The Government today (August 23) announced the establishment of a Fishermen Claims Appeal Board (FCAB) to process ex-gratia allowance (EGA) appeal cases by fishermen who claim to have been affected by marine works projects implemented in the waters on the northern side of Lantau Island.

     The FCAB is a non-statutory body set up on an ad hoc basis and comprises one non-official Chairman and four non-official members. Mr Erik Shum has been appointed as Chairman of the FCAB and the members are Mr Andrew Chan, Mr Thomas Cheng, Mr Kevin Law and Mr James Li. These appointments take immediate effect. Their term will last until completion of the work on all appeals.

     Recognising that fishermen affected by marine works projects may suffer a reduction in income and/or may have to incur extra expenses in relocating their fishing activities elsewhere, the Government has put in place a mechanism to grant EGA to the fishermen affected, subject to fulfilment of certain eligibility criteria. An Inter-departmental Working Group (IWG) within the Government has been set up to handle these EGA claims arising from a total of four marine works projects implemented in the said waters. EGA claimants feeling aggrieved by the decisions made by the IWG concerning the EGA amount offered to them or about their eligibility may lodge appeals to the FCAB. A total of 60 related appeals have been received. 

     The terms of reference of the FCAB are: 
 

• to hear and consider the appeals against the decisions of the IWG relating to the claimants' eligibility for EGA and/or the amount of EGA granted under the Government policy on granting EGA to fishermen 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.

     The secretariat of the FCAB will be housed in the Lands Department.

     The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health today (August 23) reported that the suspected case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) pending results yesterday (August 22), upon preliminary testing, tested negative for MERS Coronavirus.

     Owing to the thunderstorm warning, the flag-raising ceremony to be conducted at Golden Bauhinia Square, Wan Chai at 8am today (August 23) will be cancelled.

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

     The Hong Kong Observatory has issued the Very Hot Weather Warning.

     To prevent heat stroke, avoid prolonged activities outdoors.

     If engaged in outdoor work or activities, wear a wide-brimmed hat and light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes. Stay in shaded areas as much as possible.

     Drink plenty of water, and avoid beverages containing caffeine or alcohol.

     If you feel sick, consult a doctor right away.

Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:
 
     Please broadcast the following special announcement immediately, and repeat it at frequent intervals when the Very Hot Weather Warning is in force:
 
     The Labour Department reminds employers that as the Very Hot Weather Warning is in force, they should assess the risk of heat stroke to their employees and adopt effective preventive measures such as providing cool drinking water, setting up temporary sunshade and providing mechanical aids to reduce physical exertion of employees. Employees should drink water regularly and be mindful of their physical condition. If early heat stroke symptoms such as headache and thirst appear, they should rest in a cool or shady place and drink water immediately. They should also inform their supervisors to take appropriate actions.