‘Election Idea’
“Lamma Island is our home- our future growth rests with all of us”
Dear all,
My name is Cheng Chi Wah, I am a native of Lamma Island. I was brought up in a place where us locals fondly refer to as the ‘great fisherman’s village’. Although I left Lamma Island briefly in 2005 for work commitments and have recently returned at the beginning of this year- I still call, and will always call Lamma Island home.
It is my solemn declaration that I am entering this election with no party independent candidates and hold unbiased political views. - all of which I understand to be extremely important values to the residents of Lamma Island.
My humble opinion is this, ladies and gentleman of Lamma Island. We are currently living in an incredibly backwards society, and by society, I am referring to not just Lamma Island but also ‘Peng Chau’. We lack certain essential services and facilities that would see to a far better quality of life for the residents of Lamma Island. We do not have a 24-hour operating medical centre, a youth centre , service/support centre for the elderly, no market or even supermarket; and we lack the support of social workers in the community as well as adequate support services and public housing for the poorer citizens of our place. Moreover, our town is plagued by mosquitos every day due to the constant rain and flooding; there is poor infrastructure in place to deal with the flooding which is a major occupational, health and safety hazard for all. The population in our modest town is only growing, therefore the needs of its citizens are only growing with it too- so my question is this: why do we still lack these basic facilities and services? Is the government simply ignoring our repeated requests for them to remedy these short-comings? Why has nothing been done?
Whilst I am more than aware of the fact that there is almost without a doubt, major political pressures at play and certain elected members of the council often are required to comply with the party’s directions and policies- but surely, the fate of Lamma Island cannot simply just be sealed like that?
My vision & idea
In general, the present process of dealing with citizens’ complaints is not only inefficient, but also vastly inadequate; District Board Members receive a complaint which may or may not be even put- forward to the government. We then find out about the government’s reaction to our complaint some time later on whether they are willing and prepared to spend money on that area. The problem with this current regime is that there is a notable lack of avenue for propositions, suggestions or recourse for the citizens whose livelihoods would be the most affected as a consequence of these decisions being made, or not made, by the government.
Ladies and gentleman of Lamma Island, I make no false promises to you. I know that I am only one man r our town, but I do only have limited abilities and resources. However, if I am elected, I make the promise to you that I will try my very best to make Lamma Island a better, greener and safer place for the present and future generations of its residents. My proposition is to
I call on you, fellow residents of Lamma Island, to challenge and question with me; and together we can push forward with our set-up an independent panel comprising of only Lamma Island Islanders instead of having just any local residents or foreigners. The reasons for doing so are that the local residents of Lamma Island, in my opinion, are in a far better position to be able to voice to real concerns of its residents. If the composition of the panel members are improved, my hope is that their function, in being able to liaise and communicate propositions and suggestions of the people- would see to the proper and efficient resolution of our concerns by the government/District Board.
Having a chance to have our voices heard is only the first step in coercing the government to address our concerns. Together, with the help of your vote, help me help you to transform and improve this place we, being our families, children, friends, all call home.
Your vote would be very much appreciated. Please place in the box marked beside my name: Cheng Chi Wah(鄭志華)which counts as 1 vote. If I am elected, I will hold the position for a term of 4 years, where Lamma Island and Po Tai can enjoy the confidence and dedication that I will bring to this role- which is to gradually improve the environment, community facilities and general quality of life for all its residents in Lamma Island.
Thank you in advance.
Cheng Chi Wah
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