Media Releases
08 of April of 2020 Government signs agreement with Airnorth to ensure continued air services connectivityPresidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Eighth Constitutional Government
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April 8, 2020
Press Release
Government signs agreement with Airnorth to ensure continued air services connectivity
The Government of Timor-Leste, through the Minister of Transport and Communications José Agostinho da Silva, on Tuesday, 7 April signed an agreement with Airnorth that will allow for air services to continue between Dili and Darwin. The agreement was recently approved by the Council of Ministers according to the Government Spokesperson, Minister of State of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers Agio Pereira.
Under the agreement, Airnorth will operate three flights per week between Dili and Darwin for the transport of medical supplies, medical emergencies, and the provision of essential goods and services. The services will commence in the coming week, with the date of first flight to be this Friday, 10th of April.
The COVID-19 crisis is having an unprecedented impact on airlines around the world. In recent weeks, several service providers, including Airnorth and Air Timor, announced the cessation of services in and out of Dili. This was in response to widescale travel restrictions enacted to slow the spread of COVID-19, such as transit and quarantine restrictions imposed by the Singaporean Government. A cessation of all air services now leaves Timor-Leste isolated, without global connectivity for the movement of freight, medical supplies or passengers in emergencies.
The agreement signed between the Government of Timor-Leste and Airnorth ensures continued air connectivity for Timor-Leste. Once the global COVID-19 crisis has stabilised, the parties anticipate a smooth transition to the provision of regular passenger services. In the interim, Airnorth’s services will largely be for the transport of freight and emergency medical supplies.
Minister Agio Pereira said: “There is nothing more important than the health and safety of our people.”
“As we all know, the outbreak of COVID-19 has been declared a public health emergency of international concern and is impacting countries around the world.”
“The Government of Timor-Leste is taking concrete steps to protect the Timorese people and secure the safety of our nation.”
Minister José Agostinho da Silva stated that “it is the responsibility of our Government to maintain an air transit route to ensure we can continue to bring in supplies to assist us in dealing with the challenges arising out of the COVID-19 virus.”
Minister Agio Pereira added: “The Government has been working to secure a swift and cost-efficient air connectivity solution. Despite Airnorth cutting its services to many locations due to the impact of COVID-19, the airline has agreed to continue three services to Dili per week under this partnership.
“This initiative will also be important for our businesses that rely heavily on air connections for freight.”
“We thank Airnorth for its ongoing support and the flexibility shown by its CEO Daniel Bowden, who led the negotiation process personally. We have been well advised by Stephen Webb and his aviation team at DLA Piper to ensure this arrangement has been put in place as quickly and cost effectively as possible, and as a gesture to our people this has been provided on a pro bono basis.”
Minister Pereira also stated that, “On behalf of the people of Timor-Leste, I want to acknowledge the bravery and hard work of our health care workers during this crisis. I also would like to recognise the support of the Australian Government in facilitating medical testing in Darwin, and the Airnorth workers who will continue operating the service during these challenging times.” ENDS
01 of April of 2020Meeting of the Council of Ministers of April 1, 2020Presidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Eighth Constitutional Government
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Press Release
Meeting of the Council of Ministers of April 1, 2020
The Council of Ministers met at the Dili Convention Center and approved a draft Government Decree, presented by the Acting Minister of Finance, Sara Lobo Brites, on the first amendment to Government Decree No. 1/2020 of 15 January on the budget execution on a duodecimal basis of the 2020 financial year. The amendment seeks to enable the normal activity of the State to be carried out, enabling the execution of public expenditure up to the limit set in the General State Budget of the previous year and to establish a set of safeguards that ensure prudent management of budgetary appropriations. The Government Decree, now approved, provides for a set of exceptions to the duodecimal regime, which will allow the solution of various onstraints that have prevented the State from fully fulfilling its obligations, in particular in responding to the current emergency situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the related economic crisis.
The Acting Minister of Finance presented a draft Government Decree, approved by the Council of Ministers, concerning the first amendment to Government Decree No. 3/2019 of March 27 on the implementation of the General State Budget for 2019. This amendment aims to enable the realization of expenditure related to the prevention and combat of COVID-19, with the necessary urgency and agility, namely expenditure related to aviation services, and with contributions to international organizations, before verifying the effective provision of services or delivery of goods.
