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People live on this small island for different reasons. For some of them, Lamma is their root. For some of them, Lamma is a newly urbanized area to start their business while some residents regard themselves as passers-by. Each of them has their own stories... |
Ms Wong Yuk, 80, is a local farmer in Sok Kwu Wan, a rural place on Lamma.
She has always lived on Lamma. Now, she grows vegetables for self-consumption, instead of selling them in the market, which she did in the past.
"Farming requires physical strength and care, and they have slipped away from me, " she said.
Growing vegetables involves a series of complicated processes, including seeding, watering, weeding, fertilizing and harvesting. It is difficult for an old woman like her to work on her own.
"Farming may sound harsh but it's my life. You always have to work hard before getting any returns. "
Ms Wong has never thought of leaving Lamma as she thinks that Lamma is the most suitable living place for her.
"Life here is simple and repetitive, yet peaceful and comfortable. Urban area is the paradise for young people. I'm too old to explore the modern world.
"Also, I feel contented and happy to have the chance to enjoy the wonder of nature here, which definitely cannot be found in urban area," she explained.
Mr. Fung Wing Kuen, who has lived on Lamma for 15 years, shares the same view with Ms Wong.
"It is the nicest island in Hong Kong. Pleasant rural features remain and at the same time reasonable urbanized facilities are available here," he said.
He thinks that life in Lamma is healthier. Among the popular activities on the Island, riding bikes and playing water sports are his most favourite pastimes.
Some residents prefer fishing, hiking and mahjong, according to Mr. Fung.
Close relationship between residents is another appealing factor to him.
Said he: "Everybody on this Island is friendly, while people living in urban areas may not even know their neighbours' names."
Basically, Mr. Fung sees little gap and discrimination among residents of different races. He considers living with foreigners acceptable as long as Chinese and foreigners are living in their own circles without disturbing each other.
Mr. Peter Lightowler, a foreign resident on Lamma, also thinks that foreigners can get along well with local residents.
Said he: " Different cultures meet here in a peaceful manner.
"I could still get along well with Chinese people though I don't know much Cantonese. The language barrier can be bridged over. "
He admits that Chinese culture is too complex to be understood within a short period. To narrow the gap, Mr. Lightowler tries hard to understand Chinese culture.
"I would follow the customs even if I can't clearly figure out the reasons behind."
For example, he would never give a clock to Chinese as a gift because it would mean sending someone to death in Cantonese.
"Politeness and patience are essential in making friends with people of other races."
Some younger people consider Lamma Island as a paradise to start their business.
Ms Suki Chan, who studied at the Academy of Performing Arts, started Arts Centre in the village of Yung Shue Wan in December 1998.
She used six months to plan and prepare for the setup of the centre with five other partners. She thought of starting such business as she found that many artists were scattered there.
There are classes in ballet, painting, music and aerobics. Learners are given opportunities to perform in public.
According to Ms Chan, her students included both Chinese and foreigners, practitioners and beginners, children and adults.
Her business is quite successful. Lots of people enrolled in their classes just a month after the opening.
Explained she: "Parents here are open-minded so we can let the children learn and perform arts.
According to Ms Chan, usually Chinese learners enroll in western instrument classes while foreigners choose Chinese musical instruments and traditional dance classes which realize the aim of her centre--cultural exchanges.
On the other hand, the centre becomes a connection between artists on the Island and some artists take the initiative to teach some classes.
Meanwhile, some foreigners choose to live on Lamma because of its tranquil environment. The Howard family is an example.
They once lived in the countryside in England. Now they are living in Pak Kok Sun Tsuen, a northern village on the Island. Mr. Howard said that he is attracted by its rural site with small population where some urbanized features are imported.
Said he: "I sacrifice my time travelling to work for space. I really can't imagine squeezing myself into a tiny room where taking a deep breath is almost impossible.
"Also, the sense of small community among neighbours here can't be found in the hectic urban area."
Pak Kok, however, started to experience changes in population composition.
Residents are now moving in and out quickly and suddenly.
< The turnover rate of the flat is so high that it breaks the sense of community. More importantly, the crime rate is on the increase.
According to Mr. Howard, a handful of foreigners created trouble by not paying rent. This imposed a negative image of foreigners on local people.
Not only Pak Kok, but also the whole Lamma Island is under development due to the ever-increasing population on the Island. Reclamation, construction of the pier and increased frequency of ferries connecting the island and Hong Kong Island are the evidence.
"Local people can benefit if the Island is developed since they can earn more from letting flats," said Mr. Howard.
Yet Mr. Howard does not appreciate such changes.
Said he: "Lantau Island, Sai Kung and Lamma are continuously being developed. There is nowhere that I find suitable to live."
Unlike Mr. Howard, some local Lamma people are much more optimistic about such changes.
Mr. Hung Fai has lived in Sok Kwu Wan, on the central coast of Lamma Island, for 20 years.
Said he: "Every rural area in Hong Kong is undergoing rapid development and so Lamma would be no exception. "
He used to be a fisherman but he quit because of the unprecedented financial loss. He is now operating a souvenir shop.
Said he: "Fishing, like farming, demands lots of energy, skills and experience. It is also vulnerable to the physical environment, like red tide. "
Although some old residents are still working in the fishponds, Mr. Hung thinks that redevelopment of fishing is impossible.
"We have to face the reality. Fishing is bound to fade out on Lamma due to the adverse conditions," said he.
In his eyes, primary industry would offer residents no bright future. The only way out is to develop Lamma and recruit new things.
Being confident about his business, Mr. Hung is preparing to set up a new barbecue site since he expects that many tourists will come in summer.
Said he: "Nobody wants to be a farmer or fisherman for his whole life. Only if we open our eyes to the modern world can we make progress."
