The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority: Regarding an earlier announcement on a cluster of patients infected with Influenza A in a female psychiatric ward, the spokesperson for Kwai Chung Hospital ga… read more
The results of the 2019 Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) Examination were released today (July 10). Young persons in custody obtained satisfactory results in the examination this year.
A total of 14 young persons in custody from Pik Uk Correctional Institution, Cape Collinson Correctional Institution and Lai King Correctional Institution enrolled in this year’s HKDSE Examination. They took a total of 78 examination papers and obtained level 2 or above in 56 papers, representing 71.8 per cent of all papers taken. A candidate at Pik Uk Correctional Institution scored the highest result, with 23 marks overall in the six papers taken and attaining level 5 in Chinese language, while one 17-year-old candidate in Cape Collinson Correctional Institution who obtained level 5 in Economics became the youngest person in custody to meet the general entrance requirements for local universities. The latter candidate only attained the academic level of secondary three before admission to the institution and completed the three-year curriculum in less than a year.
The exams sat included the four core subjects of Chinese Language, English Language, Mathematics and Liberal Studies, as well as the two electives of Economics and Tourism and Hospitality Studies.
Education has long been provided by the Correctional Services Department (CSD) to help young persons in custody further their studies, find jobs and reintegrate into society after their release.
The Superintendent of Cape Collinson Correctional Institution, Mr Chan Siu-hang, said, “Study prepares persons in custody for their reintegration into society, and academic qualifications obtained in public examinations improve their chances of finding jobs or furthering their studies.”
Preparation of young persons in custody for the HKDSE Examination is not an easy task, Mr Chan added. In the process, the persons in custody demonstrate their determination and perseverance in overcoming learning difficulties. Family support as well as guidance and assistance from CSD staff and teachers are also very important to them. In addition to gaining accredited qualifications, it is imperative that young persons in custody are able to establish positive attitudes and values through participation in examinations, Mr Chan said. He encouraged young persons in custody to continue to seize the chance to study and strive for a better future. He also called on the public to give rehabilitated offenders equal opportunities and support their reintegration into society.
The department provides a half-day education programme and half-day vocational training for young persons in custody under the age of 21. Guidance and assistance are also in place for adult persons in custody, who are encouraged to participate in studies on a voluntary basis.
To keep in line with the development of Hong Kong education, the CSD has initiated the New Senior Secondary curriculum at correctional institutions and helps young persons in custody sit the HKDSE Examination. Young persons in custody are given the same opportunity to study at correctional institutions as students in mainstream schools.
Attention TV/radio announcers: Please broadcast the following as soon as possible: Here is an item of interest to swimmers. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (July 10) that due to inclem… read more
Attention TV/radio announcers:
Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:
Here is an item of interest to swimmers.
The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (July 10) that due to big waves, the red flag has been hoisted at St Stephen’s Beach in Southern District, Hong Kong Island. Beach-goers are advised not to swim at the beach. read more
Two women and a man were fined $15,000 each at the Kowloon City Magistrates’ Courts today (July 10) for contravening the Hotel and Guesthouse Accommodation Ordinance.
The courts heard that in July 2017, October 2018 and January this year, officers of the Office of the Licensing Authority (OLA), the Home Affairs Department, inspected three suspected unlicensed guesthouses on Tai Nan Street in Sham Shui Po, Broadway in Lai Chi Kok and Argyle Street in Mong Kok. During the inspections, the OLA officers posed as lodgers and successfully rented rooms in these guesthouses on a daily basis.
According to the OLA’s records, these guesthouses did not possess licences under the Ordinance on the days of inspection. The man and women responsible for operating and managing the premises were charged with contravening section 5(1) of the Ordinance.
A department spokesman stressed that operating or managing an unlicensed guesthouse is a criminal offence and will lead to a criminal record. Upon conviction, the offender is liable to a maximum fine of $200,000 and two years’ imprisonment.
The spokesman appealed to anyone with information about suspected unlicensed guesthouses to report it to the OLA through the hotline (Tel: 2881 7498), by email (hadlaenq@had.gov.hk), by fax (2504 5805) using the report form downloaded from the OLA website (www.hadla.gov.hk), or through the mobile application “Hong Kong Licensed Hotels and Guesthouses”. read more