Michael Chugani
Thursday, October 15, 2015
Many places in the world are proud of their heritage. They strive (try very hard) to be on Unesco's list of world heritage sites. I visited Penang some months ago. It is replete with (full of) historical buildings. The people of Penang are proud that George Town, its capital city, is on Unesco's list of world heritage sites. Two weeks ago, I visited Macau. I have not been there for many years. The heritage sites and historical buildings in Macau took my breath away. When something takes your breath away, it means it impresses you very much. Even though many new hotels, casinos, and entertainment centres are being built in Macau, the government has made a point of preserving its colonial heritage.
If you make a point of doing something, it means you consider something so important that you make sure you do it. The Macau government considers heritage important, so it makes sure heritage sites are preserved. The Historic Centre of Macau, which includes over 20 heritage sites and buildings, is on Unesco's list of world heritage sites. Why does Hong Kong care so little about its heritage when even Macau is so proud of its heritage? The government demolished (tore down) the historic Hong Kong-side Star Ferry Pier and Queen's Pier so that it can build a new road. It sold the historic Tsim Sha Tsui Marine Police headquarters to a property developer who has turned it into an expensive hotel and shopping mall for mainland tourists.
The government also tried to demolish the old Central police station, Victoria Prison and the Central Market. They are heritage sites of historical importance. Luckily, the people objected. The government now wants to cover up the colonial emblem (symbol, insignia) on 59 historic postboxes. Hong Kong does not even have one historical site on Unesco's list of world heritage sites. It is shameful. The tourist industry is complaining about the falling number of tourists visiting Hong Kong. Fewer tourists come because we only have shopping malls to attract them. Other places attract tourists with their culture and history.
http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=15&art_id=162195&sid=45373432&con_type=1&d_str=20151015
