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Com profundo pesar, informa-se que as cerimónias fúnebres do saudoso José Honório da Costa Pereira Jerónimo realizam-se no dia 24 de abril de 2026, no Município de Liquiçá, com a seguinte sequência:

15:00 – Saída da residência em Ekali (Maubara) para a Igreja São João de Brito em Liquiçá

15:30 – Missa Solene na Igreja São João de Brito em Liquiçá

17:00 – Enterro no Cemitério Público de Liquiça

18:00 – Jantar/merenda de solidariedade com a familia enlutada que terá lugar na casa dos sogros (junto ao cemitério)

Convida-se todos os familiares, amigos, colegas e público em geral a participarem neste momento de homenagem e despedida.

Presidency of the Council of Ministers

Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste

Ninth Constitutional Government

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Press Release

Meeting of the Council of Ministers on April 22nd, 2026

The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace in Dili and approved the draft Law Proposal, presented by Finance Minister Santina José Rodrigues F. Viegas Cardoso, for the first amendment to Law No. 13/2011 of September 28^th, on the Public Debt Regime.

The proposal expands the scope of public debt issuance, removing the restriction that previously limited it exclusively to financing strategic infrastructure. This enables the use of instruments such as Treasury securities to finance general government expenditure. This amendment aims to align the national public debt regime with practices adopted under general terms in most countries and to establish conditions for more sustainable management of public finances in the medium and long term.

Through this initiative, the Government aims to strengthen fiscal sustainability, prepare the country for the gradual decline in revenues from the Petroleum Fund, and ensure greater stability in funding for essential public policies.

This draft Law Proposal had already been discussed at the Council of Ministers meeting on January 27^th, 2026. However, following adjustments made during the final drafting stage—specifically to clarify the rules governing the issuance and management of Treasury securities and bills—it became necessary to review and deliberate on it once again.

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The Council of Ministers approved a draft Government Resolution, which expresses its deep sorrow at the passing of the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Culture, José Honório da Costa Pereira Jerónimo. The Government extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved family and publicly acknowledges the deceased’s significant contribution to public service and to the development of higher education in Timor-Leste. The Resolution also calls for a minute of silence to be observed in all public and higher education institutions on a date to be determined.

As a Timorese citizen of recognised merit, his public service has been distinguished by his commitment to developing the higher education system, promoting knowledge, and enhancing the nation’s human capital, both as a member of government and previously at the National University of Timor Lorosae.

In the course of his governmental duties, he conducted himself with a high degree of dedication, technical expertise, and commitment to public service, thereby contributing to the consolidation of public policies in higher education, science, and innovation.

His strategic vision and dedication have helped improve the quality of higher education institutions, promote international academic cooperation, and expand opportunities for advanced education for the people of Timor-Leste.

His passing is a loss to the Government, the academic and scientific communities, and the people of Timor-Leste.

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The Council of Ministers approved the draft Government Resolution, submitted by the Minister of State Administration, Tomás do Rosário Cabral, on the dismissal of the heads of the Special Administrative Region of Oe-Cússe Ambeno (RAEOA – acronym in Portuguese) appointed by Government Resolution No. 37/2025 of August 27^th, and on the appointment of the President, Secretaries, and Regional Directors of the RAEOA.

This Resolution dismisses the current Regional Director-General and Regional Directors and appoints Régio da Cruz as President of the RAEOA. The following individuals were also appointed Regional Secretaries: Salvador da Cruz for Administration and Finance; Francisco Loca for Planning and Development; and Merita Marques Lafo for Social Affairs and Community Organisations.

Domingos Punef, Adelaide Rosália Faria Correia, Amâncio Aguido Punef, Augusto Jorge de Fátima Efi, Mário Coel, Anita da Costa Ruing, Vicêncio Cono, Odete Amado Martins, André Lao, Remígio Nuno Sila, Yoseph Ili, José Oki, Anastásia Eni, Fátima Olga Hei Amaral, Tomás José Tanessib Anuno, Júlio Coel, Domingos de Almeida, Orlando Quelo, José Ase Neno Colo, Cândido dos Reis Amaral, and Jaime Taeque were also appointed Regional Service Directors.

Holders of these positions are subject to an annual performance evaluation, and an unsatisfactory rating constitutes grounds for dismissal.

