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LAWMAKERS SUBMITTED TO THE TOURISM REPRESENTATIVES CALL GRAND LISBOA PALACE AND LISBOETA LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY A NEW VERSION PROJECTS MAY SEE THEIR OPENINGS OF A BILL THAT PROPOSES TO ESTABLISH ON GOV’T TO LIFT COVID-19 DELAYED UNTIL NEXT YEAR DUE TO THE A TRADE UNION LAW IN MACAU TESTS FOR GBA RESIDENTS PANDEMIC: ANGELA LEONG P2 P5 P3
South Korea A senior North Korea diplomat who vanished in Italy in late 2018 lives in South Korea under government protection, lawmakers said yesterday. If confirmed, Jo Song Gil, North Korea’s former acting P3 ambassador to Italy, would USAMERICANS operators losing gaming license is ‘remote’ CAN possibility, says STAY brokerage be the highest-level North Korean official to defect to rival South Korea since the 1997 arrival of Hwang Jang- AP PHOTO yop, a senior ruling Workers’ Party official who once tutored leader Kim Jong Un’s father, late leader Kim Jong Il.
Japan has proposed raising its catch quotas for Pacific bluefin tuna, a fish so highly prized for sushi and sashimi that its population is at less than 5% of historical levels. An online meeting of countries that manage the Pacific bluefin is studying the proposal to raise Japan’s catch limits for both smaller and larger bluefin tuna by 20%. AP PHOTO
Indonesia Thousands of students and workers protested yesterday against a new law they say will cripple labor rights and harm the environment, with some clashing with police. One student was apparently shot. Authorities in Bandung, the capital of West Java province, blocked streets leading to the local parliament building and city hall, where clashes between rock-throwing students and riot police broke out.
Russia’s representative to the global chemical weapons watchdog has hit back at calls for a transparent investigation of the nerve agent poisoning of opposition leader Alexei Navalny, saying Moscow “doesn’t owe anything to
anybody.” The comments AP PHOTO by Ambassador Alexander A VIEWER GUIDE Shulgin to a meeting of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons were published VIRUS yesterday on the website of Russia’s embassy in The Hague, a day after Germany RESPONSE ON said that tests conducted at labs designated by the watchdog confirmed that STAGE WITH Navalny was the victim of an attack with a Soviet-era Novichok nerve agent. PENCE, HARRIS
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MACAU’S LEADING NEWSPAPER
Gov’t expands distinctive local shop scheme
The Macao Economic Bureau (DSE) is MARQUES RENATO planning to expand its distinctive local shop scheme, according to a report by TDM. In July the DSE started the first phase of a program to identify distinctive shops that typified local culture in their characteristics. The first batch of shops accredited by the bureau included 41 establishments in the historic Rua de Cinco de Outubro and streets nearby. Of these shops, 24 sell food and beverages. According to the DSE’s plan, shops from other sectors may also be included in the scheme in the future. In order to decorate some local streets, the DSE has painted three murals at Rua de Cinco de Outubro, Largo do Pagode do Bazar, and Rua do Guimarães. The murals depict the exchange between Chinese and Portuguese culture. It is hoped they will become “check- in” spots in front of which visitors may take photos.
Nine families evicted Lawmakers submit new from social housing The Social Affairs Bureau (IAS) has evicted trade union bill to AL nine families from government social housing due to various types of violations. RENATO MARQUES government headed by Ho a platform said to represent rency and allow citizens and The numbers were recorded in the first Iat Seng has previously given some 70,000 workers in Ma- the media to know exactly nine months of this year. Four families AWMAKERS José Perei- indications of its intention cau, have voted in favor of the what has been discussed and voluntarily moved out of their apartments Lra Coutinho and Sulu Sou to propose a government- bills. the real opinions expressed after they were suspected of violations. The yesterday submitted a new -backed bill on the topic, the As for the evaluation of by the Committee members. department undertook legal procedures to version of a bill that propo- lawmaker said, “It is not clear the AL’s work, Pereira Couti- “The opacity of the AL evict the other families. These families were ses to establish a Trade Union when this can happen and we nho said he was reasonably Committees undermines the suspected of either not using the social Law in Macau. cannot just be waiting for the satisfied with the bills appro- sustainable development of houses as their permanent residence, or of The revelation was made government,” noting that the ved during the last legislati- the political system and har- sharing the houses with other people who by Pereira Coutinho yester- were not approved to stay in the government resolution of the matter was ve year but continued to put ms the supervision of the day afternoon during a press houses. As of October 2, among 12,984 very urgent. the focus on what he calls the work of the lawmakers by the conference organized by the social house families, 57 families were The last time a bill on the “wunderkind problem” of the citizens and the media,” Pe- ordered to move out due to their “excessive” lawmaker to evaluate the topic was brought up to the AL – the lack of transparen- reira Coutinho stated. incomes. 8,166 households consist of one or work of the Legislative As- plenary was in March this cy in the AL’s work, namely On the same topic, Pereira two members. 4,121 families of three or four sembly (AL) during the last year by the hand of lawmakers in regard to the Committee Coutinho noted once again members are living in social houses. There legislative year. Lam Lon Wai and Lei Chan U. meetings, which run behind the example of the neighbo- are 656 families with five or six members “Today, we presented once The bill was voted down for closed doors. ring region of Hong Kong and 41 families consisting of seven or more again (for the eighth-time) a the eleventh time, with just Pereira Coutinho, together where there is a specially de- members currently residing in government bill regarding the Trade Union nine lawmakers in favor and with other pro-democracy dicated TV channel for the social houses. Law. We hope that during this 16 opposed. lawmakers, has for a long Legislative Council meetings legislative year, which starts Traditionally, pro-demo- time been one of the voices and where all the sessions Additional types of Macau on October 16, we can have cracy lawmakers, as well as calling for the full opening of are broadcasted, an example it scheduled for the plenary cars being considered those linked with the Macao the meetings of the AL Com- that, in his opinion, Macau [session] and to be discussed Federation of Trade Unions, mittees to increase transpa- must urgently follow. to enter Zhuhai in the final reading so we can eventually have a Trade Union The Guangdong government is considering Law in Macau,” the lawmaker allowing more types of Macau single-plated said, adding, “I’m hopeful vehicles to enter Zhuhai, according to a that the Trade Union bill Coutinho calls for continuation report by the Macao Daily News. Recently, that we presented can, this the Guangdong provincial government of gov’t consumption incentives time, be approved so the as- said that the Hengqin district of Zhuhai SPEAKING during a press of this year but instead should a year, known as “the annual sociations can represent the is currently considering the possibility of conference held to evaluate the continue it into 2021 by loading cheques.” workers in the different stages gradually allowing Macau’s tourism vehicles, work of the Legislative Assem- another 8,000 patacas into the Instead, Pereira Coutinho thinks app-based vehicles, business vehicles and and processes, and namely in bly during the last legislative resident’s cards to be used from that to counter the increasing other types of cars with only a Macau plate to legal and public administra- year, lawmaker Pereira Coutinho January 2021, a continuation of cost of living, the amount asso- enter Hengqin. The Guangdong government tion matters, protecting their said that the government needs the stimulus to keep the internal ciated with this support should has already reached a preliminary consensus rights, as they are the ‘weakest to continue to pay support economy running. double. with the Macau government. The relevant link’ of the labor negotiation.” to Macau citizens through The lawmaker also said that the In 2020, under the scheme, mainland department is currently working Questioned on the topic the e-consumption voucher government should not consid- every local permanent resident scheme. er ending the Wealth Partaking was entitled to receive 10,000 on amendments to relevant policies to allow by the media, Pereira Couti- In the view of the lawmaker, the Scheme, a plan that issues cash patacas, while every non-per- the plan to happen. In addition, Guangdong is nho added that it is a duty of government should not end handouts to all permanent and manent resident received 6,000 also considering allowing single-plated cars lawmakers to present bills to the scheme at the conclusion non-permanent residents once patacas. from Macau to enter more areas in Zhuhai. the AL, and although the new