The Council of Ministers approved the draft Government Deliberation, presented by the Acting Minister of Finance, on the budget ceiling for the month of April under the duodecimal regime, with a total value of USD 114,887,000, excluding loans. The resolution provides for expenses related to the acquisition of medicines and equipment to respond to COVID-19, payment of pensions and the payment of the lease of the facilities of diplomatic missions. It is also foreseen in the deliberation, the suspension of expenditure, which during the duration of the state of emergency, is suspended or reduced, namely expenditure related to local and foreign travel, organisation of training and seminars, and maintenance of vehicles.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation presented a draft Resolution, approved by the Council of Ministers, for the signing of a contract between the Government of Timor-Leste and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), for the purchase of medicines and medical equipment, related to the response to the COVID-19 epidemic.
The Council of Ministers approved a draft Decree-Law, presented by the Minister of Public Works, Salvador Soares dos Reis Pires, which establishes the Public Company "Be'e Timor-Leste" (BTL, E. P.) and approves its respective Statutes. This public company will have as its mission the provision of the public service of water supply and sanitation, through investment in the construction, management and supervision of water and sanitation systems throughout the territory, comprising the entire water cycle, as well as, through the establishment of uniform service levels in the water supply and in the supply of sanitation to the population.
The Minister of Public Works also presented a draft Decree-Law, approved by the Council of Ministers, on the creation of the water and sanitation regulatory body, I. P. (ERAS I. P.). The task of this public institute is to propose, monitor and ensure the implementation of a national water resources policy in order to ensure its sustainable and integrated management, as well as to ensure the supervision of the public water supply services, urban waste water sanitation and municipal solid waste.
The Council of Ministers approved a draft Decree-Law, also presented by the Minister of Public Works, which establishes the criteria for controlling the quality of water for human consumption. The approved diploma establishes the criteria that define the essential requirements of water quality for human consumption, aiming to protect the health of the population from the adverse effects resulting from possible contamination, from capture to distribution to the consumer, ensuring the supply of drinking water and the balance of its composition. ENDS
28 of March of 2020Measures Relating to the Measures Relating to Private Economic Initiative during the State of EmergencyPresidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Eighth Constitutional Government
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March 28, 2020
Press Release
State of Emergency
Measures Relating to Private Economic Initiative
In view of the declaration of a state of emergency, a Government Decree listing the measures for implementation of the declaration of the state of emergency was approved at the Meeting of the Council of Ministers on March 28, 2020.
The measures adopted aim to prevent COVID-19, contain the pandemic, save lives and ensure the subsistence of supply chains of essential goods and services for our population, even though they may limit some fundamental rights and freedoms. These measures are taken with respect for constitutional limits and following the guidelines of the World Health Organization and the example of other States.
The state of emergency is in force between 00:00 hours on March 28, 2020 and 23:59 hours on April 26, 2020 and applies to the entire national territory.
During the duration of the state of emergency, collective passenger transport is suspended.
Commercial and service establishments, markets and street vendors are allowed.
When entering commercial or service establishments all persons must wear a protective mask covering their mouth and nose, wash their hands before entering and maintain a safe distance of at least one meter from other people. ENDS
28 of March of 2020Measures relating to vocational education and training establishments during the state of emergencyPresidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Eighth Constitutional Government
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March 28, 2020
Press Release
State of Emergency
Measures relating to vocational education and training establishments
In view of the declaration of a state of emergency, a Government Decree listing the measures for implementing the declaration of the state of emergency was approved at the Meeting of the Council of Ministers on March 28, 2020.
The measures adopted aim to prevent COVID-19, contain the pandemic, save lives and ensure the subsistence of supply chains of essential goods and services for our population, even though they may limit some fundamental rights and freedoms. These measures are taken with respect for constitutional limits and following the guidelines of the World Health Organization and the example of other States.
The state of emergency is in force between 00:00 hours on March 28, 2020 and 23:59 hours on April 26, 2020 and applies to the entire national territory.
During the state of emergency, all school activities are suspended on a face-to-face basis and the facilities of educational, education and vocational training establishments are closed, and teachers and students are prohibited from staying in the premises. Distance learning should be promoted through the means of information and communication in this period. ENDS
28 of March of 2020Measures Relating to International Circulation during the state of emergencyPresidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Eighth Constitutional Government
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March 28, 2020
Press Release
State of Emergency
Measures Relating to International Circulation
In view of the declaration of a state of emergency, a Government Decree listing the measures for implementation of the declaration of the state of emergency was approved at the Meeting of the Council of Ministers on March 28, 2020.
