V. M. Radchenko and N. O. Stefans’ka
Theor. Probability and Math. Statist. 99 (2020), 229-238.
Abstract, references and article information

N. O. Malykh and I. S. Postevoy
Theor. Probability and Math. Statist. 99 (2020), 189-198.
Abstract, references and article information

S. S. Lohvinenko and K. V. Ralchenko
Theor. Probability and Math. Statist. 99 (2020), 149-168.
Abstract, references and article information

D. V. Gusak and E. V. Karnaukh
Theor. Probability and Math. Statist. 99 (2020), 77-89.
Abstract, references and article information

O. D. Borysenko and D. O. Borysenko
Theor. Probability and Math. Statist. 99 (2020), 67-75.
Abstract, references and article information

S. V. Bodnarchuk and O. M. Kulyk
Theor. Probability and Math. Statist. 99 (2020), 53-65.
Abstract, references and article information

I. Arab and P. E. Oliveira
Theor. Probability and Math. Statist. 99 (2020), 19-37.
Abstract, references and article information

A. Seesanea and I. E. Verbitsky
St. Petersburg Math. J. 31 (2020), 557-572.
Abstract, references and article information

N. V. Krylov
St. Petersburg Math. J. 31 (2020), 509-520.
Abstract, references and article information

C. De Filippis and G. Mingione
St. Petersburg Math. J. 31 (2020), 455-477.
Abstract, references and article information

S.-S. Byun, D. K. Palagachev and L. G. Softova
St. Petersburg Math. J. 31 (2020), 401-419.
Abstract, references and article information

N. G. Kuznetsov
St. Petersburg Math. J. 31 (2020), 395-399.
Abstract, references and article information

Time: 9:00 AM, Location: Senate Chamber

Phạm Tiến Sơn
Proc. Amer. Math. Soc. 148 (2020), 2739-2741.
Abstract, references and article information

Mahmoud Benkhalifa
Proc. Amer. Math. Soc. 148 (2020), 2695-2706.
Abstract, references and article information

Jorge Lauret and Cynthia E. Will
Proc. Amer. Math. Soc. 148 (2020), 2601-2607.
Abstract, references and article information

Mohamed Jleli, Bessem Samet and Philippe Souplet
Proc. Amer. Math. Soc. 148 (2020), 2579-2593.
Abstract, references and article information

Bin Li and Jieqiong Shen
Proc. Amer. Math. Soc. 148 (2020), 2565-2578.
Abstract, references and article information

Liz Vivas
Proc. Amer. Math. Soc. 148 (2020), 2525-2537.
Abstract, references and article information

Moacir Aloisio, Silas L. Carvalho and César R. de Oliveira
Proc. Amer. Math. Soc. 148 (2020), 2509-2523.
Abstract, references and article information

S. Waleed Noor and Osmar R. Severiano
Proc. Amer. Math. Soc. 148 (2020), 2469-2476.
Abstract, references and article information

Daniel Carando, Santiago Muro and Daniela M. Vieira
Proc. Amer. Math. Soc. 148 (2020), 2447-2457.
Abstract, references and article information

Igor E. Shparlinski
Proc. Amer. Math. Soc. 148 (2020), 2371-2377.
Abstract, references and article information

Alexander J. Rasmussen
Proc. Amer. Math. Soc. 148 (2020), 2345-2357.
Abstract, references and article information

Joseph Reid
Proc. Amer. Math. Soc. 148 (2020), 2331-2343.
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Joachim Kock and David I. Spivak
Proc. Amer. Math. Soc. 148 (2020), 2317-2329.
Abstract, references and article information

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Secretary for Justice Teresa Cheng today emphasised that Chief Justice Geoffrey Ma had stated he has not experienced interference from Mainland authorities.

Speaking to the media at the Legislative Council, Ms Cheng called on the public to read the Chief Justice’s statement in response to a media report about Hong Kong’s judicial independence.

Ms Cheng said: "The Chief Justice stated that since his taking office in 2010, he has not encountered nor experienced any interference from the Mainland authorities in any shape or form that affects judicial independence, including the appointment of judges.