www.macaudailytimes.com.mo EDITOR-IN-CHIEF (DIRECTOR)_Paulo Coutinho [email protected] A MACAU TIMES PUBLICATIONS LTD PUBLICATION MANAGING EDITOR_Daniel Beitler [email protected] CONTRIBUTING EDITORS_Leanda Lee, Severo Portela, Sheyla Zandonai ADMINISTRATOR AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Kowie Geldenhuys [email protected] NEWSROOM AND CONTRIBUTORS_Albano Martins, Annabel Jackson, Anthony Lam, Emilie Tran, Irene Sam, OFFICE MANAGER Juliana Cheang [email protected] REACHING OUT! Ivo Carneiro de Sousa, Jacky I.F. Cheong, Jenny Lao-Phillips, João Palla Martins, Joseph Cheung, Julie Zhu, Juliet ADDRESS Av. da Praia Grande, 599, Edif. Comercial Rodrigues, 12 Floor C, Risdon, Linda Kennedy, Lynzy Valles, Paulo Cordeiro de Sousa, Renato Marques, Richard Whitfield, Viviana Seguí MACAU SAR Telephones: +853 287 160 81/2 Fax: +853 287 160 84 DESIGNERS_Eva Bucho, Miguel Bandeira | ASSOCIATE CONTRIBUTORS_JML Property, MdME Lawyers, Advertisement [email protected] +19,500 PokerStars, Ruan Du Toit Bester | NEWS AGENCIES_ Associated Press, Bloomberg, MacauHub, MacauNews, Xinhua For subscription and general issues: [email protected] | Printed at Welfare Printing Ltd Like us on facebook.com/mdtimes SECRETARY_Yang Dongxiao [email protected] send newsworthy information and press releases to: [email protected] website: www.macaudailytimes.com.mo www.macaudailytimes.com.mo page 3 thu 08.10.2020 澳門 MACAU
MACAU’S LEADING NEWSPAPER
GAMING US operators losing license only ‘remote’ possibility, says brokerage DANIEL BEITLER brokerage said. Analysts Vitaly Umansky, Tian- T is unlikely that any of the jiao Yu and Kelsey Zhu therefore U.S.-owned gaming opera- believe that the “most likely scena- tors will come up short in their rio” involving the new tenders will bids for a new concession to be that “all six concessionaires will Ioperate in Macau, according to have new concessions and there brokerage Sanford C. Bernstein, will be no new entrants.” which described such a scenario They said that the local govern- as “remote.” ment still has a range of economic “We view the scenario where levers at its disposal, including “al- one or more of the U.S. casino ope- tering the gross gaming revenue rators lose their gaming conces- (GGR) tax, imposing taxation on sion to be remote, unless the [U.S.- gaming profits, imposing taxation -China] relationship sours signifi- on dividends, [and] mandating cantly further and we see directed upfront fees.” action against U.S. businesses in After brief extensions were China, which would raise risk le- granted to casino operators SJM vels in Macau as well,” said Berns- and MGM China last year, all six tein in a Wednesday note cited by concessions are due to expire in gaming news website GGRAsia. June 2022. Little is known about Other analysts have suggested the requirements of the future that the U.S.-owned concessio- tenders, aside from the likely sce- naires – Wynn Macau, MGM Chi- nario of having diversification na and Sands China – make for obligations written into the new attractive targets for Chinese re- closeness of former and existing been “largely restrained,” accor- U.S. business (especially ones contracts. taliation against U.S. tariffs. These shareholders with U.S. President ding to Bernstein, and has not that have been solid partners to The Macau government wants companies are especially vulnera- Donald Trump. targeted U.S. business opera- the Macau government) is not a to have a bill amending the city’s ble, the analysts say, because of the So far, Chinese retaliation has ting in China. “Directly attacking very likely course of action,” the gaming law ready by next year.
grounds to generally review the administration and effi- Angela Leong Sonia Chan: Withdrawal of gov’t ciency of government-inves- ted entities. hints at delay of On this matter, Chan disclosed that her office is Cotai projects shares in companies possible working on the first phase of ANTHONY LAM the law drafting, which is the OTH the Grand Lisboa Palace and Lis- study stage. It is striving to Bboeta projects may see their openings HE Macau government finish the work by the end of delayed until next year due to the pan-
Thas withdrawn its invest- LAM ANTHONY this legislative term, which demic, Angela Leong, Executive Director ments in the Macau New Te- will end in summer next year. of Sociedade dos Jogos de Macau (SJM), chnologies Incubator Centre The draft will then be released hinted yesterday following a celebration as part of its public invest- for public consultation before of the 71st anniversary of the founding of ment plan restructure, Sonia being delivered to the Legisla- the People’s Republic of China hosted by Chan, director of the Office for tive Assembly for lawmaking the gaming operator. the Planning of Supervision of process. The Lisboeta project is not directly owned Public Assets in the Macau On the contrary, the cur- by the SJM, but is a plan by the late Stanley Special Administrative Region rent guideline overseeing go- Ho’s son, Arnaldo Ho, under the entity of (GPSAP), disclosed yesterday. vernment-funded companies Macau Theme Park and Resorts Ltd. The former Secretary for requires such companies to Leong stressed that the board was in re- Administration and Justice update their information in gular meetings in an attempt to determine a added that the government is certain areas, such as human date for the Grand Lisboa Palace’s opening. in the process of withdrawing resources and procurement, She added that the company’s performan- its investment from another on a specific government ce during the October 1 Golden Week was quasi-commercial entity, the web portal. However, telecom weaker than expected. Changes to operation name of which was not dis- operator CTM and power su- strategies may take place to adapt to market closed by the official. fully-funded by the govern- government-funded entities pplier CEM have previously development. Investment withdrawal is ment. After such a closure, the is not profit-oriented. In con- declined to do so. Moreover, the company is setting targets necessary, according to the business or area of operation trast, they were set up to en- Chan noted that the two for early next year. The SJM executive noted public investment gatekee- will be transferred to a com- sure that public interests are companies have made partial that logistics were hindered by the Covid-19 per, when the government petent, existing government attended to. These entities disclosure and stressed that pandemic, delaying the opening of the pro- deems investment in certain bureau or office. The evalua- will likely be retained. the guideline will have autho- jects. public-commercial entities tion of such redundancy or In addition, the office has rity over them too. Both projects were expected to open by non-vital to their survival. withdrawal of investments is previously disclosed that it Examples of government- the end of this year. Judging from their exte- Besides withdrawing in- done regularly, according to would draft a legal framework funded entities are Air Macau, riors, both projects are complete, at least on vestments from a public- Chan. to oversee government-inves- the Macau International Air- the outside. The government has previously -commercial entity, the gover- Chan said that the work of ted entities and ensure they port Company Limited, the issued a hotel license to the Lisboeta Hotel. nment may even close down the review will be swift. use public funds reasonably Macao Science Center and The project also features the Maison L’Occi- an entity when it is found However, she pointed out and suitably. The legal fra- the Macao Light Rapid Transit tane and Line Friends - Casa de Amigo ho- to be redundant, even if it is that the inauguration of some mework will provide the legal Corporation, Limited. tels, both debuting globally. AL page 4 www.macaudailytimes.com.mo MACAU 澳門 08.10.2020 thu
