http://www.tracypeterson.com/RSS/RSS.php http://portugues.tdm.com.mo/en/rss/engnews.php TDM NEWS MACAU.S.A.R en-us Thu, 17 May 2012 11:38:55 CST Thu, 17 May 2012 11:38:55 CST http://portugues.tdm.com.mo webmaster@tdm.com.mo CTM's mobile services went off again last night. Some users faced interruptions for more than two hours. This is the second time the telecom operator had a service blackout within only three months.   No service again. Last night at 8:45pm, some of CTM's mobile services started breaking down. Some mobile phone users could not make and receive calls. But the fixed phone lines weren't affected. "The service is not working." said this resident. "I can't make or receive calls. (When did it start?) Just now (at around 9:25pm). (Has it caused you any inconvenience?) At this moment, no." said this resident. CTM issued out a written statement, an hour after the disruption started, apologizing for the breakdown.  The service gradually started to recover at 10:15pm and fully resumed at 11pm. The Telecommunications Regulation Bureau has also released a written statement last night. They were informed by CTM that the disruption was caused by a breakdown of its radio network controller (or RNC). The Bureau has demanded CTM to hand in a preliminary report within 24 hours.   This afternoon, the Bureau said they have received complaints from residents and also enquiries on the cause of the breakdown. Secretary for Transport and Public Works, Lao Si Io says that the government is highly concern about the breakdown. "We have demanded CTM to hand in a report and asked them to have a detailed investigation regarding the issue. Since the breakdown happened again within a short time, we also demanded them to check their facilities and prevent such incidents to happen again." said Lao Si Io, Secretary for Transport and Public Works. This is the second time the telecom operator had a service blackout within only three months. The breakdown in February affected nearly half of the telecom users in Macau.  Tue, 15 May 2012 13:07:35 And CTM says human error is to be blame for the blackout In a press conference, the company's CEO said one of the workers made a mistake that left 17-thousand people without mobile services. Vandy Poon apologized and announced its new investments to prevent this incident from happening again.   "Throughout the years and even today, we believe we are providing a very sane and reliable services and modern services to Macau at large. We have to learn from previous incidents and we will learn from the previous incidents and we will improve from there." said Vandy Poon, CTM CEO.     Tue, 15 May 2012 13:05:49 Macau will have a new border checkpoint, near the Duck Canal. The government promised to address the pollution problem in the river later. But residents living nearby demand the authorities to clean the Duck Canal first.     The new checkpoint will be situated here, at the current location of the Nan Yue Wholesale Market… It will be affiliated to the Gongbei Border Gate and it will only serve people and not cars. The facilities are aimed at alleviating the major checkpoint's overload. But since it will sit above the Duck Canal - that has been polluted for years -the Government has decided to deal with the pollution problem right afterwards.  "For a better management of all the checkpoints as well as Macau's sustainable development and the regional development, we need a new channel (checkpoint). At the time, we will treat the pollution in the Duck Canal, a persistent concern for the people." said Chui Sai On, Chief Executive. Chui Sai On did not reveal when the checkpoint will be built. But those who live around the Duck Canal want the river to be cleaned beforehand. And they think the Government should work harder in improving the infrastructures of the community. "If they don't treat the pollution yet, it (checkpoint project) will not be as perfect." said Chan Hei, Ilha Verde Mutual-auxiliary Association. "There is not even an ATM machine here, no supermarket, nor any large-scale shopping mall." said Mak Wai Sum, Ilha Verde Mutual-auxiliary Association. Last year, the Government started a study on the water quality of the Canal. The residents urge the authorities to unveil the report as soon as possible in order to move on with treatment. Tue, 15 May 2012 13:04:36 The decision to build a new checkpoint was announced this morning, following the 10th Guangdong-Macau Cooperation Joint Meeting.    In the meeting, the two governments signed five cooperation agreements. They cover areas such tourism, trade and services. One of the agreements is aimed at enhancing the product regulation. It encourages companies to follow international standards. The facilitation rights agreement of the Hengqin campus of the University of Macau was also signed this morning.  Tue, 15 May 2012 13:04:14 The parents of overage children are still waiting for an agreement that would allow their children to live in Macau. This afternoon, around 240 parents protested outside the Identification Bureau.    These families say the authorities don't bother to listen to their demands. At some point, some of the protesters tried to enter in the Identification Bureau.  They were blocked by security guards.  Afterwards, representatives of the Family Reunion General Association were received by the Identification Bureau.  But the Bureau said mainland residents wanting to reside in Macau cannot violate the regulations of the Mainland. Tue, 15 May 2012 13:03:59 The Labor Affairs Bureau has finished the preliminary investigation on the construction accident that happened on Friday.   The Bureau said the crane toppled because the soil underneath failed to support it, causing the land to subside suddenly. The crane lost balance and crashed into the residential building right opposite to the site. The Bureau has already issued a stop-work order. They have demanded the construction company to hand in plans to improve safety measures on the site. Construction of the public housing can be resumed only after the company receives green light from the authorities. The Bureau also promised to issue new regulation for the operation of heavy machines.   Tue, 15 May 2012 13:03:38 Students who wish to complete their studies on environment now have an extra help. The Macau Ecological Society will give away scholarships, thanks to a Sands China investment.   Environmental concern is not new. But investing in it, is! Sands China is investing in the Macau Ecological Society. The money is going to be applied in education and training. There will be thirty scholarships: ten for undergraduates, five for masters and three for doctoral students. The remaining 12 will be for those students that do not wish to pursue university studies and prefer to participate in training events. To apply one needs to be either a student or a resident and have academic achievements above eighty percent. And that training can be right here in the SAR or even abroad and it's also available for teachers. "Our foundation plans to help these teachers and educators produce environmental education and information booklets.  