"Nothing is better than the direct evidence of the Chief Justice himself telling us that there is not any such interference."

Police today welcomed the Communications Authority’s decision that Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) should be seriously warned regarding complaints against an episode of its programme Pentaprism broadcast on November 20, 2019.

Police said it had taken note of the press release issued by the authority on April 20 about its decision.

The authority found that the host’s remarks made in the programme were irresponsible and could be regarded as hate speech with the effect of inciting hatred against Police.

The remarks were also unfair to and were capable of adversely affecting Police’s reputation.

The authority took the view that the complaints in respect of accuracy, incitement of hatred and fairness were substantiated and decided that RTHK should be seriously warned.

Since the anti-extradition bill protests in June last year, rumours have been circulating to defame and smear Police in an attempt to disrupt its relations with the community, the force said.

Police reiterated that they are willing to accept criticisms which are constructive and based on goodwill, but they do not accept inaccurate or misleading reports and remarks, and will follow up as appropriate.

The Government today announced the establishment of a LawTech Fund to help law firms and barristers' chambers procure and upgrade information technology (IT) systems and arrange lawtech training courses for their staff.

In a statement, the Department of Justice said the LawTech Fund, established under the Anti-epidemic Fund, will be open for applications from April 28 and cater to small and medium-size law firms as well as barristers’ chambers.

Applications will be accepted for two months and those eligible can receive a reimbursement of up to $50,000.

The Law Society of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Bar Association will establish a joint committee to assess the applications and arrange funding disbursement.

More than 60% of law firms and 50% of barristers' chambers in Hong Kong are expected to benefit from the funding.

As for funding eligibility, law firms or chambers must have five or fewer practising lawyers as at April 8 and at the time of granting the subsidy.

The subsidies must be used for procuring and upgrading IT systems, including but not confined to video-conferencing facilities. The lawtech training that is to receive the subsidy must be recognised and approved by the joint committee.

The application form and guidance notes are available at the homepages of the Law Society and the Bar Association.

The Secretary for Justice has given an outline of the fund and discussed lawtech in her blog.

The Immigration Department today announced that aside from its Smart Identity Card Replacement Centres (SIDCC) service and passenger immigration clearance service, it will resume full public services on May 4.

Due to the COVID-19 epidemic, the services of the nine SIDCCs had been suspended earlier.

Around 640,000 people could not replace their Hong Kong identity cards during their specified periods and about 90,000 people are waiting to collect their new identity cards.

To allow affected people to apply for and collect identity cards in an orderly manner, the SIDCCs will first provide identity card collection service and arrange applicants born in 1957 to 1961 who had made appointments before to have their cards replaced once the service resumes.

Other applicants are advised to make appointments to replace their identity cards if they have not done so before.

The department plans to revise designated replacement periods for identity card holders born in 1957 to 1963 and between 1970 and 1976.

Details will be announced later. For enquiries regarding identity cards, call 3521 6565.

Additionally, passenger immigration clearance services at immigration control points except for the Hong Kong International Airport, Shenzhen Bay and Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Control Points will remain suspended until further notice.

Call 2824 6111 or send an email for enquiries.

In response to a media report, Police today dismissed allegations that Commissioner of Police Tang Ping-keung turned a blind eye to unauthorised building works at a flat he rented.

The force expressed regret over the unfounded report and said that its content deviated from the facts.

Mr Tang rented a unit on Broadcast Drive in Kowloon Tong in 2016 and was notified by the Buildings Department in 2017 that there were unauthorised building works on the unit’s rooftop that must be removed.

He immediately informed the owner of the removal order and requested him to handle the matter. The owner has not complied with the order.

Mr Tang moved out of the unit in June 2019, Police added.

In recent times, criminal damage has been repeatedly inflicted on our court buildings through graffiti. Some went as far as making derogatory remarks against specific judges which may amount to contempt of court. It is bewildering as to what such acts could achieve except a futile attempt to undermine the very core value that we cherish and respect.

