🌊 New Cabinet just dropped, bro

What else is dropped? Reverse Recycling machines

Good morning.

Pardon the lack of topics today, the biggest political news of the year just dropped, so obviously that’s the focus! But don’t worry, everyone’s favourite topic (COVID) is still ongoing.

Make sure to keep wearing your mask unless you’re eating or drinking, consider the 4th shot and, of course, keep the airport empty and clean, just as the bars must be kept empty (unless you show a RAT test).

The new cabinet looks like those rules might be kept anyway…..

— Cyril

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On Today’s Tide

1. Politics | New cabinet drop; Carrie Lam wishes them luck

2. COVID | Macau shuts down over 21 cases

3. Environment | EV buses and more recycling stations

4. Events

Behind the paywall:

1. Politics but detailed |

   • John Lee cabinet choices Q&A

   • Whose who - highlights, controversies, preliminary analysis

Become a premium subscriber for just $8US a month – extra daily news and weekend roundups!

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HK’s brand new cabinet

John Lee has officially gotten an OK from Beijing on his choice of principle officials for the 6th HK government.

The team includes incumbent officers, but many familiar faces from Carrie Lam’s administration (such as Sophia Lee) have been replaced with new aides. John Lee’s government restructuring also sees new deputy secretaries to help with interbureaux communications.

Image: RTHK

The full team can be viewed here.

Also hinted to be joining John Lee’s cabinet in other positions are Regina Ip as Exco chair, and formed police superintendent John Tse (who led the daily protest related police press releases in 2019) as PR manager.

Highlights of Lee’s team members are in the paid section of High Tide today, what are you waiting for?

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Carrie Lam, Beijing wishes everyone good luck

Current-soon-to-be-ex CE gave a statement wishing the new cabinet good luck, saying that she believes they will “steadfastly implement the "One Country, Two Systems" principle, focus on development as the top priority and strive to resolve those economic and livelihood issues of common concern with perseverance and dedication”

She also thanked her current team for helping her through what is definitely not an enviable five years on the hotseat.

The Central Authorities, and the HK-Macau Office also gave statements of congratulations.

Beijing called the line-up “diverse” and with lots of overseas connections, and hoped that their backgrounds will help Hong Kong regain its international footing, and aid in China’s overall development worldwide. However, Beijing also stressed that the new cabinet needs to tackle ‘deep seated’ problems such as housing.

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COVID in Hong Kong

Hong Kong SAR Government News @newsgovhk

The Centre for Health Protection says it is investigating 1,161 additional locally acquired #COVID19 cases, of which 416 were directly identified through nucleic acid tests and 745 via rapid antigen tests that were verified

news.gov.hkLocal infection cases stand at 1.1kThe Centre for Health Protection says it is investigating 1,161 additional locally acquired COVID-19 cases, of which 416 were directly identified through nucleic acid tests and 745 via rapid antigen tests that were verified.

• New cases: 1,276 (115 imported)

• Total cases: 1,226,684

• New deaths: 9,395

• Total deaths: 2

Macau Shuts Down

Macau has gone into yet another COVID-lockdown after the gambling hub found 21 (twenty one) cases! This is their first outbreak in eight months, after entry requirements for foreigners were recently relaxed.

All public services will be shut for two days, except for emergency services. Schools will be shut for a minimum of 3 but likely up to a week as the campuses will be used for mass testing.

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And now for something completely different - the environment

• Citybus EV bus

Citybus launched yesterday Hong Kong’s first electric bus, first plying from Eastern Hospital/HK Stadium to Kennedy Town. The bus will later also be deployed on Kowloon routes to see how it fares. According to Andy Tsang of Bravo Transport, which owns Citybus, the electric buses all need to recharge at Chai Wan, but it is currently able to make around 3x Wanchai - KTown without much problem.

It is hoped that if the electric bus is suitable on multiple routes, that Citybus will be able to invest in more buses - the company has planned to be carbon neutral by 2045.

Crowds of bus enthusiasts were seen waiting earnestly to be the first group onboard. And honestly if I was still that age, I’d have too. It’s pretty cool.

Transit 💉 💉 Jam @Transit_Jam

Bus fans (99% male teens) very excited about the new electric double decker departing HK Stadium shortly

• Recycling for the masses!

The EPD announced that they will be expanding the ‘Reverse Vending Machine’ program (read: plastic bottle recycling machine thing) to more locations.

Currently still in its pilot scheme, 60 machines are scattered around the city and receive about 1000 bottles per machine per day. The new locations have yet to be fully announced; Phase 2 will begin on the 25th.

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Events and deals

Support Harbour Times, our friends and partners by attending these events! Let everyone know who sent you by tagging @harbourtimes

• 藝穗會 「邊渡四十年」混合媒介展覽 Fringe Club "Be 40" Mixed-Media Exhibition

Be 40 is a collection celebrating the 40th anniversary of Hong Kong’s Fringe Club, which has announced that it is extending the exhibition to 30 June! Featured works include art belonging to the club from 1982 until the present, along with the art of Frog King who has had their work shown at the 2011 Venice Biennale.

When: 16 June - 30 June

Where: 藝穗會 Hong Kong Fringe Club. Fringe Club, 2 Lower Albert Road, Central.

The exhibition is also available to view online.

• HT x Program (soft opening)

I've been secretly hinting (badly) at this. To thank all of you readers, as well as support the local businesses that make Hong Kong special, HT has teamed up with various businesses to give readers special discounts.

As Premium Tiders you guys get a substantially greater discount at all partners stores. But even free readers will get discounts, so make sure to share!

Simply open up the link below and start supporting cool people that do cool things!

Harbour Times ❌ Program

• ReThink HK returns 5-6 Oct

HT is proud to once again be a media partner for ReThink - HK’s biggest and most exciting sustainability conference. This year’s conference invites more than 300 expert speakers to share their visions and insights, covering important topics like economic progression while coexisting with nature harmoniously, efficient use of resources, transformation to a low-carbon society, and circular economy for future generations.

Sign up here using the code HTP22 for 40% off!

For more local events, check out yesterday’s High Tide.

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