Media Releases
- 13 of September of 2021Extraordinary Meeting of the Council of Ministers of September 13, 2021Presidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Eighth Constitutional Government
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Press Release
Extraordinary Meeting of the Council of Ministers of September 13, 2021
The Government of Timor-Leste, on behalf of the entire nation, expresses its deep regret for the death of the former President of Portugal, Jorge Sampaio, who during his terms in Belém always fought for the free and democratic exercise of the Timor-Leste’s right to self-determination.
The Former Head of State of Portugal died this Friday, on September 10th, age of 81, in the Santa Cruz Hospital, in Lisbon, where he had been hospitalized since August 27th, after having felt breathing difficulties.
Linked to politics since his time as students at the Faculty of Law of the University of Lisbon, he led the Socialist Party and was elected Mayor of Lisbon in 1989. In 1996 he was elected as the President of the Republic, a position he held until March 2006.
He was appointed in 2006 by the Secretary General of the United Nations Special Envoy for the Fight Against Tuberculosis. Between 2007 and 2013 he was the High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations.
In 2016, Jorge Sampaio received the timorese State’s highest award, the Grand Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste, in recognition of his “solidarity and active support” in the struggle for the independence of our country. The award was presented by the current Prime Minister, Taur Matan Ruak, in Lisbon and at the time as the President of the Republic. On the occasion, Taur Matan Ruak expressed “the deep recognition for humanism, the countless expression of solidarity and the active support of over the years, they have revived the struggle for freedom, self-determination and independence of Timor-Leste”.
In 2006, the National Parliament had also awarded Jorge Sampaio the title of Honorary Citizen of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste.
The Prime Minister, in a message published today, stated that Jorge Sampaio “ went down in history as the President who contributed a lot to the Restoration of National Independence, which he witnessed as a guest of honor at the ceremony that took place on the 20th of May 2002”. The Head of Government also said that the late Former President Jorge Sampaio will be remembered in the world as a major figure of causes and freedom and recognized as a Great Friend of Timor-Leste and the Timorese”.
The Government Spokeman, Minister Fidelis Magalhães presented his condolonces to the family and friends of the late former President and stated that “Jorge Sampaio will forever be remembered by the timorese people for his deep commitment to human rights, justice and solidarity”. END - 10 of September of 2021Note of Condolence on the death of Jorge Sampaio, a friend of Timor-LestePresidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Eighth Constitutional Government
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Dili, September 10th, 2021
Press Release
Note of Condolence on the death of Jorge Sampaio, a friend of Timor-Leste
The Government of Timor-Leste, on behalf of the entire nation, expresses its deep regret for the death of the former President of Portugal, Jorge Sampaio, who during his terms in Belém always fought for the free and democratic exercise of the Timor-Leste’s right to self-determination.
The Former Head of State of Portugal died this Friday, on September 10th, age of 81, in the Santa Cruz Hospital, in Lisbon, where he had been hospitalized since August 27th, after having felt breathing difficulties.
Linked to politics since his time as students at the Faculty of Law of the University of Lisbon, he led the Socialist Party and was elected Mayor of Lisbon in 1989. In 1996 he was elected as the President of the Republic, a position he held until March 2006.
He was appointed in 2006 by the Secretary General of the United Nations Special Envoy for the Fight Against Tuberculosis. Between 2007 and 2013 he was the High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations.
In 2016, Jorge Sampaio received the timorese State’s highest award, the Grand Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste, in recognition of his “solidarity and active support” in the struggle for the independence of our country. The award was presented by the current Prime Minister, Taur Matan Ruak, in Lisbon and at the time as the President of the Republic. On the occasion, Taur Matan Ruak expressed “the deep recognition for humanism, the countless expression of solidarity and the active support of over the years, they have revived the struggle for freedom, self-determination and independence of Timor-Leste”.
In 2006, the National Parliament had also awarded Jorge Sampaio the title of Honorary Citizen of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste.
