LOS ANGELES, CA  [Monday Nov.10.2003]  /WMQT.com/ -- The Harbor Fest concert series, set up by the American Chamber of Commerce in an attempt to revitalize Hong Kong's public image after the SARS outbreaks earlier in 2003, are turning into a PR nightmare. A company owned by the head of the chamber, James Thompson, was reportedly the handler of $12.8 million in public funds.

The chamber denies any wrongdoing with the way the funds were handled, and claims that Thompson's company received no fees or profit for handling the money. Nevertheless, Financial Secretary Henry Tang said recently that officials had noted "some inadequacies," and a government-appointed committee will be probing the affair, and findings of the investigation will be made public.

Harbor Fest, which opened on October 17, ended on Sunday, November 9. Featured musicians included NMC artists Santana, the Rolling Stones, Michelle Branch, and Neil Young.

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