They will be used for environmental education in schools," said Ho Wai Tim from the Macau Ecological Society. The money that Sands China will invest will come from this year's Venetian Carnival Mardi Gras Costume charity ball. Tickets start at 1200 Patacas for dinner and more money will come from auctions to happen that night. Last year's edition yielded half a million Patacas, this year they want more. Tue, 15 May 2012 13:03:16 A new car park at the Taipa Ferry terminal was inaugurated today.   The new facility consists of two floors. It will provide more 900 parking spaces, 200 of these are for motorcycles. The parking fees are one Pataca per hour for motorbikes and three Patacas per hour for cars. Tue, 15 May 2012 13:02:53 The European Union Academic Programme will be launched in June. The programme is a consortium between the University of Macau and the Institute of European Studies. Maria Castillo, the head of the EU Office to Hong Kong and Macau, says the objective is to raise awareness and knowledge of the EU here by supporting EU-focused studies and research. It also aims to intensify academic exchanges between Europe and Macau. The programme will include both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. Tue, 15 May 2012 13:02:36 After encouraging Macau to take steps towards a greater democracy, the European Union Office in the region said it is closely following the political reform process here. Maria Castillo emphasized that despite the EU's economic challenges human rights and civil liberties remain a fundamental pillar of the bloc's foreign policy. In its latest annual report the Office of the European Union to Hong Kong and Macau expressed its hope to see further progress towards greater democracy here. Today, while attending a business seminar at the Military Club, the head of the EU's representation said she is following closely Macau's ongoing political reform. "We welcome the fact that, you know, since 2011 you launched the process. We have seen and followed closely the public consultation debate. I think it shows that the Macau society is interested and there is a will to be part of this debate. And of course this is a step forward, as it was in Hong Kong a step forward towards a democratic process, that Macau and Hong Kong are undertaking." said Maria Castillo, had of Office of the EU to HK and Macau. Questioned about the EU's willingness to push a human rights agenda through its foreign policy at a time of economic crisis, Castillo said that human rights remain a top priority. "Human rights is a key element of our foreign policy in all respects and for all the countries. And we will continue to raise these with all our partners, China, Macau, Hong Kong, Myanmar, the United States, Japan, Korea… It's a key pillar of our policy and it will continue to be so."said Maria Castillo, had of Office of the EU to HK and Macau. Released just a few days ago, the EU's annual Macau report acknowledged that the fundamental rights and freedoms of Macau's people have been respected. Tue, 15 May 2012 13:01:24 As François Hollande was sworn in as France's President today, one of Sarkozy's outgoing ministers was in Macau. Minister of Transport, Thierry Mariani, spoke to TDM about the new president. And warned of his inexperience in foreign matters… "(Do you see Hollande's victory as a hopeful sign for Europe?) As you know I am in the government of Nicolas Sarkozy and the government changed today, you know. Honestly, I'm a little bit afraid. I hope he will have success because I'm French and I want success for my country. But, you know, it's very strange to realize that for a country like France, important on economic and political matters, for the first time there is a president, for example, who has absolutely no experience in foreign relations. For example, he has never set foot in Asia. I hope he learns quickly." said Thierry Mariani. Frnech Minister of Transport. Tue, 15 May 2012 13:00:25 As Macau grows, so does the wine market. Portuguese wines are well established here, but the Australians also want their share. An Australian brand was in town to hold a wine tasting experience.   What makes a specific wine so special? Some say it's the grapes, others the place where they grow. But for d'Arenbergs is keeping winemaking in the family. These Southern Australians have no big secrets when producing the divine nectar, but they say they don't pay much attention to science as they prefer using their hearts.   They are celebrating their centenary this year and they also want to celebrate it in Macau. Their guests seemed to appreciate their wine. "I think the New World wines, also Australians is that they are easygoing and they have a lot of aromas that sometimes is not so very easy to recognize when you are enjoying more all the world wines," said an Attendee. "I'm a fan of all the wines actually, as long as it is good, it's fantastic," said an Attendee. "Actually I do buy a lot of Australian wine, because I like their style of Syrah quite a bit, but if I'm at a supermarket I go Portuguese because it's usually, you know, there is some nice priced stuff, you know, out there in the supermarkets that I enjoy," said an Attendee. Being strong in the local market, the Portuguese wines could be a challenge for these Australians to get their share here, but winemaker and brand ambassador Nick James-Martin thinks otherwise.  "Not so much from Portuguese wines, we love using Portuguese grapes where we are. We have a climate similar to the Douro, a lit bit cooler because we are near to the sea, but we loving using Portuguese grapes in making our wine.  Not so much I think there is room for everyone," said Nick James-Martin from d'Arenberg Wines. Macau has become an important business place and it's not being neglected by these winemakers. "China is an important market to us, but we export to 60 countries so we have a fair spread around the world, but Macau is a very important part of China and China is a very important market to us," said Nick James-Martin from d'Arenberg Wines. Apart from their business in China and its SARs, they are turning more towards Asia as the western markets are getting weaker. Taiwan and Singapore also hold a big share of their business venture.  With one hundred years of existence they say they have more than one thousand stories to tell. Here is one of them. "Our younger shareholder is 86, and he still mows all the lawns, and he has a great story about a man driving his Ferrari onto his lawn and Darren at 84 getting off at his lawnmower and telling a guy to get off his lawn. And the guy is saying: but I'm a millionaire, Darren said well I'm a millionaire too, but you have to get your Ferrari off my lawn mate please!" Said Nick James-Martin from d'Arenberg Wines. The event continued until late last night, with some more eating and drinking and possibly more of those stories being told. Tue, 15 May 2012 12:59:08 The first phase of the new public hospital in Cotai is expected to be completed by 2017.  Three years behind the initial schedule. The Health Bureau also said the whole project will only be completed by 2019.   The first phase comprises the emergency unit of the new hospital. It was initially slated to be ready by 2014. But the Consultancy Company for the project said it's better to carry out construction works of the first two phases at the same time, which will push the deadline to 2017. The Health Bureau says since it's a large scale project, the Bureau underrated the time it would take to complete the Macau Islands Hospital Project "In the first place, we underestimated the time the project would take at this stage, so the relevant architectural design was one year behind the schedule when we started," said Lei Chin Ion, the Director of the Health Bureau. Lei adds that the Bureau has already finished the general design of the hospital. He foresees that the architectural design will be ready in the first quarter of 2014.  