MACAU’S LEADING NEWSPAPER Local couple accused of perpetrating HKD10 million chips scam RENATO MARQUES
local couple has been detai- Aned on the charge of carrying
out a scam involving HKD10 MARQUES RENATO million in casino chips, the Judi- ciary Police (PJ) revealed yester- day during a special press confe- rence to discuss the case. The alleged actions are those of a 33-year-old man, a member of the Macau Security Force (FSM) since 2006, and his wife, a 25-year- -old woman, also a local resident. The case was discovered on October 2 when two local men fi- led a complaint accusing the cou- ple of fraud. The complainants told the PJ they had given the suspects a total of HKD10 million in gaming chips to be converted into cash. They also said that this was a service previously offered by the same couple, and that they had used the couple’s services on pre- vious occasions without any pro- blem. They also mentioned having given the couple a total of HKD20 September 10 there was no sign of have been tricked and involved in ning the 1% difference. Following its investigation, million to be withdrawn at the ca- the money. a fraud. On October 5, the second sus- although the suspects have not sino cages between August and When questioned by the clien- As the PJ spokesperson explai- pect was caught by the police whi- cooperated or admitted to the September. The couple would ts, the first suspect replied that ned, the two victims are in reality le attempting to exit Macau via crime, the PJ has stated that it has provide the service, completing he did not have the full sum of intermediaries for actual gam- the Border Gate border post. The found sufficient evidence that the the transactions within a week money, as the wife had lost the blers from the mainland who, due husband was detained at home couple was colluding in all the and requesting compensation amount at the gaming tables. On to the pandemic, have not been the following day. aforementioned activities. equivalent to 6% of the value of that occasion, the man only ma- able to exchange their gaming The PJ said that when taken into They were presented to the Pu- the chips. naged to reimburse the victims chips as usual, via bank transfers questioning, both refused to coo- blic Prosecutions Office yesterday On September 7, the complai- HKD1,080,000. using the casinos’ VIP rooms. perate with the police, and the wo- morning, to be charged under Ar- nants gave the couple more ga- Since the couple never provi- He also added that the two men man, at the time she was detained, ticle 211 of the Macau Penal Code ming chips. The couple did not ded the remaining owed cash, the would eventually charge 7% of the only said that she had no knowled- with aggravated fraud, facing a immediately perform the transac- complainants decided to press value of the chips to the original ge or means of performing the ex- potential penalty of 2 to 10 years’ tion as they usually did, and as of charges against them, claiming to chip owners in the mainland, ear- change of chips for cash. imprisonment.
World Press Photo Exhibition closed without warning
DANIEL BEITLER This year’s exhibit is The Casa Garden venue considered controversial managed by CPM is the HE World Press Photo by some because the work only site in Chinese terri- Exhibition at Casa Gar- of one of the nominees for tory to host the exhibition T BEITLER DANIEL den has been closed since World Press Photo Story of this year, although organi- October 1, the Times has the Year portrays the social zers have not ruled out ex- learned, with no indication unrest in Hong Kong during panding to other Chinese that it will reopen before its the anti-government pro- cities at a later stage. scheduled conclusion on tests of last year. The Macau Daily Times October 18. A representative of CPM contacted the World Press Local organizer Casa de yesterday confirmed the Photo Foundation yester- Portugal em Macau (CPM), exhibition’s closure with the day, however nobody was which has hosted the pres- Times, citing “management immediately available to tigious exhibition since reasons” as being behind comment on the closure. 2008, said the closure took the decision without ela- Earlier, CPM told the place because of “manage- borating. The representati- Macau Daily Times that ment reasons.” ve would not confirm how this year might be the exhi- The World Press Photo long the exhibition had bition’s last in Macau. Ac- Exhibition was supposed been closed, nor whether it cording to CPM President to be open from September would reopen. Amelia António, the asso- 25 to October 18, according A person guarding the ciation might have to sus- to the website of the World exhibition at Casa Garden pend the 2021 exhibition Press Photo Foundation, told the Times that all of the because of the costs invol- closed only on Mondays. just days after its inaugura- commemorates the formal calendar, when Chinese photographic exhibits were ved. CPM says bringing the However, sources have in- tion. establishment of the Peo- authorities are particularly still inside the venue, but exhibition to Macau costs formed the Times that the October 1 is National ple’s Republic of China. It sensitive to criticism of the would not comment on any around MOP200,000 an- exhibition may have closed Day, a public holiday that is an important date in the country or party. individual artwork. nually. www.macaudailytimes.com.mo page 5 thu 08.10.2020 澳門 MACAU
MACAU’S LEADING NEWSPAPER Group urges IAM president to step down JULIE ZHU In his opinion, only the Ma- cau government is capable of
group of caretakers JULIE ZHU resolving the issue and giving for stray animals, to- the animals shelter. gether with represen- “Who represents the Macau tatives of the Macau people in providing stray ani- PeopleA Power association, have mals a shelter? You [the gover- urged the president of the Mu- nment] leave the obligation to nicipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) to the residents. Why don’t you step down in a demonstration give your power and your re- at the Government Headquar- sources to the people as well?” ters. Iam asked. “Money is where Yesterday, a group consisting the power is, and responsibility of approximately 30 people, is also where the power is. This including the Macau People responsibility is absolutely on Power representatives, delive- the Macau government.” red a letter to the Chief Executi- Besides building a shelter, the ve asking the local government local government could also ste- to change its methods of han- rilize stray animals in case the dling stray animals. Following authority wishes to control the the delivery of the letter, the number of stray animals, accor- self-described volunteers shou- ding to the association. Howe- ted the slogan, “Step down, José ver, previously, the IAM stated Maria da Fonseca Tavares.” that Macau currently does not The group’s reaction was tri- have the right conditions to im- ggered by the IAM’s president’s plement the Trap, Neuter, Re- response to lawmaker Sulu told the media that the policies cluding the animals,” said Iam. was for the government to take turn (TNR) scheme. Sou’s question on stray animals. have deterred many residents Iam and the group have cal- up responsibilities in providing “We need to sterilize them, Tavares stated that it is illegal to from feeding stray animals, whi- led for a government-managed a shelter. otherwise they will continue feed stray animals, and that fee- ch, according to Iam, has led to home for the stray animals. “All people gathered here, breeding and [the government] ding stray animals may result in the eventual death of these ani- All of the 30 people present plus all other groups, don’t have will continue the killing. We ei- fines. mals. said they are volunteers who the responsibility and the obli- ther stop them from breeding, Iam Weng Hong, leader of Ma- “It’s better for the govern- feed stray animals and offered gation to provide such a shelter or we provide them with some cau People Power and spokes- ment not to impose such heavy some proposals to the govern- for [these stray animals],” said basic living spaces,” said the person for yesterday’s group, fines. Everybody will suffer, in- ment. One of their suggestions the group leader. group leader.