The Prime Minister, in a message published today, stated that Jorge Sampaio “ went down in history as the President who contributed a lot to the Restoration of National Independence, which he witnessed as a guest of honor at the ceremony that took place on the 20th of May 2002”. The Head of Government also said that the late Former President Jorge Sampaio will be remembered in the world as a major figure of causes and freedom and recognized as a Great Friend of Timor-Leste and the Timorese”.
The Government Spokeman, Minister Fidelis Magalhães presented his condolonces to the family and friends of the late former President and stated that “Jorge Sampaio will forever be remembered by the timorese people for his deep commitment to human rights, justice and solidarity”. END - 09 of September of 2021Extraordinary Meeting of the Council of Ministers of September 9, 2021Presidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Eighth Constitutional Government
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Press Release
Extraordinary Meeting of the Council of Ministers of September 9, 2021
The Council of Ministers met the Government Palace in Dili and approved the first amendment to the Government Decree No. 21/2021 of 27 august on the measures of implementation of the declaration of the state of emergency made by the Decree of the President of the Republic No. 69/2021, of august 24th. The state of emergency covers the entire national territory and is effective until 23:59 on 29 September 2021.
With this amendment will again allow religious, social, cultural and sporting events, , if the COVID-19 prevention and control measures are complied with, namely:
· Keep a distance of at least one meter from other individuals with whom do not live in the same household;
· Use face mask covering the nose and mouth;
· Sanitize hands frequently and when intend to enter in collective use facilities; and
· Do not to promote the formation of people agglomerations (an agglomeration of people is considered as the gathering of more than two person less than two meters apart).
The holding of funerals remains subject to the adoption of organizational measures that prevent the transmission of SARS-Cov-2, but the presence of more than ten people will be allowed to attend the funeral ceremonies, provided that the health protocols are complied with the prevention and control measures of COVID-19.
The organizers of such events must inform the police about the event. The police are responsible for supervising compliance with the provisions of this law. END - 08 of September of 2021Meeting of the Council of Ministers on September 8, 2021Presidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Eighth Constitutional Government
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Press Release
Meeting of the Council of Ministers on September 8, 2021
The Council of Ministers met at the Auditorium of Ministry of Finance, in Dili and, after analysing the presentation of the country's epidemiological situation, made by the coordinators of the Situation Room of the Integrated Crisis Management Center (CIGC), decided:
to lift the imposition of General Compulsory Confinement (lockdown) of the population of the Municipality of Dili, as of 23:59 on September 9, 2021.
to maintain the imposition of a sanitary fence in the Municipalities of Baucau, Covalima, Dili and Ermera, until September 22, 2021;
to lift the imposition of a sanitary fence in the areas covered by the Naimeco village, in the administrative post of Pante Macassar, and by the Bobometo village, in the administrative post of Oesilo, both in the Special Administrative Region of Oe-Cusse Ambeno, from 23:59 on September 8, 2021.
The imposition of a sanitary fence in the Municipality of Manufahi, in force until September 15, 2021, is unchanged.
Thus, the prohibition of entry and exit from the municipalities of Baucau, Covalima, Dili, Ermera and Manufahi is maintained, except for reasons of public safety, public health, humanitarian assistance, maintenance of public supply systems or public interest. This prohibition does not apply to people who provide proof of full vaccination (two doses) against COVID-19, as well as those under six years of age who accompany them.
The Council of Ministers re-analysed the development plan for the restructuring and modernization of the Port of Dili, which had already been subject to deliberation at the Council of Ministers’ Meeting on July 28, 2021, however due to the introduction of some changes in the phase of final writing, it became necessary to submit it to a new deliberation. The Council of Ministers expressed its preference for adopting the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) financing modality, to be developed in accordance with the legal and regulatory framework in force. The Council of Ministers also axpressed its prefference for urbanic model identified in the ‘Premium Option’ of the preliminary study, conducted by APORTIL and USAID. The development plan for the restructuring and modernization of the Port of Dili foresees that after transferring the functions of cargo port to the new port of Tibar, it will be converted into a marina and cruise port. This is a project of national importance given its location in a central and vital strategic area in the city of Dili, its function as a maritime link to the populations of Oe-cusse Ambeno and Ataúro, and its potential to be a driving force for maritime tourism in Timor-Leste.