The new hospital will have 600 sickbeds, including a hundred in the emergency building and rehabilitation building respectively, and 400 in the hospital's major complex. Lei says the Bureau will continue enhancing the medical services in Taipa and Coloane until the complex is completed. Meanwhile, the University Hospital will continue to host Taipa's emergency service.   Mon, 14 May 2012 16:09:59 Macau / This afternoon João Ferreira da Silva / Reporting Anita Yeung / Translating {Pivot} Chan Chak Mo, the President of the Second Standing Committee of the Legislative Assembly admits that the consultation process on political reform was flawed. Despite this, he notes that perfection is impossible and, as such, he finds it unnecessary to prolong the consultation. He also said that the draft bill will be finalized and submitted to the Assembly before May's end. {VT} The Second Standing Committee is analyzing the draft bill on the reform of Macau's political system. In a session that was attended by Legislative Assembly Vice-President Ho Iat Seng, one of the committee members suggested that the consultation period should be extended. Other members, however, reject this as unnecessary. "There are flaws.  Flaws are unavoidable.  This extensive consultation period has generated widespread consensus.  Therefore, I find it unnecessary to waste time and resources in prolonging the consultation process," said member of the Second Standing Committee.   Chan Chak Mo said the committee aims to complete the analysis until the end of the month and submit it to the Assembly. "Committee members want to conclude discussions with the government as soon as possible and move on with the legislative procedures.  We want to submit the bill to the Chief Executive who will submit it to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress," said member of the Second Standing Committee.   On May 16, the Committee will meet again, this time, in the presence of Government officials. Mon, 14 May 2012 16:07:14   The EU Office for Hong Kong and Macau has released its annual report for the Macau SAR. The report highlights last year's main economic and political developments. Shortage of human resources is described as a key challenge.   In its annual report for the year of 2011, the Office of the EU to Hong Kong and Macao underlines that fundamental rights and freedoms have been respected. It also notes that economic diversification and further democratization are the main challenges faced by the local government. The EU Office sees the shortage of human resources as one of the key problems faced and notes the increasing reliance on imported labour as a solution. "As a result of the rapid expansion of the service industries, the problem of labour shortages has become more acute than before. (…) Macau increasingly relied on imported workers and professionals to meet the needs of its growing economy. (…) The corporate sector is calling for a more dynamic and flexible labour import regime to ease shortages of both unskilled workers and professional staff." The annual report is optimistic in that it notes a progress in the MICE and in the creative industries' sector. It is also enthusiastic with regards to the Hengqin project, emphasizing a strong interest among European investors in the island. As to cooperation between Macau and the EU at the level of exchanges of taxpayers' information the EU Office sees the conclusion of several agreements as a remarkable progress. When it comes to academic cooperation between the European bloc and Macau, the report highlights the upcoming EU Academic programme that will intensify exchanges between the two.   Mon, 14 May 2012 16:03:39 Visitor arrivals on package tours climbed 51 percent year-on-year in March   Official Statistics show that 754-thousand people visited Macau in package tours. Visitor arrivals from South Korea climbed as much as 161 percent. Visitors from Mainland China soared 45 percent and accounted for over two thirds of the total. Mon, 14 May 2012 16:03:10 Four people were injured early this morning after a car crashed into the railings while passing by the viaduct near Grand Lisboa Hotel.   The windshield of the car was broken, and the airbags bumped out. The car's front was once on fire. Firemen had to open the car's hood and sprinkled water to lower the temperature. Three passengers along with the driver were slightly injured and were sent to the hospital. Mon, 14 May 2012 16:02:42 The Transport Bureau will soon set up parking meters at the motorcycle parking lots surrounding the China Plaza building. Motorcyclists who support the arrangement believe it will increase the availability of the parking spaces, but some consider it a waste of money.   Before the installation of the meters, road workers put the traffic fences around the parking lots. This notice says no parking is allowed at the zone since last Saturday. But motorcyclists still parked their motors there. Some point out it's hard to find parking lots in the area and support the new measure. "The motorcycles used to stay there forever, so it (the measure) is well-intended," said a motorcyclist. Still, some think otherwise. "It's so redundant, because it's a waste of money. The parking meters needed to be fenced off, which will limit the parking spaces," said a motorcyclist. Residents suggest the Government locate potential parking spaces somewhere else. "In Macau we have no choice because there isn't enough space (to build parking lots). How about having some parking lots inside the buildings?" said a motorcyclist. There are forty motorcycle parking spaces down the China Plaza building. The Transport Bureau says the arrangement will regulate parking of motor vehicles and boost the availability of parking spaces. The Bureau plans to install more motorcycle parking meters in the Central District.   Mon, 14 May 2012 16:01:10 Macau citizens can enjoy free text messages and video phone calls this Thursday. This is to mark the 2012 World Telecommunication and Information Society Day.   This year's theme is "women and girls in ICT". The Telecommunications Regulation Bureau will hold a seminar on this topic. To celebrate the Day, Macau telecom users can enjoy a day for free local text messages and video phone calls. The Bureau will also introduce a new access platform for the government's free internet "WiFiGo". Mon, 14 May 2012 16:00:26 Regarding CTM's blackout, the Telecommunications Regulation Bureau says they have already finished the investigation. But they say they still have to wait for CTM's explanation before a final solution can be announced on the matter later this month.   "According to the administrative procedure, we need to inform the result to CTM. And CTM needs to give us an explanation within a certain period. Then afterwards, we will give out a final conclusion and let the authority decide whether to punish the company or not. Right now, we have gone into the administrative procedure and have already informed CTM. We hope to announce the final solution by the end of May," said Hoi Chi Leong, the Deputy Director of DSRT. Mon, 14 May 2012 15:52:11 After a five month trial period, the Macau Economic and Cultural Office was officially opened today in Taiwan's landmark 101 building. The Director of the Chief Executive's Office, Alexis Tam, said the opening marks a milestone in the Macau-Taiwan relationship.   Trial running since last December, the six-member Macau Economic and Cultural Office was officially put to use today. The office was inaugurated by the Secretary of the Social Affairs and Culture Cheong U, the Director of the Chief Executive's Office Alexis Tam and the head of Hong Kong and Macau Office of Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council Yan Zhong Guang. "The opening of Macau Economic and Cultural Office is not only a good thing for the residents from the both sides, but it also marks a significant milestone for peaceful development of Macau and Taiwan as well as further communication and reciprocal relationship between the two sides," said Alexis Tam / Chief Executive Office. A representative of the Mainland Affairs Council believes Taiwan-Macau relation will enter a new phase. "In the future, we will further cooperate in air transport and the tackling of crimes. I think there is huge space for the exchanges between the cultural and creative industries," said Yan Zhong Guang from the Mainland Affairs Council. The Office will work to foster the links between the two sides in areas such as trade, economy, tourism and culture. It will also offer emergency assistance to Macau's residents living in Taiwan. Sun, 13 May 2012 13:24:06 The travel warning for the Philippines is still valid. This warning was issued by the Tourist Office after tensions over the sovereignty of disputed islands escalated between China and the Philippines. In Macau, Filipinos show concern about its impact on their daily lives. But as a whole, they believe that it's just a matter of time for the dispute to be resolved.   The spat between China and the Philippines stemmed from the Philippines' accusation of Chinese fishing vessels intruding the disputed waters at islands that both sides claim last month. It escalated after an anti-China protest in Philippines on Friday. Even the Filipinos, who live hundreds of miles away in Macau, said they could feel the tension. "It will affect my relationship with my co-workers, with the people I used to work with, because they will think, "Oh, Filipino people are like this", but I am not really directly in the Philippines. I don't know what exactly is happening," said Glenn Gorgon, a Filipino living in Macau. "I am worried, but it may pass. It may just pass. For me, it's not that intense. It's…maybe the problem should be resolved by our Government," said Karen Badong, a Filipina living in Macau. They believe the key to the settlement is a due respect to each other. "I just hope that both parties could settle, could discuss the matter internally, not really going outside the newspaper, media, because it would just end up causing tensions. I can see that some people are burning flags of China and same with the Philippines flags, so it doesn't help the relation between the Philippines and China," said Glenn Gorgon, a Filipino living in Macau. "The people from Philippines and the people from China actually, they get along quite well," said said Karen Badong, a Filipina living in Macau. Following the Philippines' demonstration, Macau Tourism Management Office issued a travel alert against travel to the neighbor country. And, in fact, last night at the airport, there wasn't any Chinese resident checking in for the Manila flight. Now a number of Chinese and Philippine coastguard ships remain stationed at the islands, known as Scarborough Shoal to the Philippines and Huangyan Island to China.  Sun, 13 May 2012 13:19:43 The Disability Assessment Registration has been receiving applications for more than a year.    So far over 5800 disabled individuals were given disability assessment certificates.  But many more are in line for an assessment. The Social Welfare Bureau has received more than 9800 applications. The Bureau says this process has been a little overwhelming as right now its human resources are limited. Sun, 13 May 2012 13:18:22 Hundreds took the streets of Macau this afternoon to worship Our Lady of Fatima.   The celebrations started at St. Dominic's Church, with a mass followed by a procession through the city's streets reaching the Church of Our Lady of Penha. Also known as the procession of the Candles, the procession has its origins in 1917 Portugal. Three young shepherds claimed to have been visited by a Marian apparition who passed them a message. According to the official Catholic interpretation, the three secrets involve Hell, World War I and II and the shooting of Pope John Paul II. This is a strong ritual among Catholics in Macau. Not only residents, but also migrant workers and tourists take part in the procession. Sun, 13 May 2012 13:17:41 Today is Mother's Day in Macau and in most of the world. Many mothers and their children went out together to celebrate this special occasion, making it a happy day for restaurant managers too…    Every second Sunday of May is the Mother's Day. No matter how busy, some children seize the opportunity and take their moms out for breakfast to express their gratitude. "I wish my mom a happy Mother's Day. She worked hard to raise us. Now we're grown-ups. We have to take her out to have meal together," said a resident. What do moms expect for their children? "Those who study can make progress, those at work get a promotion. And good health for everybody…" said a resident. Some families gathered four generation all together to take a little break from their busy life. "Usually we are busy working and do not have the luxury to have morning snacks together. Today is special. I wish every mom in the world a happy Mother's Day," said a resident.  And it's a happy day for restaurant managers too. Some customers booked a table two weeks ago. And of course it's a full house today. "We've already added some tables. Today there are more family customers, so there are more big tables," said a manager from the restaurant. The manager also says, due to the inflation, this year's set menu for Mother's Day is 20% more expensive than last year, at a minimum charge of 4000 patacas. Sun, 13 May 2012 13:14:41 A distinguished Taiwanese film producer, Peggy Chiao, sees movie-making potential in Macau. She also offers the SAR government some advice on how to develop the local film industry. Chiao also participated as a jury in this year's edition of the Macau International Film and Video Festival that ended today.   