30 researchers Tourism representatives call on gov’t in science and to lift Covid-19 tests for GBA residents technology fields receive JULIE ZHU nion, the biggest discourage- ment for mainland visitors is awards AWMAKER Mak Soi Kun not the Covid-19 test but the Lurged the local govern- travel endorsement applica- N award ceremony was held by the go- ment to lift the Covid-19 test tion process. Avernment yesterday to celebrate 16 pro- requirement in respect of all Previously, mainland resi- jects and 30 researchers in the science and kinds of border entries. dents could apply for a travel technology fields. A total of 46 awards were Well-known local busines- endorsement to Macau from given. sman Cora Vong, Chairman of a self-service kiosk. However, The awards were issued pursuant to the the Travel Industry Council of currently, mainland immigra- Science and Technology Award Regulations. Macau, has also come forward tion has suspended all kiosk The government describes the awards as with the same proposal. machines. This means that further encouraging and supporting local During yesterday’s TDM ra- mainlanders have to wait for talents to immerse themselves in scientific dio program, Macau Forum, up to seven days for their tra- research. Vong shared his opinions on vel permit. In his opening speech, Secretary for Eco- how to lead Macau’s economy ld undergo a review in order to Day Holiday. This indicates In addition, Vong also ex- nomy and Finance, Lei Wai Nong, who at- towards a quicker recovery. achieve more ideal outcomes. that there are hopes for the lo- pressed his concerns about tended on behalf of the Chief Executive, sent In August, the local govern- According to a report by cal economy since it is largely package tours. She noted that, his regards to all the awardees, before reite- ment launched a promotional Xinhua, China saw a total of dependent on the mainland as of today, there are barely rating that the development of science and scheme to encourage visitors 97 million domestic tourist China market. any package tour products technology in Macau has the support of the to travel to Macau. Under the trips on Thursday October On the other hand, it is available for travel to Macau. Central People’s Government in Beijing. scheme, mainland tourists 1, the first day of the eight- vital that Macau must try to Vong hopes that mainland The official reminded those present that a may follow the government’s -day national holiday. Throu- change its polices on entry China will lift outbound pa- science and technology innovation corridor accounts on two mainland gh the first four days of the restrictions. ckage tour restrictions. was endorsed in the Greater Bay Area Deve- social media platforms to par- week-long holiday, some 425 “We can see that move- Aside from that, some lopment Framework. Within this idea, Ma- ticipate in two separate lucky million people traveled do- ment within mainland pro- companies on the main- cau, alongside Guangzhou, Shenzhen and draws to win hotel accommo- mestically, according to the vinces does not require a Co- land, including state-owned Hong Kong, will form the engine of the area’s dations and flight privileges. Ministry of Culture and Tou- vid-19 test. Maybe we can also companies, have also issued science and technology development. On one hand, Vong belie- rism, nearly 80% of last year’s try to lift the test requirement explicit instructions to their In her acceptance speech, Mok Seng Peng, ves that the local government throngs. for rather safe places and pla- workers not to travel outside an awardee representative, recalled seeing and local business operators In Vong’s opinion, main- ces with lower Covid-19 risks, mainland China, and em- leaps in development in the area in Macau should continue to offer pro- land China’s domestic tou- starting with Zhuhai or the ployees must first gain com- in the past 10 years, after she returned to the motions, and the effect of rism has recorded an obvious Greater Bay Area,” said Vong. pany approval if they wish to city from abroad. She also encouraged you- each kind of promotion shou- recovery during the National However, in Vong’s opi- do so. ng people to participate in the sector. AL page 6 www.macaudailytimes.com.mo CHINA 中國 08.10.2020 thu
MACAU’S LEADING NEWSPAPER
diesel-guzzlers still make up the vast majority of that. Still, CNPC researchers said they expect elec- BLOOMBERG tric vehicles and alternative fuels such as hydrogen and ethanol to displace increasing amounts of petroleum fuel. The new mega-refineries un- der construction in places like Zhejiang, Jiangsu and Yantai will be geared toward turning crude oil directly into petrochemicals and plastics. That’s particularly bad news for plants in Taiwan and South Korea designed to cater to China’s petrochemical market, said Harry Liu, executive director for oil markets, midstream and downstream at IHS Markit. While their plastics emphasis means the new plants will produ- ce less transport fuel on a relative basis than older plants, the supply of petroleum products will have to be sold somewhere. In the futu- re, Chinese refiners could export fuels as far afield as Australia, Eu- rope or even the U.S., according to traders in the region. Those exports will eat into market share of existing refine- ries, potentially causing smaller plants within China, as well as others from Japan to Australia, to shutter permanently. China’s building mega refineries “Refinery closures will come in several forms,” said Sushant Gupta, an analyst with Wood Ma- just as fuel demand stalls ckenzie Ltd. in Singapore. “It does HINA is investing tens of nal Petroleum Corp. sees fuel de- as it continues to expand refining dia, according to IHS Markit. not makes sense now to operate a Cbillions of dollars in new me- mand peaking in 2025 as electric capacity while its own demand Domestic demand is likely to standalone refinery or a standalo- ga-refineries even as its fuel de- vehicles sap consumption. growth is slowing,” said Michal grow more slowly in the future as ne petrochemicals plant for that mand is expected to peak within The mismatched building Meidan, director of China at the the country begins its long tran- matter.” five years, raising the risk it will boom underscores how rapidly Oxford Institute for Energy Stu- sition toward carbon neutrality. The coronavirus pandemic has flood the region with cheap ex- clean energy and electric vehi- dies. Even before Xi announced the accelerated the trend of refinery ports. cles are changing the industrial Chinese refining capacity has 2060 target, China National Petro- closures. The damage caused by At least four projects with landscape in China, especially af- nearly tripled since the turn of the leum Corp. said it expected refi- the virus to demand is likely to be about 1.4 million barrels a day of ter Xi Jinping’s pledge last month millennium as the country’s oil ned products demand to grow by structural and permanent, accor- crude-processing capacity, more to go carbon neutral by 2060. It giants tried to keep pace with the just 0.9% a year through 2025 and ding to IHS. than all refineries in the U.K. com- also positions the country to be rapid growth of diesel and gasoli- peak around then, compared to “Our current estimate is the- bined, are under construction. an even bigger exporter of fuel, ne consumption. 5.6% average annual growth from re’s going to be about 1 million That’s after the country already endangering refinery operations There’s now more fuel produc- 2000 to 2019. barrels a day refining capacity added 1 million barrels since the from South Korea to Australia to tion than the country needs, lea- To be sure, China’s vehicle sa- that is facing closure threat,” start of 2019. All that capacity will Europe. ding to exports of nearly 1 million les have increased for two months IHS’s Liu said. “Out of which, 60% add more petroleum products “China is increasingly in a posi- barrels a day, close to the volumes - the first market to rebound since will be in non-China territories.” and plastics just as China Natio- tion to take market share globally shipped by South Korea and In- the pandemic - and gasoline- and BLOOMBERG
