• Wear protective clothing to reduce mosquito bites

• Seek medical attention if you or a family member experience symptoms of dengue.

The Ministry will continue to provide regular updates and is in communication with the World Health Organization (WHO) to further strengthen its response. Let’s stay informed, take acEon, and support one another.

For further information please contact the Ministry of Health at telephone numbers: 21212 or 66600.

You can also follow our official channels on our website: www.health.gov.ws and Facebook page: @healthsamoa.

Ma le fa’aaloalo,

END.

SOURCE – Ministry of Health Samoa

May 14, 2025

Source:

[PRESS RELEASE – APIA, SAMOA 17 April 2025] – In a proud moment for Samoa’s national carrier, Samoa Airways’ aircraft 5W-FAW soared back into service this morning, taking flight for the first time since completing a major overhaul in Canada — and it did so in distinguished company.

Flight OL222, departing from Fagalii Airport at 8:00 AM, had the honour of carrying His Highness the Head of State of Samoa, Afioga Tuimalealiʻifano Vaʻaletoʻa Sualauvi II, and Masiofo Faamausili Leinafo Tuimalealiʻifano, accompanied by their police detail, en route to the Flag Day celebrations in American Samoa.

Welcoming the Head of State and ensuring a final round of checks prior to takeoff, the dedicated staff of Samoa Airways at Fagali’i were on board early to assist, adding a warm and professional touch to the day’s special departure.

Taking command of the flight were Captain Paul Schmidt and First Officer Lachlan Kingan, who guided the freshly overhauled aircraft on its first official journey.

“It was an absolute honour to fly 5W-FAW on her return to service, especially with such distinguished guests on board,” said Captain Paul Schmidt.

“The aircraft performed beautifully, and it’s a proud moment for all of us at Samoa Airways to see her back in the skies where she belongs.”

The overhaul work, carried out in Canada, was part of a meticulous program to ensure the aircraft meets the highest safety and operational standards. With 5W-FAW now fully certified and refreshed, Samoa Airways is excited to continue serving its routes with renewed confidence and quality.

“The return of 5W-FAW represents not only a technical achievement but also a renewed commitment to connecting our people and places with pride and reliability.” said the airline’s CEO Fauo’o Taua Fatu Tielu.

Fuelled by ambition and rooted in Samoan pride, the national carrier charges ahead growing stronger and serving with unmatched care, culture, and excellence. This isn’t just about reaching destinations—it’s about redefining what it means to fly Samoan.

END.

SOURCE – Samoa Airways

May 14, 2025

Source:

[PRESS RELEASE – WEDNESDAY 16 APRIL 2025] – His Excellency Mr. Beka Dvali presented his Letters of Credence to the Head of State of the Independent State of Samoa, Afioga Tuimaleali’ifano Va’aletoa Sualauvi II, at a Credentials ceremony held this morning at the Official Residence of the Head of State at Vailele, accrediting His Excellency as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Georgia to Samoa with residence in Canberra, Australia.

Samoa and Georgia have enjoyed cordial diplomatic relations since the establishment of formal ties on 12 March 2010. The two countries continue to collaborate at the multilateral fora, including the United Nations on matters on mutual interest including the attainment of the 2030 Agenda on sustainable development. Ambassador Dvali reaffirmed Georgia’s commitment to strengthening the growing partnership between our nations, both bilaterally and multilaterally, building on the solid foundation laid by his predecessors.

Afioga Tuimaleali’ifano Va’aletoa Sualauvi II welcomed the Ambassador and acknowledged the growing relations between Samoa and Georgia. The Head of State expressed appreciation for the shared commitment to global priorities such as democracy, peace and security, human rights, and reaffirmed Samoa’s support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, principles that have underpinned our diplomatic relations since the establishment in 2010.

H.E. Mr. Beka Dvali holds a Masters of Law in Comparative and European Law from Maastricht University in the Netherlands and a Diploma in Law at the Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University in Georgia. He is a career diplomat who joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia in 1999 holding various senior positions. He was posted to Georgia’s Diplomatic Missions as Senior Counsellor in the USA, Mexico, Envoy Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary in London, United Kingdom (2009-2012). Mr. Dvali was appointed as Georgia’s Ambassador to the Republic of South Africa from 2013 to 2022 with cross-accreditation to 12 other African countries. This is Mr. Dvali’s second Ambassadorial appointment as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Georgia to Australia with across accreditation to the Pacific including Samoa. Mr. Dvali is married with one son.