Peggy Chiao was invited to be the jury for this year's Macau International Film and Video Festival. She sees a bright future in Macau film industry and cooperation opportunities between the two regions. "Now, it's really entering the golden age of Chinese language cinema. There is no reason for Macau to be absent from this big scene. So I really expect from this event and I did see some really potentially good filmmakers there. I think the government should have more training mechanisms set up to train your local filmmakers, to help them with technical and finance problem. And also I think it's very imperative to have some subsidy program to help the local film makers to start. Half of the filmmakers now we watched their works, half of them came back from Taiwan. They were trained in Taiwan, because they probably cannot get proper training here. So they went to Taiwan film schools and after they graduated they all came back here," said Peggy Chiao, a Taiwan film producer. And this year's biggest award winner, Tracy Choi, is one of them. She says Macau lacks education in film studies. But she wants to come back to help the industry, once she finishes her studies elsewhere. "First of all, I have to learn something from outside. And finally I can come back to create something really in Macau. The topic (of my film) is very intimate, very personal. We didn't expect we can get the biggest prize. It's really a surprise," said Tracy Choi, a local filmmaker. Tracy Choi's film describes her own journey, as she came out of the closet as a lesbian. With this movie Choi wants to encourage society to become more gay-friendly. Sun, 13 May 2012 13:13:54 A crane hit an apartment building last night. No one was injured, but around 60 residents were forced to wait outside their homes. The works at the construction site have been suspended. And the Infrastructure Development Office says they will penalize the contractor in case he is found to be responsible for the accident.   Yesterday evening, a crane tilted and crashed into a residential building, right opposite to the construction site of the Ilha Verde public housing. The crane hit the second block of the Mayfair Garden, in Ilha Verde, and smashed the windows of two flats. The glass fragments fell into the ground while the crane's boom was left suspended in the air. The crane driver managed to escape and wasn't injured.  The Fire Services Bureau had to evacuate around sixty residents. Some residents said they were not surprised by the accident, since the construction site is too close to the apartment building. "I heard a big noise when the crane fell down, then immediately I heard some glasses being smashed," said a resident. "I had already found it very dangerous before; because I'm really afraid it would hit our building. (And this time it really crashed…) Yes, so actually I'm not surprised," said a resident. Several government departments came to investigate the accident. The contractor had to use another crane to pull back the suspended crane since the Fire Services Bureau didn't have equipments to handle such a heavy machine. At around 11pm, the entire crane was finally moved back to the construction site. Not long afterwards, the Fire Services Bureau lifted the blockade of the road and the residential building. Residents were then allowed to back home after waiting for more than three hours on the street. The Infrastructure Development Office says they have already stopped the construction works at the site and have urged the contractor to hand in a report. They will punish the contractor if they discover that the accident was caused by their carelessness. As the construction work is now suspended, the contractor is also responsible for the delay of the project.  The contractor also needs to pay for the renovation of the damaged flats. Sat, 12 May 2012 13:06:30 This accident has drawn the attention of the construction industry. They suggest the government improves safety training and regulations.   This morning, the damaged flats were covered with stripped canvas from outside. The broken windows haven’t been restored yet. Works at the construction site the Ilha Verde public housing, which is to be finished by the end of the year, were entirely suspended. According to the government's requirement, the contractor can only restart the construction after it has passed the authorities' assessment of its environment and safety measures. Some experts in the construction industry hope, after this accident, the government can standardize workers' training and safety regulations in construction sites. "It's better late than never. I hope we all can take it as an example and move forward. So in the upcoming projects we need to put more efforts in training, especially professional training," said Mak Soi Kun, the President of Macau Construction Association. "I believe the government has enough resources to strengthen the management in this aspect, to protect the workers and the environment around the construction sites," said Cheong Man Fun, the Director of the Macao Construction Industry General Union. To prevent these accidents from happening again, they also urge the government to supervise the workplace safety more. As the typhoon season is approaching, the Infrastructure Development Office urges all contractors in Macau to follow the guidelines strictly and put on sufficient preventive measures on the sites. Sat, 12 May 2012 13:05:12 The residents of Sam Ka Village, in Taipa, are about to lose their homes. One month ago, the Housing Bureau issued a foreclosure notice giving them 30 days to move out. But these villagers say they have nowhere to go and urge the government to solve the problem. Otherwise, they say they will stay and resist.   The Housing Bureau is taking back the land near the Sun Yat Sen Avenue to build new roads. And that's exactly where the Sam Ka village is located. The government says the area was illegally occupied by the villagers. And according to the Housing Bureau's notification, it's the last day for some of the residents in Sam Ka Village to move away. But the villagers claim they are the rightful owners of the houses and refuse to leave. "The Housing (Bureau) building was built in 1991. Before, we had already lived here for more than 40 years, since the 1950s. They say these are illegal structures. We disagree," said Mr. Lai, a Sam Ka Village's resident. Some villagers want to stay in the homes they've lived from generation to generation. But some are happy to leave the shacks. They only wish for the government to provide them with a better choice. "At least you have to accommodate our villagers. Either they help us to buy affordable housing or settle us in the social housing. You only gave us such a short notice. Where shall we go? ," said Mr. Cheong, a Sam Ka Village's resident. "We've lived here for a long time and we've worked really hard to build these houses. That's our hard-earned money. We respect the government's decision and we also happy to move. But they have to respect us too and accommodate us," said Mrs. Chan, a Sam Ka Village's resident. The villagers say they the government hasn't informed them when the demolition will start.  But they would stay until then. TDM has called the Housing Bureau for inquiry, but the bureau says they cannot answer any questions since it's weekend.     Sat, 12 May 2012 13:00:42 There are also some Filipino nationals living in Sam Ka. Most do not have legal documents to stay in Macau and have settled in the shacks for free. Teresita Mella is one of them. She decided to leave the city when the demolition was announced.   