Messner’s law firm represented state-run Chinese insurer EPUBLICAN Senate “We need to bring back was seeking $1 million it appropriate for his business campaign, said the se- plan also calls for legisla- Rcandidate Corky Mess- the economy so our fami- claimed was owed to a Chi- to make political decisions nator is not involved in tion to ensure that govern- ner takes a hard line against lies can preserve the Ame- nese exporter, while The about what clients the firm her husband’s law firm. ment pension funds divest China in his campaign, but rican dream,” he says in a Carlstar Group said its pay- engages with. Our republic And he sought to contrast from companies controlled his law firm once represen- recent ad touting his eco- ments were diverted after is built on the premise that Shaheen’s record of stan- by the Chinese Communist ted an insurance company nomic plan. “In my USA hackers breached the ex- everyone is entitled to a ding up for New Hampshi- Party. run by the Chinese gover- Plan, we can provide incen- porter’s data network. The lawyer,” he said in an email. re small businesses with In May, the Federal Re- nment that sued a U.S. ma- tives to American business suit was dismissed in 2017 Biundo also took a swi- what he called “Messner’s tirement Thrift Investment nufacturer. to bring manufacturing after the two sides reached pe at Shaheen, via her willingness to cash in with Board said it would halt its Messner, who hopes to jobs back to the United Sta- a settlement, and Messner husband, attorney Billy the communist Chinese go- decision to invest billions unseat Democratic U.S. Sen. tes from China – and create Reeves no longer represen- Shaheen, whose law firm vernment against an Ame- from the retirement assets Jeanne Shaheen next mon- manufacturing jobs here in ts the Chinese insurer. has represented clients rican business.” of federal government em- th, is a founding partner of New Hampshire.” Asked about the lawsuit, accused of sexual assault, “Messner is conflating ployees in what Shaheen Messner Reeves, a Denver- In 2016, Messner Ree- Messner’s senior campaign stalking and other crimes. an American’s right to le- and others called “opaque -based law firm with offices ves attorneys represented adviser, Mike Biundo, said “If the Shaheen cam- gal representation with Chinese firms engaged in in five states. On the cam- China Export and Credit earlier this week it is impos- paign would like to discuss shaking down an American human rights abuses.” paign trail, he is a frequent Insurance Corp. when it sible for Messner to know the questionable clients company on behalf of a fo- She and Sen. Marco Ru- critic of China, blaming it for sued The Carlstar Group, a the inner workings of each Shaheen & Gordon has ser- reign government,” he said. bio, R-Florida, also spon- the coronavirus pandemic Tennessee-based maker of case, given that he built ved, we’d welcome that dis- In addition to bringing sored bipartisan legislation and calling it a rogue coun- specialty tires, and several a national law firm with cussion,” Biundo said. back jobs from China, Mes- to permanently prevent the try that has damaged U.S. of its partner companies. thousands of clients. Josh Marcus-Blank, sner’s USA, or “Unleashing steering of federal retire- manufacturing. China Export and Credit “Further, it would not be spokesperson for Shaheen’s the Strength of America,” ment savings to China. AP www.macaudailytimes.com.mo page 7 thu 08.10.2020 中國 CHINA
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“Relatively fast action in many countries to provide fiscal and mo- netary support has helped mitiga- Ex-Chinese diplomat details new te some of the negative economic effects,” Yi said. “The net result has been a deeper but less prolonged decline in trade, although consi- WTO forecast on world trade derable uncertainty remains about the strength of any recovery going JAMEY KEATEN, GENEVA forward.” He said this year’s trade slump
former Chinese diplo- AP PHOTO would accompany a drop in GDP mat took center stage of 4.8%, followed by a 4.9% jump yesterday [Macau time] next year. at the World Trade Or- “A resurgence of COVID-19 re- ganization,A announcing its revised quiring new lockdowns could re- prediction for a 9.2% percent decli- duce global GDP growth by two ne in world merchandise trade this to three percentage points, and year and cautioning that a further shave up to four percentage points hit could await if the coronavirus off of merchandise trade growth in continues to spread. 2021,” he said. Deputy Director-General Yi Yi pointed to “some limited Xiaozhun’s presentation of the new upside potential” if effective vac- WTO forecast symbolized a comin- cines or other medical treatments g-of-age moment for China not yet World Trade Organization Deputy Director General Yi Xiaozhun (centre) can be made available quickly. a generation after it acceded to the Yi is one of four WTO depu- trade body. It comes amid a pu- nistration that has been withering The revision follows better trade preventing further suffering is the ty directors-general along with nishing U.S. trade war against Chi- in its criticism of the Communist performances in June and July, no- WTO’s overriding concern,” Yi said. others from Germany, Nigeria and na under President Donald Trump, government that oversees the No. 2 tably thanks to rising demand for “However, the outbreak has also the United States. Former WTO who has repeatedly accused the world economy. health care goods and electronic disrupted the global economy in Director-General Roberto Azeve- country of unfair trade practices Yi announced that WTO econo- equipment. WTO now also predic- unprecedented ways.” do left the job in August, nearly a and intellectual property theft. mists have revised to a 9.2% drop in ts a 7.2% rise in trade next year, far Health measures initiated to ba- year ahead of schedule, and five WTO officials are required to merchandise trade this year, down more “pessimistic” than the April ttle the pandemic have hit many remaining candidates are vying to serve the Geneva trade body, not from their earlier prediction of a forecast for a 21.3% bounce-back. service sectors that require “in-per- succeed him in a process likely to their national interests. But the 12.9% plunge. That forecast was The forecasts exclude trade in ser- son interactions,” but such measu- be completed in coming weeks. presentation by a former Chinese presented in April, when COVID-19 vices, and focus only on merchan- res “saved many lives” despite the Yi has spoken publicly in his diplomat - Yi previously served as case counts were soaring in major dise. economic costs, he added. Yi spe- role, but had never previously led a China’s ambassador to the WTO economic engines like the Europe “The COVID-19 pandemic is cializes in economic research and WTO news conference, according - could resonate for a U.S. admi- Union and the United States. above all a public health crisis, and statistics at WTO. to the trade body’s press office. AP ad page 8 www.macaudailytimes.com.mo WORLD 國際 08.10.2020 thu
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VIEWER’S GUIDE this day in history Virus response on stage with Pence, Harris IKE Pence and Kamala Harris
do not have a AP PHOTO 2003 The Terminator takes tough act to on California Mfollow. The vice presidential de- The film star Arnold Schwarzenegger has been elected go- bate set for today follows vernor of California, ousting the incumbent, Gray Davis, three the disorderly prime-time years before his term was due to end. spectacle last week that had It is the first time in the state’s history that a governor has viewers of President Donald been sacked mid-term. Trump and Democratic ri- With most of the ballots counted, Mr Schwarzenegger has val Joe Biden’s matchup be- won almost 48% of the vote. moaning the moderator’s In a victory speech before jubilant supporters, Mr Schwar- inability to shut off a candi- zenegger thanked the people of California for giving him their date’s microphone. trust. As vice president Pence “I want to be the governor of the people,” he said. “I know has worked to level Trump’s that together we can make this the greatest state in the grea- roughshod style and steer test country in the world.” his response to the coronavi- He pledged to restore trust in California’s government and to re-impose discipline on the state’s out-of-control budget. rus pandemic. He will face a Gray Davis has already accepted defeat, telling supporters U.S. senator known for sharp voters had decided “it was time for someone