Judicial independence is the key building block to our society. These rampant acts and statements, and for that matter, any views expressed in society or media, would not in any way usurp the decision-making process in court proceedings, nor will they affect our judicial independence as our judges will continue to decide cases based only on evidence and law, setting out how they have arrived at such decisions in their judgments, which are available to the general public. They have taken a judicial oath to administer justice without fear or favour and it is their duty to so do.

Judges in Hong Kong are appointed upon the recommendation by a statutory committee comprising nine members including the Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal, the Secretary for Justice, two judges from the Judiciary, one barrister and one solicitor, as well as three eminent and respected members of the society not connected with the practice of law. Our judges would not be subjected to any political vetting. The only criteria upon which they are considered before appointment is the judicial and professional quality that contributes to our renowned judicial independence.

Judges enjoy security of tenure and immunity. Upon the appointment, district court judges and above are precluded from returning to practice in Hong Kong as a barrister or a solicitor. This “non-revolving door” system has worked well in preventing perceived potential conflicts of interest and enhances the independence of our judiciary.

Our judges manifest the highest professional and judicial quality as well as impartiality through the reasoned judgments that they deliver. Hong Kong cases are often cited in overseas jurisprudence evidencing the confidence and respect of the global legal community in Hong Kong’s judicial and legal systems.

The institutional framework described above, the guarantee of judicial independence explicitly set out in the Basic Law and the quality of our judgments contribute to the much respected judiciary and rule of law in Hong Kong. To top it all is that eminent and highly respected judges from apex court of other common law jurisdictions sit on our Court of Final Appeal as non-permanent judges. They sit on all types of cases, from commercial, criminal to constitutional and have witnessed Hong Kong’s system in administering justice.

One of our non-permanent judges of the Court of Final Appeal, the Right Honourable the Lord Neuberger of Abbotsbury (former President of the Supreme Court of England and Wales who presided over the Brexit case), pointed out in a seminar in 2017 that his own direct experience as a non-permanent judge since 2010 proved that the Permanent Judges of the Court of Final Appeal are as institutionally independent and impartial. He also said that he has every reason to believe that this is equally true of the judges in the other courts of Hong Kong. He even said he would not be sitting in the Court of Final Appeal if he had any serious concerns about judicial independence or judicial impartiality in Hong Kong.

More recently, the Right Honourable Beverley McLachlin, PC, another non-permanent judge of the Court of Final Appeal and also a retired chief justice of Canada, described in an interview that Hong Kong’s law is very rigorously applied, the judges are of high calibre, it is a very high level of judging, and the court is independent.

These remarks from eminent and respected judges from around the world speak volume about Hong Kong. One cannot help but be perplexed as to why some chose to try to undermine these core values baselessly and insidiously. It behoves each of us, in particular the legal sector including the two branches of the legal profession, to protect our judicial independence that underpins Hong Kong’s success and encourage others to join hands through our own sphere of influence. It is high time we bring back the Hong Kong we are familiar with.

Secretary for Justice Teresa Cheng wrote this article and posted it on her blog on January 5.

The Government issued directions in the Gazette today to close bars and premises selling liquor for 14 days from 6pm on April 3.

The Secretary for Food & Health issued the directions in accordance with the Prevention & Control of Disease (Requirements & Directions) (Business & Premises) Regulation.

The directions include the closure of bars and pubs, as well as any part of a catering business premise or a clubhouse mainly used for the sale or supply of intoxicating liquors for consumption.

The new measures were introduced due to the emergence of 62 confirmed COVID-19 cases related to the bar and band cluster with further spread to an additional 14 cases who had not visited bars.

The Government on April 1 introduced directions on the closure of karaoke, mahjong-tin kau and nightclub establishments as well as the suspension of karaoke and mahjong-tin kau activities in catering premises and clubhouses.

It has also been reviewing the feasibility of relevant measures and will make timely adjustments according to the latest developments of the disease.

On April 4, 1990, the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China was adopted by the Seventh National People’s Congress (NPC) of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). The Basic Law enshrines the basic policies of the PRC regarding the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and provides a solid constitutional basis for the implementation of “one country, two systems”. Looking back, we must not forget the purpose and mission of the Basic Law.