It's Mella's last day in Macau. Seven years have passed since she first arrived in the SAR. Tomorrow she will be on the plane back to her home country, the Philippines. "It's sad. Lonely, because we are leaving a nice place and back to our country," said Mella. And this is the nice place that Mella is talking about. It's hard to imagine, in a developed city like Macau, someone is still living in a shack like this. But Mella manages to run her little business in the very place. "Just cooking Filipino food. Like chicharon. I don't know if you know that. The crunchy one. If you eat, crunchy," said Mella.  (How much are you making per month?) "I earn not too much. Just only maybe 3000. 3000 patacas," said Mella. (It's not enough for you to pay the rent?) "It's not, because the rent is very high. So we decided to leave this place. I love this place, because it's peaceful. I would like to stay if have a chance to find a house. Like this, not rent," said Mella. (What's your plan in the future? Like if you go back to your country, what are you going to do there?) "Continue my small business. I earn here a little. So I am going to start there," said Mella. Mella says she knows how life is hard back in the Philippines. Even though they enjoy the days here in Macau, it's hard for them to stay since the government is taking away their shelter. "We love Macau," said Mella. ( So you want to stay, but you cannot?) "We cannot stay long, because, as I told you, we don't have too much money to rent a house. So we need to go out. Leave your country and go home," said Mella. According to Mella, there are around 20 Filipinos living the Sam Ka Village. TDM went there this afternoon and saw them packing up. But most of them refused to talk to the camera and claimed themselves as visitors.   Sat, 12 May 2012 12:54:42 The Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau going to install compression garbage bins in the Sao Lourenco Neighborhood.   Residents were introduced to the project this afternoon. The Bureau plans to gradually reduce the number of existing small scale garbage collection stations and replace them with these compression bins.  Currently, there are 21 compression garbage bins in Macau and more will be put into service this year.   Sat, 12 May 2012 12:54:04 The Social Welfare Bureau announced that in the last few years it is receiving fewer reports of domestic violence. But the Bureau promises not to back down in its fight against it.   Overall, in 2011, the Social Welfare Bureau recorded a total of 76 cases of domestic violence. In the first quarter of the present year, only 15 instances were reported to the Bureau. "We used to receive around a hundred (cases) every year. Even though there seems to be a declining trend, we won't lower our guard, because this is a very complex matter that at times involves other types of abuse such as child abuse," said Wong Im Mui from the Social Welfare Bureau. Wong Im Mui of the Social Welfare Bureau also announced that the consultation process on this issue has ended. The Bureau is now drafting the relevant bill. She also said that the the Bureau will enhance cooperation with police and other associations to tackle domestic violence.   Sat, 12 May 2012 12:51:39 Every year the Maritime Administration gives residents a chance to travel around Macau by boat. The event is popular among families. Many take the trip to learn more about Macau.   Macau, as a seashore city, is much embraced by the water. Today, many locals had their first time looking at the place from the middle of the sea. These people took part in the annual sea trip organized by the Maritime Administration. Long before the trip began, the 1200 tickets had already run out of stock. "My whole family could come together if I had more tickets, but I just had two," said a resident. It's a one-hour trip that begins at the port of Ilha Verde and goes across the Sai Van Bridge. For some residents, the tour is a family get-together.And it is especially popular with the children, even if they have to get up early. "It does not matter," said a resident. "My mum lined up for the tickets for me. I love coming here," said a resident. "I saw so many boats," said a resident." "I would like her to go out by boat to see Macau's landscape and the bank on the other side. She knows all of the sites, but I would tell her more (about the sites) on the sidelines," said a resident. Others came for relaxing. "I am happy. (Do you think Macau has changed a lot?) It's much prettier," said a resident. The activity will continue tomorrow and at the upcoming weekend. Sat, 12 May 2012 12:48:36 Cheong U is in Taiwan for a three-day visit.    Tomorrow the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture will inaugurate the Macau Office in the island.   So far, the delegation has met the Chairwoman of the Mainland Affairs Council. Lai Shin-yuan said she expects more cooperation with Macau, such as maritime and crime fighting agreements. The delegation also met the Council of Cultural Affairs and the Friends of Hong Kong and Macau Association.  Sat, 12 May 2012 12:47:48 The Macau Tourism Crisis Management Office has issued an alert for travel to the Philippines, warning local people not to go to that country.   This comes after Mainland Chinese authorities told its citizens they were not safe in the Philippines. Andy Wu from the Travel Industry Council says currently there are no package tours of local residents in the Philippines Chinese travel agencies announced they had suspended tours to the Philippines, and the Chinese embassy in Manila advised nationals already in the country to stay indoors ahead of planned anti-China protests.       Fri, 11 May 2012 12:36:39 The number of sham marriages doubled in Macau during the first quarter. Violent crimes climbed as much as 20 percent, and crimes of intimidation went up more than 70%. These are some of the figures Secretary for Security Cheong Kuok Va announced today.   Secretary for Security Cheong Kuok Va announced the latest crime figures this afternoon. 3151 crime cases have been recorded in the first quarter alone, a 12% increase compared to last year. Of them, cases of thefts, intimidation and forgery saw the biggest growth.  Crimes against life in society went up by 25%. Cases of document forgery doubled to 111. They're mainly forgery of travel IDs and passport. Of the 111 cases though, over 70% involve sham or fake marriages. Cheong Kuok Va says Macau's stream of job opportunities are to blame. "We can see that through these sham marriages, they want to settle in Macau. The police are conducting and strengthening investigations on this. They're also working with Mainland authorities to make sure there is a husband and wife relationship before approving their application," said Cheong Kuok Va, the Secretary for Security.   Besides forgery, violent crimes also went up by 20% to 181. Intimidation crimes went up by 73% to 66. Cheong says the police will do more raids and checks during the summer to improve Macau's security. Fri, 11 May 2012 12:34:14 Power outages have hit several streets in Old Taipa this afternoon. Over 1200 users and 80 buildings were affected; some of them experienced up to two hours with no energy. Shop owners blame CEM for thei business losses.   