else to serve and questioning who has made it Members of the production crew work on the stage near plexiglass barriers which will serve as a way to I have accepted their judgement.” clear she wants to invoke her protect the spread of Covid-19 The vote was triggered by Republican activists, frustrated prosecutorial chops on the at high levels of unemployment, struggling schools, and the debate stage. ned Biden for once opposing as Indiana governor in 2015, surers to treat pregnancy as a state’s budget deficit, which now runs into tens of billions of The handling of the pan- the federally mandated bu- drew national attention for preexisting condition. dollars. demic and the contraction of sing of students to desegre- signing a law that allowed In a two-part ballot, voters were first asked if they wanted to COVID-19 by the president, gated schools. As she faces off business owners to deny SAFETY MEASURES recall - or sack - Governor Davis. along with several others in with Pence, who is white, ex- service to gay people for reli- Though Pence has not The only other governor in US history to be recalled was the White House, will almost pect her to address Trump’s gious reasons. tested positive for COVID-19, North Dakota’s Lynn Frazier, in 1921. literally be center stage. Pen- comments at the last debate his recent exposure to people Then - regardless of their answer to the first question - they ce and Harris are expected to where he demurred when FUTURE PROSPECTS who have led the Biden-Har- had to indicate who they preferred as an alternative among be separated by a plexiglass was asked to condemn whi- Pence is considered a po- ris campaign to request a see- the 135 alternative candidates running. shield to reduce the risk of vi- te supremacy, along with his tential successor to Trump -through barrier separating With 96.8% of the results in, 54.4% wanted a recall. rus transmission. remark that there were “very and a likely 2024 presidential the candidates as a precau- Mr Schwarzenegger was running ahead with 47.9% su- The debate starting at 9 fine people” on both sides of candidate. He brings execu- tion against possible trans- pport. His closest rival, Lieutenant Governor Cruz Bustaman- a.m. today [Macau time] at a 2017 protest by white su- tive experience as Indiana mission. They will also be te, was on 32.4%. the University of Utah is the premacists in Charlottesville, governor and vice president stationed more than 12 feet The Austrian-born film star and former body builder - who only matchup scheduled be- Virginia, in which a counter- and would instantly be a lea- apart. Don’t expect them to made his name in action films such as The Terminator and tween Pence and Harris. protester was killed. ding contender if he jumps wear masks or shake hands. Total Recall - galvanised the campaign when he announced What to watch: into the GOP race. Harris has As with the previous debate, he would be running on talk show host Jay Leno’s television SUPREME COURT only elevated her profile since they’re expected to have a li- show earlier this year. Large crowds have gathered to see him at campaign spee- COVID-19 FALLOUT joining the Biden ticket and is mited in-person audience. ches and rallies. Expect Pence and Har- The GOP’s push to qui- expected to mount another But the political fight has been brutal at times, with Mr ris to have starkly different ckly fill a Supreme Court seat run for the presidency in the TRUMP Schwarzenegger accused of sexually harassing a number of assessments of the way the once held by the late Ruth future. That could come as Though the president women, and allegations that he once praised Hitler. Bader Ginsberg could ener- soon as 2024 as Biden hasn’t won’t be on the debate sta- Trump administration has He has denied the allegations, although he made an apology responded to the virus that’s gize voters who see abortion, committed to running for a ge, he’s resumed his frequent for “rowdy behaviour” on film sets. killed more than 210,000 health care and other ma- second term if he wins this Twitter habit since returning Americans. Pence has led jor issues on the line. Pence year. Look for whether Pence to the White House on Mon- Courtesy BBC News the White House’s coronavi- has emphasized his con- and Harris set the stage for day after spending three days rus task force, taking a high- servative Christian beliefs their own political ambitions. in a military hospital for CO- -profile spot at White House and anti-abortion stance on VID-19 treatment. The presi- briefings, projecting an aura the campaign trail and por- GENDER DYNAMICS dent, an avid cable TV news In context of calm and empathy rarely trayed Democrats as a threat Unlike the last debate, viewer, may chime in via made by his boss. Harris, the to religious freedom. Harris, with two men and a male tweet as the debate unfolds. The final result was 55.4% in favour of a recall, with 44.6% former California attorney a member of the powerful moderator, Wednesday’s de- opposing it. Arnold Schwarzenegger won a decisive victory with 48.7% general, is likely to cross-exa- Senate Judiciary Commit- bate features Harris, the four- HOW TO WATCH: support, 16% ahead of his nearest rival. mine Pence on the early res- tee, set to hold a hearing on th woman to ever appear on a The 90-minute deba- He was sworn in as Governor of California on 17 November ponse to the virus, the Trump Trump’s nominee, has been a major party’s presidential ti- te will be divided into nine 2003. campaign’s decision to resu- staunch defender of abortion cket, and a female moderator 10-minute segments without His first act was to abolish an unpopular car tax rise imposed me holding large rallies and rights. A statement this week in Susan Page, the Washing- commercial breaks. It will be by Governor Davis. He also formally ruled out tax rises - one of the big question marks overhanging his campaign. the president’s frequently from two conservative jus- ton bureau chief of USA To- aired on major networks and Later policies, however, have caused controversy. cavalier attitude toward the tices raised new criticism of day. The Trump-Pence cam- cable news channels, inclu- In February 2004 he ordered his top legal official to act disease. the court’s 2015 ruling legali- paign is working to make in- ding ABC, CBS, CNN, Fox, against the city of San Francisco for allowing gay marriages zing same-sex marriage and roads with female voters and Fox News Channel, Fox Bu- in defiance of state law, saying they represented “an immi- RACE suggested the court needs suburban women in particu- siness Network, PBS, NBC, nent risk to civil order”. After weeks of wrangling with senators, Governor Before Harris became the to revisit the decision. The lar. Harris has made her own MSNBC and C-SPAN. Most Schwarzenegger secured a last-ditch agreement on Cali- first Black woman to appear move underlines liberals’ appeal on the campaign trail, of the networks will offer a fornia’s $103bn (£56bn) budget in July 2004. on a major party’s presiden- fears and conservatives’ ex- telling voters that a Supreme way to watch the debate live The budget neither raised taxes, nor cut spending too tial ticket, she had one of her citement about the potential Court challenge to the na- online, through their apps deeply, instead committing the state to borrowing heavily to most striking moments in reshaping of the court. Harris tional health care law could and accounts on YouTube keep its finances on track. Some economists have warned the policy only postpones - the Democratic presidential has been a staunch defender end insurance coverage for and other social media chan- and could exacerbate - the state’s economic problems. primary when she questio- of same-sex marriage. Pence, birth control and enable in- nels. MDT/AP www.macaudailytimes.com.mo page 9 thu 08.10.2020 資訊／娛樂 INFOTAINMENT
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YOUR STARS The Born Loser by Chip Sansom
Aries Taurus
Mar. 21-Apr. 19 Apr. 20-May. 20 Today will be all about feeding your Impromptu socializing just isn’t brain, and you should waste no time realistic sometimes, so plan exploring topics and people you don’t ahead and show them that you know very well. If a conversation want to make room in your life drifts toward foreign ideas or weird for them. They’d love to hear sports, try to keep up with it. from you.