The Basic Law clearly states that Hong Kong has been part of the territory of China since ancient times and is an inalienable part of the PRC. It is a Special Administrative Region enjoying a high degree of autonomy under the Central People’s Government. Upholding national unity and territorial integrity, maintaining the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong, and taking account of history and realities, the “one country, two systems” principle was put forth by Mr Deng Xiaoping as a way to preserve the characteristics and strengths of Hong Kong as much as possible and to enable Hong Kong citizens to maintain their way of life.

In the 22 years since her return to the motherland, Hong Kong has weathered different challenges and, on the whole, the implementation of “one country, two systems” has been successful. Leveraging on our strengths in free market economy, rule of law, independent judiciary and the free flow of information and with our country’s strong support, Hong Kong has developed into an international financial, trade and transportation centre and attracted more than 9,000 overseas and Mainland companies to establish offices here, with many of them making Hong Kong as their regional headquarters in Asia-Pacific.

International financial centre

Article 109 of the Basic Law confirms Hong Kong’s status as an international financial centre and stipulates that the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall provide an appropriate economic and legal environment for the maintenance of such status. Specifically, under the Basic Law:

- The Hong Kong dollar is the legal tender of the HKSAR and the linked exchange rate system has been maintained. With the strong support of the Central Government, Hong Kong has been able to maintain financial stability even during turbulent times. Riding on our country’s reform and opening up, Hong Kong has also developed into the world’s largest offshore renminbi centre.

 - The free flow of capital is protected and has attracted a large number of foreign direct investment and companies using Hong Kong as an ideal platform for initial public offerings and fundraising. Over the past 10 years, Hong Kong has topped the annual global IPO rankings six times.

- Hong Kong maintains a simple and low tax system, which is key to Hong Kong’s success as an international financial, trading and business centre. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is free to implement tax measures according to policy needs under its independent tax system. Since I took office, I have put in place initiatives such as the two-tier profits tax system and tax deduction for research and development expenditure to enhance Hong Kong’s competitiveness.

Rule of law and independent judiciary

The Basic Law preserves and guarantees Hong Kong’s long-established and trusted common law system and allows the HKSAR to enjoy independent judicial power, including that of final adjudication. The rule of law and an independent judiciary, which are held dearly by Hong Kong people, are constitutionally protected. The Basic Law stipulates that judges shall be appointed by the Chief Executive on the recommendation of an independent commission; for the appointment of judges of the Court of Final Appeal (CFA) and the Chief Judge of the High Court, the Chief Executive shall obtain the endorsement of the Legislative Council and report such appointment to the Standing Committee of the NPC for the record. Last month, I accepted the recommendation of the Judicial Officers Recommendation Commission to appoint the Honourable Justice Andrew Cheung, Permanent Judge of the CFA, to succeed The Honourable Chief Justice Geoffrey Ma who will retire next year.

The Basic Law also allows the CFA to draw on the experience of judges from other common law jurisdictions. Currently, 15 eminent judges from the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada are sitting on the CFA as non-permanent judges. Their participation shows that our rule of law and independent judiciary are well recognised.

Rights and freedoms of residents

The fundamental rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents are fully protected by the Basic Law. Under Chapter 3, Hong Kong residents shall have freedom of speech, of the press and of publication; freedom of association, of assembly, of procession and of demonstration; freedom of the person; freedom of communication; freedom of religious belief; freedom of choice of occupation; freedom to engage in academic research, literary and artistic creation, and other cultural activities; freedom of marriage and so forth. However, as pointed out by our courts in their judgments, freedom is not absolute; one should respect the rights and freedoms of other people and be subject to law when exercising such freedoms.

Developing external affairs

Hong Kong has always been a bridge between the East and the West. The Basic Law allows the HKSAR to maintain and develop relations with foreign states and regions and relevant international organisations in the appropriate fields, including economic, trade, financial and monetary, shipping, communications, tourism, cultural and sports fields on its own, using the name Hong Kong, China. The HKSAR has participated in the World Trade Organization, the World Meteorological Organization, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation and many others in the name Hong Kong, China and has entered into hundreds of bilateral agreements with other countries, including Free Trade Agreements, Investment Promotion & Protection Agreements and Comprehensive Double Taxation Agreements. Hong Kong athletes can also represent Hong Kong in international competitions.

