Fury over Lehman Bros minibonds remains in season

Fury over Lehman Bros minibonds remains in season


The annual spring open day at Government House is supposed to be a dream come true for young volunteer tour guides.

But their training couldn't possibly have included saying: on your left are blossoming azaleas, and on your right, fuming Lehman Brothers protesters.

Around 30 demonstrators protested at Government House yesterday, demanding that the government resolve their grievances.

Throughout their protest security guards warned them to cease their action. Police later said no one was arrested.A housewife said she lost HK$1.3 million on Constellation notes purchased from DBS in 2006 but "there was no follow- up action from the bank."

Another protester said their action was not planned, even though a few of them had zipped open their windbreakers to reveal Chinese characters that, in sequence, said Donald Tsang Yam-kuen should step down.

Other visitors said the protest was inappropriate. "I think all demonstrations have to go through official applications," she said.

"What they are doing is disrespecting Government House. It is not the right place to protest."

There were 12,021 visitors for the whole day, most of them to enjoy the various flowers in bloom and soak up the history of Government House.

But we're sure yesterday's action won't merit a mention in any guided history tour in the years to come.


08 Mar 2010