XN000022-1996-12-11 — Page 13

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"Unexpired HKCI can be used after June 30, 1997, as agreed between the British and Chinese Governments in 1986."

the

The Hong Kong Government will continue to clarify the incidents reported in press with the Indonesian Government.

In the meantime, Hong Kong residents who hold HKCI and wish to visit Indonesia are advised to double-check with the local Indonesian Consulate on the validity of their visas.

End

DBs help shape gov't policies with communities' aspirations

The views and advice of District Board (DB) members on district and territory- wide issues play a crucial part in enabling the Government to shape its policies in accordance with the aspirations of local communities, the Director of Home Affairs. Mrs Shelley Lau, said today (Wednesday).

Speaking at the luncheon meeting of the Rotary Club of Kowloon West, Mrs Lau said the DBs, set up under the District Administration Scheme introduced in 1981, had become the largest consultative body in Hong Kong over the past 15 years.

"Currently there are 18 fully elected DBS with 373 members working tirelessly for their respective constituents," Mrs Lau said.

"The DBS are the basic source of strength and vitality of community building in the districts, and the drive and enthusiasm shown by the DBs have led to much good work being done under the District Administration."

Mrs Lau noted that the DBS got themselves involved with community building in one way or another apart from organising or sponsoring community activities. These included the promotion of tourism in the districts, the signing by 18 DB chairmen of the AIDS Charter and the support to the anti-discrimination initiative to help the disabled integrate into the community.

Mrs Lau also cited examples of how DBs affect the work of the department. She said since December 1994, the department has been responsible for the $1.6 billion Rural Planning and Improvement Strategy (RPIS) projects.