END

Photo by the Government of Samoa (Jasmine Netzler-Iose)

May 14, 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Following is a question by the Hon Chan Pui-leung and a written reply by the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, in the Legislative Council today (May 14):
 
Question:
 
     Various hiking trails and country parks in Hong Kong have all along attracted many local people and overseas visitors to go hiking. However, it has been reported that quite a number of hikers are inexperienced or ill-equipped, resulting in frequent hiking accidents, and some of them have even disregarded safety in a bid to “check-in”, which has aroused concerns and worries in society. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
 
(1) of the number of mountain search and rescue (S&R) calls received by the Government in the past two years, as well as the respective numbers of casualties of local people and overseas visitors involved in the relevant incidents; the government expenditures involved in the relevant calls and S&R operations;
 
(2) given that the webpage of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) contains the high risk locations with records of fatal and serious accidents in country parks, whether the authorities have further drawn up a list of “hiking blackspots” and the points to note and stepped up publicity among members of the public and tourists; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
 
(3) as it is learnt that in order to deter risk-taking behaviours without regard to the consequences, some places have started to collect rescue fees from hikers, whether the Government will erect fences and warning signs at high-risk locations where hiking accidents frequently occur; whether the authorities will follow the practice of other regions and collect rescue fees from hikers who have accidents despite warnings and seek rescue; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that, and whether there are other measures intended to be implemented to deter the risk-taking behaviours concerned; and
 
(4) as it is learnt that the “Enjoy Hiking” mobile application launched by the AFCD is equipped with a “Hiker Tracking Service” which can record the location of users so as to shorten the S&R time after they have an accident, of the number of downloads of the application and, among such downloads, the number of users with Internet Protocol addresses outside Hong Kong; of the measures put in place by the authorities to enhance the promotion of hiking safety among overseas visitors?
 
Reply:
 
President,
 
     The Government attaches great importance to publicising and promoting hiking safety, as well as promoting hiking etiquette and the message of protecting the natural environment to the public and tourists through various channels. Having consulted the Security Bureau, the reply to the question raised by the Hon Chan Pui-leung is as follows:
 
(1) In the past two years, the number of mountain search and rescue calls received by the Fire Services Department (FSD) and the number of casualties involved are tabulated below: 
 

Year	Number of mountain search and rescue calls received	Number of Injuries (Fatalities)
2023	695 cases	424 (15)
2024	588 cases	345 (15)

 
     The FSD does not keep a breakdown of the number of casualties involving local residents and foreign visitors. As the above rescue operations do not involve additional manpower and salary expenditure, the FSD does not keep a breakdown of the expenditure involved.
 
(2) Through the “Enjoy Hiking” website (hiking.gov.hk), the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) provides consolidated information of different hiking trails to hikers to facilitate their planning of hiking trips. It also lists 20 high risk locations with records of fatal and serious accidents in country parks (high-risk locations), according to factors such as previous records of serious and fatal accidents, the causes of such accidents, as well as the site conditions, with a view to reminding hikers to avoid accessing those areas. The AFCD will regularly review and update the list of high-risk locations as needed. 

     To promote public awareness on hiking safety, the AFCD regularly organises education activities, including school visits, guided tours, roving exhibitions and game booths at shopping malls and Country Parks Visitor Centres. The AFCD will also disseminate safety information through online videos, social media platforms, websites, and pamphlets distributed at Country Parks Visitor Centres. Concurrently, the Hong Kong Police Force, the FSD, the Government Flying Service and the Civil Aid Service also raise hiker’s awareness on hiking safety through various channels and events.
 
(3) The Government has always accorded top priority to public safety and the protection of people’s life and property. While the Government strongly discourages the public from taking risks to perform dangerous activities, effective, reliable and efficient emergency services will still be provided to people in distress or in need under all circumstances. We do not hope that those in need would hesitate in seeking emergency call services due to any reasons, including levy. The AFCD has also installed warning signs in suitable areas of the high-risk locations to remind hikers to avoid accessing those areas. The AFCD will review the situations of different areas from time to time, modify or add suitable warning signs and barriers where needed. 

(4) As at April 2025, the “Enjoy Hiking” mobile application had been downloaded for over 480 000 times, including approximately 100 000 downloads by users with non-local IP addresses. 

     The AFCD, in collaboration with the Tourism Commission and the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), has been promoting green tourism and sharing messages on hiking safety and nature conservation through HKTB’s “Hong Kong Great Outdoors” thematic website (www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/explore/great-outdoor.html) and its social media platforms, to ensure that tourists enjoy the countryside in Hong Kong in a safe and nature-friendly manner. Furthermore, the AFCD collaborates with the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices in the Mainland and the Forestry Administration of Guangdong Province to promote Hong Kong’s natural scenery and hiking routes, as well as to disseminate hiking safety messages, through their social media platforms in the Mainland.