Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa has accorded honors and awards to 315 persons, according to a press release issued by the Hong Kong government. The list is the sixth full Honors List since Hong Kong's return to the motherland on July 1, 1997.

The release said the honors include Gold Bauhinia Star, Silver Bauhinia Star, Medal for Bravery, Distinguished Service Medals for the six disciplined services and the ICAC, Bronze Bauhinia Star, Medal for Bravery (Bronze), Meritorious Service Medals for the disciplined services and the ICAC, Medal of Honor, Chief Executive's Commendation for Community Service and Chief Executive's Commendation for Government Public Service.

This year's recipients are from all walks of life, it said, and they have been given an honor or award in recognition of their significant personal contribution to Hong Kong or for their dedicated public and community service.

But the actual presentation ceremony will be held later this year, tentatively in October.

On June 30, the Hong Kong government announced that the award of Bravery Medals to six public sector medical staff posthumously for their exemplary bravery and selfless commitment displayed during the fight against severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).

Pending public consultation being undertaken by the Advisory Committee on the Promotion of the Fighting Spirit against SARS, the Hong Kong government may consider further honors and awards for other individuals who have made outstanding contributions in combating the SARS epidemic, a government press release said.

(Xinhua News Agency July 2, 2003)