This is what happened at three this afternoon in central Taipa. And this hasn’t happened for quite a while now. The last major power outage was in June last year. Today's blackout spanned from Old Taipa all the way to the People's Liberation Army Garrison. Over 1200 users and 80 buildings were affected. Seven minutes after it begun, CEM said up to 90 percent of the households affected regained power, but some shop owners at Rua do Cunha said it failed again several minutes after. They blame the blackout for making them lose money. "Not only did our business was affected, but we also had to throw away the products, such as fruits and ice-creams. (How much was lost?) I don't know exactly yet, but probably thousands of Patacas," said a local shop owner. "They didn't inform us earlier. And the repairing work is really slow. Nobody came to check up on us. We already called to complain, many of the shops owners did it as well. CEM said they are in the process of fixing it, but we couldn't see any changes," said a local shop owner. Electricians were sent to the scene to fix the problem and by five o'clock power had fully resumed. CEM promises to investigate the incident to hand in a report to the government. As for costumer compensation CEM says only the government can decide.   Fri, 11 May 2012 12:32:57 By August, the Sai Van Bridge will set up an exclusive lane for motorcycles. Some local associations say additional safety measures should be set up, including speed limits and a new transportation plan for Cotai.   Earlier this week, the government announced their plans to set up a motorcycle lane on the Sai Van Bridge. This means motorcycles will have to make a detour whenever they go towards the University of Macau. Local associations say that shouldn't be a big problem, as motorcyclists will likely make use of the lane for safety's sake. They also say the lane can handle the rapid growth of motorcycles in the city. "Usually motorcycles drive on the wider lanes. But we won't know anything until the lane is open for trial. It should be able to handle the flow of motorcycles," said Tang Ming Fai, the President of Professionals of Motorcycles Association. Tang suggests applying a speed limit to the beginning of the lane, or setting up a lane on the left side of the Sai Van Bridge for heavy duty vehicles, so they're furthest away from the motorcycles. Meanwhile, the Transportation Consultative Committee says there should be a new transportation plan set up in face of Cotai's rapid development. "Alongside the new lane, the government should figure out how to strengthen public transportation facilities, especially when it comes to crossing the bridge," said Kwok King Man, the Transportation Consultative Committee.  Kwok adds that the government should also consider lowering the speed limit for all vehicles traveling on the Sai Van Bridge. Fri, 11 May 2012 12:28:25 The Transport Bureau says before the motorcycle lane is set up on the Sai Van Bridge in August, they won't implement extra safety measures on the Friendship Bridge just yet. Director Wong Wan also explained why they chose to locate the lane on the right side of the bridge.   Come August, the motorcycle lane will be set up on the right side of the Sai Van Bridge. Transport Bureau Director Wong Wan explains why. "From Macau or Taipa, when you drive onto the Sai Van Bridge, there's more of a clash with cars on the left side. It'll also cause more traffic congestion. The 4th proposal had the least clashes, because when the cars and motorcycles meet, they are driving under the same speed limit. So that's why we think this idea is the safest of all," said Wong Wan, the Director of the Transport Bureau. Wong adds that inevitable motorcyclists will have to make a detour when the exclusive lane is set up. But he stresses the public knows what to choose between safety and convenience.  He stresses since a public consensus is yet to be reached, the government will put a halt on implementing more safety measures on the Friendship Bridge. Fri, 11 May 2012 12:23:55 Passenger traffic at the Macau International Airport increased 8.5 percent year-on-year in the first four months of this year.   The Airport says the number of passengers using the facility stood at about 1.3 million. But overall, the Southeast Asian market has become the biggest market source, accounting for 37% of the total passengers. The Airport also announced that aircraft movement edged up slightly at 2.3%. Fri, 11 May 2012 12:23:21 The government will launch a consultation on urban renewal for residents living in the  Rua do Padre Antonio area, near Barra.    The government commissioned the Macau University of Science and technology to collect opinions on how to carry out urban renewal works in the district. The results are expected to be out in September. The findings will be gathered and analyzed by the government alongside the results of previous surveys conducted in the neighboring Barra and Sao Lourenco districts. Fri, 11 May 2012 12:22:39 40 domestic workers graduated from a Chinese cooking course hosted by the Labor Affairs Bureau and Women's General Association. The employers say they're happy with the results of the program, and that they hope more similar training courses can be held in the future.   With a notepad in their hands, they jotted down notes and listened to the instructor carefully. Throughout the ten day workshop, these domestic workers-turned-students worked hard in hopes to cook a delicious dish for their employer. Today is their graduation day. "Help me a lot also. I can say that I have confidence to cook simply Chinese cooking," said a student. "At first she didn’t' know how to cook at all. At then she joined the course, turned out pretty well. I just wished the course is a little longer," said Mrs. Wong. "I'm OK to free up two hours for her to learn. Learning is good for her and me. I hope there will be more classes in the future, we'll continue to participate and support her," said Mrs. Li. The Women's General Association says they plan to open more cooking workshops in the future, including courses on western style cuisine and baby care.     Fri, 11 May 2012 12:18:19 Australia wants to boost bilateral trade with Macau. The Australian Consulate sees good opportunities here to introduce new products, namely gourmet products.   A taste from Down Under… A local supermarket hosted an Australian food festival for the first time in Macau. Over 300 products are on display and over 100 of them are new to Macau. "You will see here that we've got some new flavours of TimTams. There are the honeycomb, and we've also got the double choco ceremal, which is some really favorites. These are new to Park n Shops in Macau. There are dipping. You can use them with meat, with beef,with chicken, with pork. You can put some of these dressing over salads," said Linda Yan, the Trade Commissioner of the Australian Consul. The Consul-General of Australia says food safety is important issues for Macau consumers. And they will insure the quality of the products they brought to the SAR. They are also trying to break new grounds with the local government. "We are always talking to the Macau government to cooperate to more fully across the whole range areas. Whether it's in immigration policy, economic policy, trade issues, all these sorts of things," said Paul Tighe, the Consul-General of Australia. The Australian Food Festival will run for two weeks. The selections comprise traditional produce, and speciality products including organic food, olive oils, wine and other beverages.    