The measures adopted aim to prevent COVID-19, contain the pandemic, save lives and ensure the subsistence of supply chains of essential goods and services for our population, even though they may limit some fundamental rights and freedoms. These measures are taken with respect for constitutional limits and following the guidelines of the World Health Organization and the example of other States.
The state of emergency is in force between 00:00 hours on March 28, 2020 and 23:59 hours on April 26, 2020 and applies to the entire national territory.
Regarding international movement, the Government Decree prohibits the entry of foreigners into national territory, except for foreigners born in Timor-Leste, resident citizens and legal representatives of minors of Timorese nationality. The Prime Minister may exceptionally authorise the entry of foreigners, in duly substantiated cases, relating to the defence of the national interest or convenience of service. This prohibition does not apply to oil rig workers located in the Timor Sea.
Foreigners responsible for the transport of goods or release of imported goods must remain in the international zone of seaports, airports or land border posts.
All persons wishing to leave the country will be subject to health control, in particular by measuring body temperature or other means of diagnosis. Except in cases of medical evacuation, those who present symptoms of COVID-19, fever greater than 38º C, cough and/or breathing difficulties will be prevented from traveling and will be taken to a health facility to perform diagnostic tests of COVID-19.
All persons entering the country are required to be quarantined for at least 14 days and if they have symptoms of COVID-19 will have to be subject to diagnostic examination of COVID-19 and in positive cases will be subject to therapeutic isolation. ENDS
28 of March of 2020Measures Regarding Measures Relating to Compulsory and Voluntary Isolation During the State of EmergencyPresidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Eighth Constitutional Government
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March 28, 2020
Press Release
State of Emergency
Measures Relating to Compulsory and Voluntary Isolation
In view of the declaration of a state of emergency, a Government Decree listing the measures for implementing the declaration of the state of emergency was approved at the Meeting of the Council of Ministers on March 28, 2020.
The measures adopted aim to prevent COVID-19, contain the pandemic, save lives and ensure the subsistence of supply chains of essential goods and services for our population, even though they may limit some fundamental rights and freedoms. These measures are taken with respect for constitutional limits and following the guidelines of the World Health Organization and the example of other States.
The state of emergency is in force between 00:00 hours on March 28, 2020 and 23:59 hours on April 26, 2020 and applies to the entire national territory.
Compulsory isolation in a health facility or their homes applies to all those infected with the new Coronavirus until they are discharged, and all individuals who enter the national territory and all those under the supervision of the authorities will remain in isolation for a period of fourteen days.
Those who are not in mandatory isolation or are exempted from fulfilling their duty of presence in their workplace should remain at home. If they need to leave, they should go out alone and keep a distance of at least one meter from other individuals, avoiding crowds.
Meetings or demonstrations involving the agglomeration of more than five people and any social, cultural and sporting events are prohibited. It is also forbidden to hold any religious celebrations and other events of worship, while the holding of funerals is conditional on the adoption of prevention measures and should not allow for the presence of more than ten people simultaneously. ENDS
28 of March of 2020Measures Relating to Public Administration During the State of EmergencyPresidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Eighth Constitutional Government
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March 28, 2020
Press Release
State of Emergency
Measures Relating to Public Administration
In view of the declaration of a state of emergency, a Government Decree listing the measures for implementing the declaration of the state of emergency was approved at the Meeting of the Council of Ministers on March 28, 2020.
The measures adopted aim to prevent COVID-19, contain the pandemic, save lives and ensure the subsistence of supply chains of essential goods and services for our population, even though they may limit some fundamental rights and freedoms. These measures are taken with respect for constitutional limits and following the guidelines of the World Health Organization and the example of other States.
The state of emergency is in force between 00:00 hours on March 28, 2020 and 23:59 hours on April 26, 2020 and applies to the entire national territory.
During the term of the state of emergency, the Members of the Government and the executive bodies of public legal persons included in the indirect administration of the State identify the human resources strictly necessary to ensure the functioning, under minimum services, of public services which they run, in order to ensure the functioning of public administration and the provision, to citizens and businesses, of goods and services which are urgent or which cannot be delayed.
Officials exempted from their duty to appear in their respective services shall remain contactable by telephone and present themselves at the services where they usually provide their professional activity whenever they are summoned by the hierarchical superior.
Where possible, human resources should be allowed to provide professional activity on a non-face-to-face basis and through new communication and information technologies.
Locations where public services operate shall ensure that there is a minimum distance of one metre between persons and provide the necessary means so users and staff can wash their hands before entering the building. ENDS
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