The implementation of “one country, two systems” fully demonstrates that it is the best institutional arrangement to maintain Hong Kong’s long-term prosperity and stability. As a pioneering initiative, its application entails an evolving process and we have to effectively and fully apply this principle in order to maintain the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong, to meet the aspirations of our citizens and to meet the fundamental interests of our country. I encourage all Hong Kong citizens to learn more about the Basic Law, including the institutional safeguards, and the rights and duties of Hong Kong residents. In so doing, we should consider how best we can continue to leverage on Hong Kong’s advantages, allowing Hong Kong to advance with the country and enabling every Hong Kong resident to realise their goal.

Chief Executive Carrie Lam wrote this op-ed entitled The Basic Law - Best Safeguard for the Prosperity & Stability of Hong Kong on April 4.

The Leisure & Cultural Services Department will present Nobody but a princess..., a multimedia production featuring Nordic singers, dancers from the Hong Kong Ballet and overseas acrobats from November 8 to 10.

A story of a modern princess who discovers her identity and true love through her fantastic journey of wonders, the performance will be staged in a custom-made giant dome, complete with a state-of-the-art kinetic light display and pyrotechnics.

It will be held at 6pm, 7pm and 8.30pm from November 8 to 10 at the Cultural Centre Piazza.

The show will be conducted in English and include a strobe light effect. Admission is free.

Click here for details.

Asian Ethnic Cultural Performances 2019 will be staged on Sunday to demonstrate the diversity of Asia’s cultures.

The event will feature ethnic performances and activities with representatives from 19 Asian countries and places taking part.

Korean traditional Nongak and Taepyeongmu dances, a Japanese Tokushima Awa dance, Indian classical and Bollywood dances, and folk dance performances of countries such as Bangladesh, Laos, Vietnam, the Philippines and Sri Lanka will be showcased.

Hong Kong and Macau arts groups will stage a hip hop lion dance and a cheerleading performance.

Other activities include traditional arts and crafts, costume and food displays, as well as a bamboo musical instrument workshop.

A CIBS mobile studio supported by Radio Television Hong Kong will also be set up to let members of the public learn about broadcasting.

The event will be held from 2pm to 6pm at the Cultural Centre Piazza. Admission is free.

Click here for details.

About 200 archaeological Song-Yuan period finds unearthed at Kai Tak will go on display in an exhibition at the Heritage Discovery Centre from tomorrow until February 26.

Following the closure of Kai Tak Airport in 1998, the planning work for the Kai Tak Development Area created opportunities for archaeological studies around the former Sacred Hill in Kowloon Bay.

An abundance of Song-Yuan period cultural remains were subsequently unearthed, including a huge amount of ceramics produced by various kilns in Zhejiang, Fujian and Jiangxi.

Similar products from the same period were exported widely and could be found in shipwrecks along the maritime ceramics route.

Highlights of the Treasures from the Sacred Hill: Song-Yuan Period Archaeological Discoveries from Kai Tak exhibition include green glazed incense burners with an eight trigrams pattern and a green glazed dish with a moulded double fish pattern produced by Longquan Kiln.

Other highlights include a brown glazed dragon jar with lugs and a green glazed basin with a phoenix pattern produced by Cizao Kiln and a Daguan Tongbao bronze coin.

Ceramics from the same period on loan from the Art Museum of the Chinese University of Hong Kong will also be displayed.

Curated by the Antiquities & Monuments Office, admission to the exhibition is free.

Call 2208 4400 for details.

More than 30 local music and dance groups will perform in the Youth Music & Dance Marathon on January 5.

The free event presented by the Leisure & Cultural Services Department will be held from 1pm to 6pm that day at the Cultural Centre Piazza.

Event highlights will include performances by singers and groups from the Renaissance Foundation and My Main Stage as well as other local bands such as Chonotenki and Gainorva.

