[About this blog] Inspired by local soccer player Mike Lim during my rookie reporter days at Singapore Polytechnic, I set up this blog in August 2002. I feel that blogging is a novel platform to document interesting facets of my life and my thoughts on certain issues. [Email blogger] ephraim@singnet.com.sg

Sunday, November 23, 2008

[Welcoming Leader From Distant Land]
The furthest country from Singapore is Ecuador. Singapore's antipode is the port city of Guayaquil. Almost as far away as Ecuador is Peru.

This morning, the Peruvian President Alain Garcia put on a lavish welcome ceremony for PM Lee Hsien Loong at the main city square of Lima on the site of the old Spanish Viceroy's palace. On one side is the grand cathedral which houses the tomb of the conquistadore Francisco Pizarro. Next to the cathedral is the official residence of the Archbishop which has an intricate Moorish facade. In the middle of the square is an old cast iron fountain which, once a year in July, spouts pisco rather than water.

PM's car (a Chinese Red Flag) went round the square taking the salute from what must be an elaborate honour guard of over a thousand men. His car was accompanied in procession in front and behind by ceremonial horsemen bearing pennants. Cannons boomed away twenty times scattering pigeons in all directions. When PM finally alighted onto a red carpet, there was the Peruvian President waiting for him on top of the steps. On both sides were guards in red and blue toy soldier uniforms with gold braids and epaulettes carrying long swords. The brass band played the Majulah in extra slow time but with feeling.

The Presidential Palace and the rooms inside are in baroque style and well-maintained. Lima was the seat of the Viceroy of the Spanish Empire in South America since the 16th century. In later centuries, new Vice Realms were established in Bogota and Buenos Aires.

After the bilateral meeting, PM was garlanded with Peru's national award and a big medal (with diamonds it was announced) was pinned on him. The lavish welcome ceremony and the award expressed a new friendship across the Pacific. A few months ago Singapore signed an FTA with Peru. Globalisation has made the world smaller.

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2 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dear Mr Yeo,

I had read an news article on monday regarding timeshares companies and had previously come across such articles in the newspaper.

I am totally appalled that these people who owe these timeshares companies are still allowed to run their business. The way the business is done is as good as cheating one's hard earned money.

I feel the directors of these timeshares companies are making a mockery of singapore business and judical system. Singaporeans had been told empty promises and had been cheated of thousands of dollars in holiday memberships that might not exist or are always fully booked.

Isn't the law going to do something? These people should face trail in court.

I am very disturbed by these events therefore i am writing to you. Singaporean's hard earned money are at stake here. I hope your colleagues and yourself would look seriously into this matter.

Thank you.

Regards,
Marco

Tuesday, November 25, 2008 5:07:00 pm

 
Blogger George Yeo 杨荣文 said...

I believe that following complaints by CASE, there's now a cooling off period for buyers of time share. If there are specific complaints, do refer them to CASE.

Tuesday, November 25, 2008 9:41:00 pm

 

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