Eyes Abroad: Sky-high fines and seafront sights
Another week goes by as Britain heads quietly into the winter nights, yet the rest of the world is far from the woes of rewound clocks.
So, if anything, it’s rather cheery to look elsewhere as, while writing this, it is quite a contrast to glance up at the streetlights already glowing then looking back down to a proposed view of Qatar’s Qetaifan Bay.
So, we will look around the world and take in the virtual sun. First up, we head over to Hong Kong, where we have news of three appointments and nine returning faces.
Hong Kong Arboriculture and Horticulture Industry Development Advisory Committee welcomes new faces
The Development Bureau (DEVB) of Hong Kong has announced three new appointments and nine returning faces to the Arboriculture and Horticulture Industry Development Advisory Committee.
There have been 12 individuals and two institutions as non-official members to the Arboriculture and Horticulture Industry Development Advisory Committee (AHIDAC) for a new term until 31 May 2026.
A spokesman for the DEVB says: “The AHIDAC comprises experienced academics, practitioners and vocational trainers from trade associations, unions and professional groups in the industry as well as higher education and vocational training institutions.
“The Committee offers multiple perspectives and valuable insights on issues related to the industry’s development.”
Appointed by the secretary for development, members of the AHIDAC advise the DEVB on issues related to the registration scheme for tree management personnel, the study sponsorship scheme and trainee programme under the urban forestry support fund.
It also advises on the development and manpower supply and demand situation of the arboriculture and horticulture industry.
Now, we head down to Qatar for an exciting seafront prospect.
The Grove to provide stunning addition to Qetaifan
Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) has revealed the design for The Grove, a seafront neighbourhood and marina on Qatar’s Qetaifan Bay.
It will be developed by JMJ Group Holding and Qetaifan Projects and it will contain 293 one to four-bedroom residential units and a tree-lined waterfront promenade with shops and restaurants.
Its interconnecting podium will have sheltered walkways and terraces and entertainment lounge.
Residential spaces have been placed to boost shading and privacy, while interiors of shared common areas were designed by ZHA.
“Innovation has always been at the heart of Zaha Hadid Architects’ approach to design,” says Juan Ignacio Aranguren, associate director at Zaha Hadid Architects.
“Collaborating with Qatar’s leading companies to harness the technology, sustainability, and cultural understanding that will shape the city of the future, The Grove exemplifies how architecture can be a catalyst for creating vibrant, resilient communities.”
Now off to America with news of a rather costly court judgement.
CCA owe $1.6bn after Supreme Court judgement
A long-running lawsuit has resulted in China Construction America being told to pay BML Properties $1.6bn, as a result of issues with the construction of the Baha Mar project in the Bahamas.
CCA were the contractor for the project and were found to have committed at least six instances of going against the breached the best interests obligation, and four instances of fraud.
It was found that CCA’s actions directly resulted in the complete loss of BML’s $845m investment in Baha Mar, prompting the lawsuit being submitted in 2017. The final figure is the lost sum including interest from 2014. The project was ultimately abandoned in 2015, when BML had to file for bankruptcy.
“We are grateful to have finally had our day in the US judicial system and thank Justice Borrok for his fair and thoughtful approach to the case, and we intend to proceed with the enforcement of the judgment in an equally thoughtful and prudent manner,” says Sarkis Izmirlian, chair and CEO of BML Properties and the original developer of Baha Mar.
“We intend to proceed with the enforcement of the judgment in an equally thoughtful and prudent manner.”
CCA intends to appeal the decision and the site eventually opened in 2017, under the ownership of Hong Kong-based Chow Tai Fook enterprises.
Pakistan begins big three-garden project
The Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) has begun the development of three open-access community gardens along The Mall, a major street in Lahore.
It will draw inspiration from Mughal-era horticultural practices and will be located near landmarks such as the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA), Pak Tea House, and Hafiz Juice Corner.
The gardens will feature over 80 proposed varieties of indigenous plants and the PHA has already planted more than 30, including plumeria (gul-i-cheen), periwinkle, and Rosa moschata (desi gulab).
It is hoped the gardens will be able to boost biodiversity along The Mall, as the gardens will also feature bird baths to help our feathered friends have a consistent access to clean water.
Now we head down to South Africa for a rare case of Eyes Abroad having not one but two court cases.
South African horticulturist faces fraud and corruption charges
Adam Harrower, a senior botanical horticulturist with the South African National Botanical Institute (SANBI), appeared in the Springbok District Court where he is facing charges of fraud and corruption related to poached plants.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson in the Northern Cape, Mojalefa Senokoatsane said that Harrower allegedly submitted fraudulent invoices for work done, while an employee of SANBI to the Springbok Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit.
Senokoatsane says: “These invoices were processed and paid without a proper contractual agreement between SAPS and Cape May Landscapes. It has come to light that Captain Coetzee Du Toit approved these payments without the authority to do so.”
It alleges that he did this using a business registered in his wife’s name, Cape May Landscapes Close Corporation, despite being an employee of the state.
The matter will now be dealt with on 3 December to allow time for further investigation.