The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts’ School of Dance, the Hong Kong Schools Dance Association and other groups will also give a variety of dance performances such as Chinese, street, jazz, modern, cha-cha-cha, jive and J-pop.

Click here for details.

The Space Museum is staging a special exhibition 2020 Astronomical Events to highlight six major astronomical events happening this year.

The events include grouping of the four planets with the moon in late March, the serial phenomena of Jupiter's moons on June 11 and 12, and the partial solar eclipse on June 21.

Information on the Perseid meteor shower in mid-August, the Geminid meteor shower in mid-December and the Jupiter-Saturn conjunction on December 21 will also be featured.

The exhibit explains details and phenomena of these events, while serving as a practical guide to help visitors pick the best dates, times, locations and tools to observe them.

It will run until September 21 in two phases. The first three events will be presented during the first phase from January to June, while the second phase events will be shown from June to September.

Admission is free.

Call 2721 0226 for enquiries.

Plans for a new multi-million euro film production hub in County Limerick have been set in motion. An agreement has been arranged between Limerick City and County Council and Ardmore Studios, which in the past has provided facilities for several popular film and television productions such as ‘Braveheart’, ‘Excalibur’, ‘The Tudors’ and ‘Camelot’, and more recently for ‘Frank’ and ‘Penny Dreadful’.

More than 40,000 new niches at two columbaria in Tuen Mun and Fanling will open for applications from May 11, the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department announced today.

Tsang Tsui Columbarium in Tuen Mun will provide 22,680 standard niches and 220 large niches, while Wo Hop Shek Columbarium in Fanling will provide 21,720 standard niches and 330 large niches for application.

The department said applicants should only file one application form to apply for either a large or standard niche for the same deceased person.

It said applicants have to fill in the particulars of at least three deceased people when applying for a large niche.

Since the type and number of niches available in the two columbaria are different, the chance of successful allocation varies, the department added.

The application deadline is June 10.

Click here for details.

The Transport Department today invited tenders for operating six major licensed ferry services for outlying islands for five years from April 1, 2021.

The six routes are between Central to Cheung Chau, Inter-islands between Peng Chau, Mui Wo, Chai Ma Wan and Cheung Chau, Central to Mui Wo, Central to Peng Chau, Central to Yung Shue Wan and Central to Sok Kwu Wan.

The department said that for the purposes of maintaining financial viability of the six major routes, alleviating the burden of fare increases on passengers, enhancing service quality and promoting a green city development, the Government would continue to provide special measures to the routes.

Such measures would include launching a new Vessel Subsidy Scheme to help selected ferry operators replace the fleets of the six major routes and introduce greener vessels in phases, straddling 10 years from 2021.

Having regard to factors such as passenger demand, overall fleet requirements, flexibility in vessel deployment, operational efficiency, and after consulting the Islands District Council, the six major routes are grouped into two packages for tendering.

The first package covers Central-Cheung Chau, Peng Chau-Mui Wo-Chi Ma Wan-Cheung Chau (Inter Islands) and Central-Mui Wo routes.

The other package covers Central-Peng Chau, Central-Yung Shue Wan and Central-Sok Kwu Wan routes.

Tenderers are required to propose a fare for each fare type of each relevant route and it must not exceed the existing fare level of the corresponding route by more than 5%. Tenders should also include in their submissions fare concession proposals that will be considered in the tender evaluation.

In support of the Government's development of a smart city, tenderers should propose measures including dissemination of real-time arrival/departure time of ferry routes, number of remaining seats via mobile phone apps and opening up such data for the public’s use under data.gov.hk.

The tenders must be sealed in envelopes and placed in the Transport Department Tender Box adjacent to the reception counter of the department on the 10th floor of South Tower, West Kowloon Government Offices, 11 Hoi Ting Road, Yau Ma Tei before noon on June 30.

The cover of the tender submission should be marked with tender reference TD 382/2019 and include the subject of the tender. It should also be addressed to the Commissioner for Transport.

Tender documents will be available for collection at the Transport Department’s Ferry & Paratransit Division on the 14th Floor, South Tower, West Kowloon Government Offices, 11 Hoi Ting Road, Yau Ma Tei from April 27 during office hours.