The Council of Ministers granted full powers to the Minister of Transport and Communications to sign the Air Services Agreement between Brunei Darussalam and the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste. This agreement aims to boost connectivity between Timor-Leste and the rest of the world and will allow airlines designated by the two countries to be authorized to operate air transport services between the both countries.
Finally, the Minister of State Administration, Miguel Pereira de Carvalho, presented to the Council of Ministers the political-legislative options underlying the creation of multi-purpose reception centers in responding to emergency situations. The options presented aim at the creation in each administrative division (municipalities and RAEOA) of at least one public infrastructure, specifically intended to serve as a temporary reception center for victims of serious accidents and natural disasters. THE END 
04 of September of 2021Joint Press Release of the Government and WHO On the importance of mandatory confinement in the Municipality of DiliGOVERNMENT OF TIMOR-LESTE AND WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATIONmore
Eighth Constitutional Government
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September 4th, 2021
Joint Press Release
On the importance of mandatory confinement in the Municipality of Dili
The last few weeks have seen a worsening of the country-wide pandemic situation of COVID-19, with confirmation of the existence of the delta variant in the country and a large increase in the number of people infected, hospitalisations, severe cases of the disease and deaths.
During the month of August, the worst since the beginning of the pandemic, Timor-Leste registered a total of 5,784 cases of infection by the new coronavirus and 41 people died from COVID-19.
The situation is of particular concern in the Municipality of Dili, where the Delta variant prevails, which is much more infectious and dangerous than the previously widespread coronavirus variants.
Although vaccination against COVID-19 is progressing positively throughout the country and despite its proven effectiveness in preventing severe cases and deaths, there has been an increase in those infected also among the vaccinated population, who, although the risk of being hospitalised is much lower than those who are not vaccinated, can infect others, including the most vulnerable, such as people with comorbidities, children, pregnant women and the elderly.
Taking into account this worsening situation and following the recommendations of the World Health Organization, the Ministry of Health and the Integrated Center for Crisis Management, the Government decided to impose General Mandatory Confinement of the Population of the Municipality of Dili, regardless of whether they are or not vaccinated against COVID-19.
Although the Government had previously said that anyone who had full vaccination would be exempt, as the situation worsened the Government had to quickly take this radical measure.
To stop the transmission of the virus in our community, safeguard public health and protect the most vulnerable, it is essential that the entire population of the Municipality of Dili, including those who have already completed vaccination, comply with home confinement and adopt all preventive measures of COVID-19. END
- 01 of September of 2021Meeting of the Council of Ministers on September 1, 2021Presidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Eighth Constitutional Government
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Press Release
Meeting of the Council of Ministers on September 1, 2021
The Council of Ministers met at the Ministry of Finance Auditorium, in Dili and, after analysing the presentation of the country's epidemiological situation, given by the coordinators of the Situation Room of the Integrated Centre for Crisis Management (CIGC), decided:
Maintain the imposition of General Compulsory Confinement (lockdown) of the Population of the Municipality of Dili, including people who are vaccinated against COVID-19, until September 9th, 2021. The Council of Ministers will reassess this measure at its next meeting on September 8th.
All persons in the Dili Municipality, including those vaccinated against COVID-19, are still obliged to stay at home and may only leave for reasons of health, work (in the case of public administration, the superior defines which employees are not exempt from the duty to attend), to access basic goods and services and to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
All commercial, industrial, handicraft or service provision establishments of the private sector of the economy developing activities in the Municipality of Dili are closed to the public, with the exceptions previously foreseen
Compared to the previous Government's Resolution, there are only two changes: it is allowed to leave the residence in order to, on the one hand, register voters and, on the other hand, to ensure the operation of pest control service companies (Pest Control).