Gemini Cancer
May. 21-Jun. 21 Jun. 22-Jul. 22 When that little voice inside your Friction with authority figures head tells you that one of your is never fun, but you shouldn’t friends is in need, you should compromise what you believe listen to it. Don’t be afraid to just for the sake of not making reach out and see if someone you someone else uncomfortable. It’s care about needs your help. time to stick to your guns. SUDOKU WEATHER Leo Virgo MIN MAX CONDITION Jul. 23-Aug. 22 Aug. 23-Sep. 22 Easy Easy+ CHINA If you woke up this morning If you take on a higher profile, Beijing 21 cloudy pretty sure of where you wanted will it create problems with co- 9 to devote most of your energy workers? And does that even Harbin 3 17 clear now, as this day unfolds you matter? At a certain point, you could learn a few things that have to choose advancement over Tianjin 11 23 cloudy sway your opinion in other ways. popularity. Urumqi 2 13 clear Xi’an 17 drizzle Libra Scorpio 12 Lhasa 10 23 clear Sep.23-Oct. 22 Oct. 23-Nov. 21 Chengdu 14 18 drizzle When something is troubling You may not realize it, but you Chongqing 16 18 drizzle you, it can be helpful to try to have just about reached a goal keep yourself so distracted that you’ve been fighting to achieve Kunming 16 23 cloudy you don’t have to deal with it, for a while. Slow down today and Nanjing 24 cloudy but this is at best a short-term take a look at where you are right 16 solution. now. Is this your destination? Shanghai 19 24 cloudy Wuhan 12 20 clear Sagittarius Capricorn Medium Hard Hangzhou 17 25 cloudy Nov. 22-Dec. 21 Dec. 22-Jan. 19 Taipei 21 26 drizzle You’re getting back into the It might feel like your emotions Guangzhou 21 27 cloudy mood for socializing and meeting are taking over your entire life new people, and this is a good right now, but maybe that’s not Hong Kong 24 29 cloudy time to expand your horizons. such a bad thing. If you feel tears Step out of your normal social welling or a giggle coming, don’t circle and see what’s going on. try to fight it. WORLD Aquarius Pisces Moscow 11 17 overcast Frankfurt 9 16 cloudy Jan. 20-Feb. 18 Feb.19-Mar. 20 Paris 13 17 overcast This isn’t tattling. This is problem Stick close to home base. If solving, so don’t hesitate to share you’re worried you’ll be bored, London 12 16 drizzle what you’ve noticed. It’s time for you don’t be! There is enough going to separate yourself a little bit from on to help you make use of all New York 13 26 cloudy the people who are doing things in a the good vibes you’ve got going way you don’t approve of. on.
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Book It Circus school in full swing ‘Missionaries’ sees our forever wars as vocation
Phil Klay’s “Re- again, despite Covid deployment” was a masterwork in FRANCISCO SECO, mostly spare prose, BRUSSELS its tonal range from
AP PHOTO laugh-out-loud, Jo- HE ropes are seph Heller-esque swinging. Chalk absurdity to soul- stains the mats -crushing bleakness. anew. And stu- It may be our best Tdents at the ESAC inter- literary window into the Iraq war. national circus school in A young Marine Brussels are smiling again, veteran’s literary de- even if it is through a mask but, the short story sometimes. collection won a The pandemic forced 2014 National Book the school to close in Mar- Award. ch, but with new measures “Missionaries,” out Phil Klay’s “Missionaries” (Penguin) in place to limit exposure Oct. 6 from Penguin the smell of sweat and the Press, is Klay’s next act. A big, ambitious novel, it spans a grunts of exertion are back few decades and continents and plumbs U.S. forever wars’ again. psychic imprint on peripatetic American warriors, milita- rism as a way of being and the consequences of ill-concei- “We are still training ved foreign meddling. and working as hard as we Two U.S. Special Forces vets of Afghanistan and Iraq — always do,” said second- transitioned to mercenary and a military attaché — have -year student Sidney Billin- fought “in enough murky war zones to lack the near-reli- gs, 20, enjoying the oppor- gious faith in democracy that the war was sold on.” Their tunity to hone her athletic next stop is Colombia, where Washington’s targeting- talents again. Those who -killing apparatus, first turned on leftist insurgents, now pick a circus career are so hunts drug-trafficking warlords. driven, they were quick to Colombia is a tremendously complex conflict. In fact, it’s get rid of the rust. not really one but a multitude of conflicts whose dizzying “The students were ex- dynamics vary by region, a dirty war mostly of rural civi- lians suffering forgotten. cited to come back to work A callow U.S. journalist, done with Kabul, dispatches to on a regular basis and to Colombia, which she considers “an extension of the same regain contact with tea- war, not the endless war on ‘terror’ but something vaguer chers or project managers” … related to the demands of America’s not-quite-empire said Spanish dance teacher which was always projecting military power across the Silvia Ubieta, 49, who joi- globe and just shifting the rationale of why.” ned the school in 2007. Ugly Americans mixed up anew in somebody else’s fight. For safety reasons amid The novel’s Colombian characters, including a secon- the pandemic, Venezuelan d-generation army officer, his questioning daughter and school director Reynaldo a demobilized paramilitary, bear practically at birth the Ramperssad had to cut scars of a land where war’s brutality has been a chronic condition. the number of students by Klay’s considerable accomplishment in “Missionaries,” 25%, creating “bubbles” student is hanging upside to wear masks and the Billings says the pandemic goes well beyond incisive “insider access into the next per- where only a few work down with a white mask on different years are more has drawn a thick veil over mutation of the massive, industrial-scale U.S. machine for together in a small group while others are swinging separate,” she said. “Rela- her future. generating and executing targets.” and do online theory clas- with only a smile to cover tionships with the coaches “I am not entirely sure In the tradition of Robert Stone and Graham Greene, he ses. their face. are a little bit different. where I would like to be in makes geopolitical misadventure, cultural blindness and Only technical clas- Billings, the U.S. stu- We stay further away and 5 years. I feel a lot of that atavistic behavior pulse inevitably toward terrible denou- ses are face-to-face at the dent, played down the im- they wear masks the who- depends on how we deal ement. school facilities, where the pact of the measures on le time, but the actual re- with corona. All I know is The Colombian officer, a cultured, religious man Jesuit- use of masks depends on her daily routine: “Being lationship hasn’t changed that I would like to be per- -schooled like Klay, reflects with a certain resigned callou- an official sports protocol. in the school is honestly much.” forming or creating in a cir- sness on his profession: “the work of violence, which is what makes history happen.” FRANK BAJAK, AP It creates scenes where one not so different: we have Like so many students, cus,” she said. AP
ad Greek court rules Golden Dawn the party criminal organization BUZZ A Greek court ruled yesterday that the far-right Golden Dawn party five and 15 years in prison, while the others face sentences of up to was operating as a criminal organization, following a politically char- 10 years. ged five-year trial against dozens of defendants, including former As news of the guilty verdicts broke, cheers and celebrations erup- lawmakers of what had become Greece’s third largest party. ted among the crowd of more than 15,000 people gathered in an an- Delivering landmark verdicts, the court ruled that seven of the ti-fascist rally outside the Athens courthouse. A small group among party’s 18 former lawmakers, including party leader Nikos Michalo- the crowd threw Molotovs and stones at police guarding the cour- liakos, were guilty of leading a criminal organization, while the others thouse, with authorities responding with tear gas and use of a water OPINION were guilty of participating in a criminal organization. cannon. It was not immediately clear why the group began throwing Our Desk Those convicted of leading a criminal organization face between projectiles in the otherwise peaceful rally. Lynzy Valles
A not-so-golden week Two scientists win AP PHOTO The streets of Leal Senado leading up to the Ruins of St Paul have not been crowded for the Nobel chemistry prize past – at least – seven months, due to the city’s entry and travel restrictions amid Covid-19. In the beginning, everyone found it weird and for ‘gene scissors’ Polish antitrust almost eerie that one could count on one hand authorities have fined the numbers of residents walking along that Russia’s state-owned street.
