“PNTL has to maintain its professionalism and credibility”
According to the Prime Minister and Minister for Defence and Security, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, “the National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL) shall maintain its professionalism and credibility in order to deserve public trust”. Those words were spoken by Xanana Gusmão during the 14th anniversary of the PNTL, on March 27th, at the Command Headquarters of this institution, in Caicoli, this year under the theme “Visibility, Engagement and Professionalism”.
The Prime Minister, who is also Minister for Defence and Security, referred that this fourteenth anniversary should be an opportunity to gain more trust for the future, reminding that today the Security Forces play another mission, by contributing and ensuring that security is a benefit for the whole community, thus allowing the progress of the country.
“There isn’t in the world a country such as Timor-Leste, which, with only 12 years of independence, can solve all the questions. There are many countries with 70, 80 or 90 years, which don’t have a vision for the future. Timor-Leste holds a plan for 20 years that allows it to design its future. A consolidated State can’t allow itself to be destabilized”, said Xanana Gusmão.
The Prime Minister and Minister for Defence and Security also stressed, "Professionalism is a determining factor for the institution. Reach out most of the people showing them your love and respect. You should continue to improve and PNTL will increasingly be a credible institution, not only in our country but also as representatives of the State. "
In his speech, the Head of State, Taur Matan Ruak, began by noting that another birthday marks another step in the determination of PNTL for the development and consolidation of the institution, demonstrating capacity to fulfil its mandate provided by the Constitution of the Democratic Republic Timor-Leste.
"Fourteen years is not long for an institution. That means that this is a relatively new institution and faces many challenges. Still, if we look at the actions practiced throughout these fourteen, we can say that during this short time we did what many countries have failed to do for many years", praised Taur Matan Ruak.
Highlighting two areas of the PNTL with regard to internal security, transit services and the role of Community Police, the President called for "continuous preparation, training and fulfilment of your duties with professionalism, dedication and affection."
The Commander General of the PNTL, Longuinhos Monteiro, also said that although the PNTL is still a young state institution, it learned to make a statement through the commitment and maturity in search of a legal standard, serving the community and the State.
"I ask all the post commanders and staff, all PNTL officers, to remain united, demonstrating our maturity and discipline. When we fulfil our duties and obligations, the reality reflects our dedication, "said Longuinhos Monteiro.
During the ceremony, commemorative medals were awarded for service distinction, special service commission and exemplary behaviour.
The President of the National Parliament, the President of the Court of Appeal, members of Government, Members of the Parliament, National Republican Guard Commanders, Public Order Battalion, representatives of Guinea-Bissau and the Commander of the Division of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia (POLRI) also attended this celebration.