Fri, 11 May 2012 12:17:27 The Australian Government is introducing new label-free visa arrangements for Macau residents. In a joint announcement today, the Australian Consulate-General and Macau's Identification Services Bureau confirmed that an agreement has been reached and they will introduce the changes July 1st.   The change applies to Macau SAR passport holders and all other Macau residents, regardless of their country of origin. Label-free will allow for faster and more convenient applications and will apply to all visa types, including tourist, business, student and migration visas. Currently visa applicants from Macau send their original passports to Hong Kong for processing. Under the new arrangement, this will no longer be necessary. Australian Consul-General, Paul Tighe, said these changes are another reflection of the growing level of exchange between Australia and Macau. "It's a very dynamic part of the world. A lot of activities going on. A lot of Australian interests are here. Mainland China is now Australia's largest trading partner. Hong Kong and Macau is significant trading partner in their own right and the Greater China overseas are enormously valuable to us and interesting to us," said Australian Consul-General, Paul Tighe. This afternoon, the consul-general came to Macau and had a meeting with his fellow Australian countrymen based in the SAR. "The main purpose of the briefing was just to let the Australian community in Macau know what service we offer from the consulate in Hong Kong, we cover things like issuance of passports, consular assistance, immigration functions, citizenship function, trade promotion that we run out of Hong Kong," said Australian Consul-General, Paul Tighe. The Australian Consulate-General also advises that they have recently changed location of the office in Macau. Starting from tomorrow, 11th of May and on the first Friday of every month thereafter, passport and visa services will be made available at the Executive Center in the AIA Tower. Thu, 10 May 2012 12:29:09 Macau will host the first three Global Tourism Business Forums in September This is a joint venture between the SAR Government and the China Tourism Chamber, in hopes to turn Macau into a world class tourism hub.   Two days of business, tourism business that is. All to try to make Macau into a world class tourism hub. It's a joint undertaking between the SAR authorities and the Chinese Chamber of Tourism. From September 9th to 11th the future of Macau's tourism will be discussed in the Global Tourism Business Forums. The SAR will invest total of seven million Patacas to host the first three editions of this forum. Secretary for Social Affairs Culture, Cheong U, underlined the importance of Macau hosting this Forum. "We can attract elements from the Industry that concentrate here by the exchange of opinions, talk about strategies or collaboration to better develop this industry and third, with this forum, overall, this way we manage to attract more elements of the high-end industry," said Cheong U from the Secretary for Social Affairs Culture. Tourist Office director Costa Antunes justifies the investment with the dividends that Macau can collect from this forum and with the strengthening of cooperation in business between the SAR and the Mainland. "As it was mentioned: Macau as being the chosen spot to do the first years of this forum has the advantage of getting all support from the central government through the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, but at the same time we are creating a global forum, we will certainly have present several first-class entities at an official and private level," said Costa Antunes, the Tourist Office director. The first edition will held at the Macao Tower. The program is not yet known, but the event should bring world class specialists Thu, 10 May 2012 12:28:46 Melco Crow's first quarter profits jumped 17-fold year-on-year.   The gaming operator announced that its net income soared to about 977 million patacas. And the earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization doubled compared to last year's first quarter. In a conference call after they announced the results, Melco Crown's chief executive Lawrence Ho said he is optimistic the company will receive government's green light for its Macau Studio City project within the first half of this year. Thu, 10 May 2012 12:27:33 Another gaming operator announced its first quarter results.   Galaxy reported a 200 percent increase in its earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. The company also said the groups' revenue went up 130 percent year-on-year.   Thu, 10 May 2012 12:27:14 The Legislative Assembly has passed the Food Safety Law at first reading. Some legislators are concerned over its impact on SMEs.   Some legislators highlighted the heavy penalties under new Food Safety Law. Ho Ion San is worried some SMEs may not be able to handle fines as much as 600 thousand patacas, which is the maximum amount in regards to criminal liabilities.   "The government is throwing the problem to the industry, they'll be very troubled. They'll only ask and learn about it now; I don't think that's enough time," said legislator Ho Ion San. Government representatives responded saying that only those who deliberately made a mistake during the production, management, storage and transport process will be penalized. Another lawmaker Fong Chi Keong said since almost all foods in Macau are imported, eateries should not be blamed for food safety. He says the government's inspection abilities should be questioned. But the new law does not specify or regulate inspection and quarantine departments' responsibilities. "This will affect thousands of eateries. Does the government have enough channels to discuss the problem with the industry? A group of people from the IACM are implementing the law; they're also doing the inspection. There must be a problem with how credible and trustworthy they are to the public," said legislator Fong Chi Keong. IACM President Tam Vai Man says the government will continue to inspect higher risk fresh foods, and that they have strengthened the notification mechanism with Mainland authorities. "Via setting up different guidelines, we'll let the industry do the coordinated management works accordingly through different phases, said Tam Vai Man from the IACM. Tam adds that there will be a food safety information centre built within the future Iao Hon Street Venders Building. There'll also be a food safety hotline to gather and categorize all relevant complaints and suggestions.     Thu, 10 May 2012 12:26:44 A girl stumbled and fell into the Reservoir opposite the Ferry Terminal this morning.   The accident took place at around 9 this morning. Firemen arrived on scene and rescued the girl with a steel ladder.  She was slightly injured and sent to the hospital, but discharged shortly after. Thu, 10 May 2012 12:26:20 The Judiciary Police has arrested a police impersonator for raping a 15 year old girl.   In May 2011, the suspect met a 15 year old girl online, who was bullied by two schoolmates at the time. He impersonated as a Judiciary Police officer and won her trust. He then had sex with the girl and stole her credit card, jewelries and cash worth up to 20 thousand patacas. The suspect has been transferred to the Prosecutor's Office. He will be charged with aggravated theft, forgery and statutory rape.   Thu, 10 May 2012 12:25:52