AP PHOTO energy giant Gazprom Apparently, it has, for some time, been conside- $7.6 billion for its role red normal that one would not have to try so hard in building the Nord to make one’s way to the Ruins of St Paul, given Stream 2 gas pipeline the lack of foot traffic – or at least not be annoyed to Germany, saying the by the fact that there is a lot of luggage alongside project hurts Polish the streets, rendering them unwalkable. consumers and increases Even amid the resumption of visas to Guang- Europe’s dependence dong residents on August 26, there hasn’t been on Russian imports. The much of a difference in terms of foot traffic in Office of Competition the city center – nor in the city’s entertainment and Consumer resorts. Protection yesterday The SAR only welcomed some 10,000 to 15,000 also fined five other daily visitor arrivals from the province last mon- international companies th. participating in the The reinstatement of the Individual Visit Sche- project a total of $61 me has been long-awaited for the government million (52 million euros). as well as gaming operators, as only then will it be a sign of economic recovery. As said by Ho Iat
Seng, the effect of the pandemic has shown that AP PHOTO the city is overreliant on the casino industry, as several SMEs have closed, affecting thousands of France’s Emmanuelle Charpentier (left) and American Jennifer Doudna local and non-local residents. In any case, government officials and gaming WO scientists won the It has already raised se- representatives have been careful about giving 51, told reporters by phone Nobel Prize in chemis- rious ethical questions in from Berlin after hearing their estimates on the number of possible tourist T Israeli police clashed arrivals in the SAR. try yesterday for develo- the scientific community. of the award, announced with hundreds of ultra- The tourism board is looking at some 12,000 to ping a method of genome Most of the world became in Stockholm by the Royal Orthodox Jews overnight 16,000 daily visitor arrivals, while the Chief Exe- editing likened to “molecu- more aware of CRISPR in Swedish Academy of Scien- as they sought to cutive has expected some 20,000 daily arrivals lar scissors” that offer the 2018, when Chinese scien- ces. enforce restrictions on from the mainland. promise of one day curing tist Dr. He Jiankui revealed Asked about the fact that public gatherings during Preliminary data shows that there were a total inherited diseases and he had helped make the it was the first time that a nationwide coronavirus lockdown, the police of over 120,000 tourist arrivals in the first six days even cancer. world’s first gene-edited two women have won the said yesterday. Footage of the Golden Week – which represents an 86.6% Working on opposite babies, to try to engineer chemistry Nobel together, year-on-year drop. released by police sides of the Atlantic, Fren- resistance to future infec- Charpentier said that while Hotel occupancy – according to the tourism showed huge crowds of chwoman Emmanuelle tion with the AIDS virus. board – was around 40% for 5-star hotels, and she considers herself first ultra-Orthodox Jews in some 30% for the lower rating hotels. Charpentier and American His work was denounced and foremost a scientist, Jerusalem chanting and hurling stones and metal Although the numbers are far from usual, the Jennifer A. Doudna deve- worldwide as unsafe hu- she hoped it would encou- bars at police officers. board still seems pleased with what the city is loped a method known as man experimentation be- rage others. The police said 17 people attaining in terms of tourist numbers and hotel CRISPR/Cas9 that can be cause of the risk of causing “I wish that this will pro- were arrested. occupancy rates. used to change the DNA unintended changes that vide a positive message to The massive drop isn’t a surprise. Actually, I of animals, plants and mi- can pass to future genera- young girls who would like Spain’s prime minister feel like the surprise is that it even recorded over croorganisms with extre- tions, and he’s currently in to follow the path of scien- unveiled a major plan 20,000 visitor arrivals on some days, noting that mely high precision. prison. ce,” she said. yesterday to boost his the central government had already encouraged “There is enor- Doudna told The country out of recession these people to travel within the country. Althou- mous power in Associated Press by spending 140 billion gh that included Macau, I believe that getting Charpentier and euros ($162 billion) of this genetic tool, about her surprise the Covid-19 test may have discouraged many of European Union aid to them from coming. which affects us Doudna developed at receiving the early reshape the economy, But even on the mainland alone, domestic tra- all,” said Claes a method that morning call. with the aim of creating vel was down nearly a quarter from 542 million Gustafsson, chair “I literally just 800,000 jobs over the to 425 million. of the Nobel can be used to found out, I’m in next three years. Although the SAR has not recorded such strong Committee for shock,” she said. “I numbers for this year’s national holiday, lo- Chemistry. “It has change the DNA of was sound asleep.” cal residents have somewhat enjoyed the long not only revo- “My greatest hope AP PHOTO weekend. lutionized basic animals, plants and is that it’s used for Apparently, staycations aren’t really over for lo- science, but also good, to uncover cal residents. microorganisms resulted in inno- new mysteries in Several integrated resorts, particularly 5-star vative crops and ones, are still offering good deals for locals. with high precision biology and to be- On Agoda alone, 3 to 4-star hotels in the Macau will lead to grou- nefit humankind,” ndbreaking new medical In September, an inter- Doudna said. Senegal Tens of peninsula still have their prices as low as 200 pa- thousands of Muslims treatments.” national panel of exper- The Broad Institute at tacas, while rooms in the Cotai Strip start from descended upon ts issued a report saying 800 patacas. Gustafsson said that, as Harvard and MIT have Senegal’s holy city this I know that a lot of locals and non-locals alike a result, any genome can it’s still too soon to try to been in a long court fight week for the annual have been taking up these offers, as when the city now be edited “to fix gene- make genetically edited over patents on CRISPR Grand Magal pilgrimage, goes back to its pre-pandemic levels and tourists tic damage,” adding that babies because the scien- technology, and many a tradition in West return to the city, staycations will be a rare acti- the tool “will provide hu- ce isn’t advanced enough other scientists did im- Africa that some fear vity, unlike now, where families are still opting to mankind with great oppor- to ensure safety, but they portant work on it, but could become a super- stay in hotels despite having finished the sum- spreader event for tunities.” mapped a pathway for Doudna and Charpentier mer break. COVID-19. In previous But he cautioned that the any countries that want to This Golden Week isn’t so bad after all – at least have been most consis- years, as many as 3 for the locals who get to enjoy further promo- “enormous power of this te- consider it. tently honored with prizes million people have tions during their long weekend. chnology means we have to “I was very emotional, I for turning it into an easily traveled to the city of use it with great care.” have to say,” Charpentier, usable tool. AP Touba during Magal.