Not to renew the imposition of General Compulsory Confinement (lockdown) on the Population of the Administrative Posts of Ermera and Railaco, in the Municipality of Ermera
Impose a sanitary fence in the Municipality of Manufahi, between September 2nd and September 15th, 2021
It is prohibited to enter and leave this municipality, except for reasons of public safety, public health, humanitarian assistance, maintenance of the public supply systems or in the public interest.
This prohibition does not apply to persons who provide proof of the full vaccination (two doses) against COVID-19 and to accompanying children under the age of six.
The remaining sanitary fences still in place remained unchanged
The Council of Ministers approved the draft Decree-Law, presented by the Vice-Minister of Social Solidarity, Signi Chandrawati Verdial, for the creation of pregnancy and child allowances, jointly called Bolsa da Mãe - Nova Geração, and for the first amendment to Decree-Law no. 18/2012, of April 4th.
The aim of this draft Decree-Law is to reform the "Bolsa da Mãe" programme to ensure that it has a more significant impact on reducing poverty and promoting national human capital. The "Bolsa da Mãe" will now include two additional benefits, which aim to provide social support in pregnancy and early childhood, improve maternal and child health and nutrition, promote economic inclusion and foster the local economy.
The programme will be implemented in a phased or progressive manner, ensuring as a priority the actions in the geographical areas with the highest rates of poverty and malnutrition and the protection of pregnancy and early childhood. Thus, the programme will be progressively extended to the entire national territory over 5 years, starting in 2022 with the municipalities of Ainaro and Bobonaro and the Special Administrative Region Oe-Cusse Ambeno ( RAEOA). In 2023, Bolsa da Mãe - nova geração will be extended to the municipalities of Covalima, Liquiça, Manatuto and Viqueque. The municipalities of Manufahi, Ermera, Baucau, Aileu and Lautem will be included in the programme in 2024. Finally, Bolsa da Mãe will cover the municipality of Dili in 2025.
Also approved, with amendments, was the draft Decree-Law, presented by the Minister of State Administration, Miguel Pereira de Carvalho, defining the general regime of the " Programa Movimento Hafoun (Regeneração) Aldeia" (PMOHA) and establishing its guiding principles and implementation conditions.
This program results from the signing, in 2016, of a memorandum of understanding between Saemaul Undong of the Republic of Korea and the Government of Timor-Leste, under which an experimental program was implemented in four villages in the Municipality of Lautém, in the four-year period from 2016 to 2020. This diploma proceeds with the creation of a legal framework to support the implementation of the programme at a national level.
The PMOHA programme aims to promote and develop community economic activities in order to achieve economic return and community engagement at village level, directing individual effort towards common benefit.
Finally, the draft Decree-Law for the second amendment to Decree-Law no. 8/2013, of June 26th , referring to the General Regime of the National Village (Sucos) Development Programme (PNDS) was also approved. This draft Decree-Law aims to review and update the value of subsidised projects that include the social housing project Uma ba ema kbiit laek, establishing that the maximum value of the grant is USD 125,000 until the completion of the said project. END - 26 of August of 2021Information on financial support in the event of death or disability as a result of inoculation with COVID-19 vaccineavailable soonmore
- 26 of August of 2021Clarification on measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and public health protectionPresidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Eighth Constitutional Government
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Press Release
Clarification on measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and public health protection
The last few weeks have seen a worsening of the country-wide pandemic situation of COVID-19, with confirmation of the existence of the delta variant in the country and a large increase in the number of people infected, hospitalisations, severe cases of the disease and deaths.
Between August 16th and 22nd, Timor-Leste registered a total of 1,651 cases of new coronavirus infection, 54 people had to be hospitalized and 18 people died from COVID-19.
