Li Kit Fai

Biography

In 1945 Li Kit-fai was born in Dongguan. He studied at his hometown until graduation from junior secondary school, later landed a job managing a food warehouse. In 1970 Li Kit-fai came to Hong Kong and was referred by his uncle to work as a banana ripener ripening worker at the Yau Ma Tei Wholesale Fruit Market. In 1972, he moved to Lee Fung Laan and worked as a labourer (commonly known as pier coolies). He had worked in the fruit market for more than 40 years. He was familiar with the changes of transportation mode of cargo as well as methods of moving cargo. The heydays of fruit market left a deep impression on him. Due to the gradual decline of wholesale business of fruit market, Li Kit Fai’s work hours had reduced greatly and many coolies either retired or changed profession. He had spent most of his time in Yau Ma Tei and had developed a sense of belonging with the Fruit Market. He had joined the workers’ group of pier coolies in the early days. Later he had been the president of Fruit and Vegetable Merchants Association twice.