Media Releases
- 09 of September of 2021Extraordinary Meeting of the Council of Ministers of September 9, 2021Presidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Eighth Constitutional Government
.............................................................................................................................
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
.............................................................................................................................
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
.............................................................................................................................
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
.............................................................................................................................
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
.............................................................................................................................
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 - 25 of August of 2021Meeting of the Council of Ministers on August 25, 2021Presidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Eighth Constitutional Government
.............................................................................................................................
Press Release
Meeting of the Council of Ministers on August 25, 2021
The Council of Ministers met, at the Government Palace, in Dili, and after reviewing the presentation of the epidemiological situation of the country, given by the Coordinators of the Situation Room of the Integrated Centre for Crisis Management (CIGC), approved the draft Government Decree on the implementation measures of the Declaration of the State of Emergency, made by the President of the Republic Decree No. 69/2021, of August 24th, to respond to the pandemic of COVID-19. The state of emergency, now renewed, covers the entire national territory and is in force between August 31st, 2021, 12:00 am, and September 29, 2021, 11:59 pm.
Regarding the implementation measures of the previous declaration of a state of emergency, there has been a change, and all activities involving the gathering of people are now prohibited throughout the country.
The remaining rules remain unchanged, namely the obligation of all individuals residing in Timor-Leste to keep a distance of, at least, three feet from other individuals with whom they do not live in common economy. They are also required to wear a face mask that covers the nose and mouth when having access to or staying in public or private places of collective use and to wash their hands when entering commercial, industrial or service provision establishments or buildings where public administration services operate. During the duration of the state of emergency, licences, permits, visas, residence permits and other administrative acts and documents shall remain valid regardless of their period of validity.
The Council of Ministers approved the draft Government Resolution that imposes the general home confinement of the population of the Dili Municipality, between August 27th, 12:00 am, September 2nd, 2021, 11:59 pm.
Thus, the general home confinement of all persons residing or presently in the Municipality of Dili is imposed, who should remain in their residences or in their places of temporary accommodation, including shelters, except in the situations foreseen in this diploma, namely for reasons of health, work, to access basic goods and services and to receive the vaccine against COVID-19.
The circulation of public transport in the entire area of the Municipality of Dili, namely taxis, microlets, biscotas and angunas, is prohibited.
Collective religious celebrations shall be suspended and the organisation and holding of funeral ceremonies involving the participation of more than ten people shall be forbidden. During these ceremonies, people shall wear a face mask covering the nasal and mouth cavities and keep their distance of at least three feet from other people present at the ceremony.
All commercial, industrial, craft or service establishments will be closed to the public, with the exception of establishments selling food and other essential goods, electricity, telecommunications, medical care, pharmacies, petrol stations and financial institutions.
Restaurants may provide take-away or home-delivered meals and other establishments that are closed to the public may develop their activity through home-delivery services.
The activity of street food vendors and other essential goods is allowed. The Manleuana and Taibessi Municipal markets remain open between 6 am and 6 pm.
The following draft Government Resolutions were also approved:
maintaining the imposition of sanitary fences in the municipalities of Dili and Ermera until September 13th, 11:59 pm;
imposing sanitary fences in the municipalities of Covalima and Baucau from August 26th, 2021, 12:00 am, until September 8th, 11:59 pm;
maintaining the imposition of sanitary fences in the areas covered by the village (suco) Naimeco, in the Administrative Post of Pante Macassar, and the village (suco) Bobometo, in the administrative post of Oesilo, both in the Special Administrative Region of Oe-Cusse Ambeno, until September 8th, 11:59 pm.
Thus, the prohibition of movement of persons between the said areas and municipalities and other administrative districts is imposed, except in cases duly justified on grounds of public safety, public health, humanitarian assistance, maintenance of public supply systems or the achievement of public interest. Individuals who provide proof of full vaccination (two doses) against COVID-19 and accompanying children under the age of six are not covered by this travel ban.
Also approved was the draft Government Resolution that maintains the general home confinement of the population of the Administrative Posts of Ermera and Railaco, in the Municipality of Ermera, until September 1st, 11:59 pm.
Thus, the ban on movement of persons between these administrative posts and the other administrative districts is maintained, except in cases duly justified on grounds of public safety, public health, humanitarian assistance, maintenance of public supply systems or the achievement of public interest. Individuals who provide proof of full vaccination (two doses) against COVID-19 and accompanying children under the age of six are not affected by this movement ban.
The Council of Ministers approved, with amendments, the draft Decree-Law, presented by the Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Fidelis Manuel Leite Magalhães, on the General Bases of Organization of Public Administration. This draft Decree-Law aims to promote coherence in the legislation adopted in administrative matters, in order to promote unity, efficiency and effectiveness of its action. The diploma defines, as a principle of administrative efficiency, that the direct and indirect administration of the State should be organized in such a way as to guarantee maximum efficiency in the use of public resources to satisfy collective needs, according to the public interest and respecting citizens' rights. The direct and indirect administration of the State must be organised in such a way as to effectively fulfil the public interest, and the consideration of any private interest in its organisation is forbidden.
The draft Decree-Law for the first amendment to Decree-Law no. 19/2018, of December 27th, which approved the Organic Law of the Minister for the Affairs of National Liberation Combatants, presented by Minister Júlio Sarmento da Costa "Meta Mali", was approved, with amendments. This amendment aims to improve the implementation capacity of the services of this Ministry, namely the services to National Liberation Combatants and to strengthen the institutional capacity of some of its technical and operational aspects, particularly in terms of capacity building and professional training of human resources or in terms of information technology, protocol and institutional communication.
The Council of Ministers approved the draft Government Resolution, presented by the Minister of Finance, Rui Augusto Gomes, regarding the definition of the composition of the Political Review Committee (known by the acronym CROP) for the 2022 General State Budget. It is the responsibility of the Political Review Committee to verify the strategic allocation of resources of the budget submissions, with a view to achieving the commitments and objectives contained in the strategic documents and to assess the feasibility of the plans for the 2022 financial year. The CROP will be chaired by the Prime Minister and also composed of the Vice Prime Ministers, the Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Education, Youth and Sports, the Minister of Transport and Communications and the Minister of State Administration. The Secretary of State for Equality and Inclusion, the Secretary of State for Youth and Sports, and the Commissioner for Children's Rights will also attend the CROP meetings, as observers. The CROP meetings will be held from 2 to 16 September, at the Ministry of Finance Auditorium.
Finally, the Council of Ministers attended the presentation of the Minister of Education, Youth and Sports, Armindo Maia and the Secretary of State for Youth and Sports, Abrão Saldanha, on the status of the preparation of the XII Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries (CPLP) Sports Games. This event was foreseen to take place in Timor-Leste, between 10 and 22 July 2020, having been postponed to 2022, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, similar to other sporting events worldwide. Considering that the concerns that dictated the previous postponement of the event remain, the Government recommended the postponement of the XII CPLP Games to 2024. END
- 20 of August of 2021FALINTIL's 46th anniversaryOn this day, August 20th, 2021, on the occasion of the 46th anniversary of the Timor-Leste National Liberation Armed Front (FALINTIL), the 8th Constitutional Government pays tribute and expresses its gratitude to all FALINTIL combatants, especially to all martyrs who sacrificed their lives to achieve freedom and national independence.more
Government Spokesperson, Minister Fidelis Magalhães, stated that "the courage and resilience of our heroes inspires us daily to work tirelessly for the development of our nation". END