Although vaccination against COVID-19 is progressing positively throughout the country and despite its proven effectiveness in preventing severe cases and deaths, there has been an increase in those infected also among the vaccinated population, who, although the risk of being hospitalised is much lower than those who are not vaccinated, can infect others, including the most vulnerable.
None of the 52 people who died with the SARS-CoV-2 virus in Timor-Leste had the full vaccination.
In view of this worsening of the situation and to protect public health, the Government, through the Council of Ministers, in its meeting on August 25th, 2021, decided:
Impose a mandatory confinement (lockdown) in the Municipality of Dili, from August 27th to September 2nd, 2021.
Confinement (lockdown) is a measure that requires people to stay at home.
This measure covers all citizens of the city of Dili, including those who have been fully vaccinated.
All persons in the Dili Municipality are obliged to stay at home and may only leave for reasons of health, work (in the case of public administration, the superior defines which employees are not exempt from the duty to attend), to access basic goods and services and to receive the vaccine against COVID-19.
Maintain the imposition of sanitary fences in the Municipality of Dili, until September 13th, 2021.
Sanitary Fence is a measure prohibiting movement from the boundaries of the municipality. It is not the same as lockdown.
It is prohibited to enter and leave this municipality, except for reasons of public safety, public health, humanitarian assistance, maintenance of the public supply systems or in the public interest
From August 27th to September 2nd, in reference to the Government Resolution imposing general home confinement of the population of the Municipality of Dili, all persons in the Municipality of Dili, including those vaccinated against COVID-19, are obliged to remain at home.
Maintain the imposition of sanitary fence in the Municipality of Ermera, until September 13th, 2021.
Sanitary Fence is a measure prohibiting movement from the boundaries of the municipality. It is not the same as lockdown.
It is prohibited to enter and leave this municipality, except for reasons of public safety, public health, humanitarian assistance, maintenance of the public supply systems or in the public interest
This prohibition does not apply to persons who provide proof of full vaccination (two doses) against COVID-19 and to accompanying children under the age of six.
Impose sanitary fences in the municipalities of Covalima and Baucau, between August 26th and September 8th, 2021.
Sanitary Fence is a measure prohibiting movement from the boundaries of the municipalities. It is not the same as lockdown.
It is prohibited to enter and leave these municipalities, except for reasons of public safety, public health, humanitarian assistance, maintenance of the public supply systems or in the public interest
This prohibition does not apply to persons who provide proof of full vaccination (two doses) against COVID-19 and to accompanying children under the age of six.
Maintain the imposition of sanitary fences in the areas covered by the village (suco) Naimeco, in the Administrative Post of Pante Macassar, and by the village (suco) Bobometo, in the Administrative Post of Oesilo, both in the RAEOA, until September 8th, 2021.
Sanitary Fence is a measure prohibiting movement from the boundaries of the municipalities. It is not the same as lockdown.
It is prohibited to enter and leave these villages (sucos), except for reasons of public safety, public health, humanitarian assistance, maintenance of the public supply systems or in the public interest
This prohibition does not apply to persons who provide proof of full vaccination (two doses) against COVID-19 and to accompanying children under the age of six.
Impose compulsory confinement (lockdown) on the Administrative Posts of Ermera and Railaco, of the Municipality of Ermera, until September 1st, 2021.
Confinement (lockdown) is a measure that requires people to stay at home.
This measure does not cover persons who have been fully vaccinated.
All persons in the administrative posts of Ermera and Railaco, who do not have the complete vaccination, are obliged to stay at home and may only leave for reasons of health, work, to access basic goods and services and to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
In addition to the measures already mentioned, the Council of Ministers, through the Government Decree, referring to the implementation measures of the declaration of the state of emergency, decided to ban, throughout the national territory, all activities that involve the agglomeration of people.
The Government urges the entire population to participate in the vaccination campaign against COVID-19 and to respect all the prevention measures, namely always wear a mask that covers the nose and mouth, wash hands regularly, keep at least three feet between themselves and others and avoid crowds of people. END