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Lastly, the Council of Ministers approved the draft Decree-Law, presented by the Minister of Transport and Communications, Miguel Marques Gonçalves Manetelu, which aims to establish the fees payable for acts and services provided by the public administration relating to motor vehicles and their drivers.

The Decree-Law defines and clarifies the fee structure for acts and services provided by the public administration in the road sector, ensuring that the services correspond to their respective costs. This includes, among other things, procedures related to vehicle registration, licensing, and inspection, the issuance of certificates and permits, and driving-related exams and documents.

The Decree-Law also sets out the rules for collecting fees, identifies the taxpayers, and provides for collection by third parties, in accordance with the terms defined by law. The previous regime is repealed, and this Decree-Law is scheduled to take effect 30 days after its publication.

This draft Decree-Law had already been discussed at the Council of Ministers meeting on January 21st, 2026. However, following adjustments made during the final drafting stage – specifically the revision of the rates to be charged – it became necessary for the Council of Ministers to review and approve it again. END

9.00 am, Government Palace

Presidency of the Council of Ministers

Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste

Ninth Constitutional Government

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

April 21^st, 2026

Press Release

Government expresses deepest condolences on the passing of José Honório da Costa Pereira Jerónimo, Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Culture

The Government of Timor-Leste was deeply saddened to learn today, April 21^st, 2026, of the unexpected passing of José Honório da Costa Pereira Jerónimo, Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Culture.

José Honório da Costa Pereira Jerónimo was born in Bazartete, in the municipality of Liquiçá, on February 15^th, 1973. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Development Studies in 2001 from the Mandala Institute of Technology and Sciences in Indonesia and completed his master’s degree in the same field in 2010 at Universitas Kristen Satya Wacana in Salatiga, Indonesia.

He has held academic positions at the National University of Timor-Leste (UNTL) since 2001, serving in various leadership roles across university administration, including Department Chair, Dean, Associate Dean, and Vice Rector. He was also a member of the UNTL General Council and served as Commercial Attaché at the Embassy of Timor-Leste in Jakarta from 2013 to 2015.

Since 1994, he has been a member of the student organisation “National Resistance of East Timorese Students” (RENETIL – acronym in Portuguese) as part of the struggle for national liberation.

On July 1^st, 2023, he was sworn in as Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Culture in the 9th Constitutional Government, taking responsibility for the formulation and implementation of public policies in the areas of higher education, science, and technology, as well as for coordinating the institutions in the sector under his supervision.

Agio Pereira, Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and Government Spokesperson, expressed his “deep sorrow at the loss of José Honório da Costa Pereira Jerónimo, who leaves a significant legacy in the development of higher education in Timor-Leste and in the strengthening of national academic institutions, having dedicated his life to public service, education, and national development”. He added that “the Government extends its most sincere condolences to the bereaved family, friends, and all Timorese at this time of mourning”. END

 

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On April 18^th, 2026, Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, accompanied by Minister of Public Works Samuel Marçal, inaugurated the rehabilitation of the Maliana urban road in the municipality of Bobonaro to improve mobility, facilitate access to economic activities, and strengthen connectivity in the region. 

This project forms part of the 9th Constitutional Government’s investments in road infrastructure, aimed at improving traffic conditions and supporting local and national economic development. The rehabilitated road spans approximately 48 kilometres between Nunura and Maliana Vila, including roads within the city.

The project was carried out by two international companies and funded by the Government through the Ministry of Public Works, with an investment of over US$33 million. Before the work began, the road was in poor condition, which hindered the movement of people and goods, particularly during the rainy season.

During the ceremony, the President of the Bobonaro Municipal Authority, Paulo Moniz Maia, expressed the community’s satisfaction and gratitude for the project’s benefits, highlighting its impact on mobility, the revitalisation of the local economy, and the improvement of living conditions.

In his remarks, the Prime Minister noted that basic infrastructure, such as roads and bridges, contributes to national development by facilitating the movement of goods, connecting communities, and providing access to services and markets. He also emphasised that improved road connections facilitate the integration of rural areas into economic networks.

The new road directly benefits more than 130,000 residents of the municipality of Bobonaro. It improves access to areas of economic, social, and tourist interest, including Marobo and other parts of the region.

At the end of the ceremony, certificates of appreciation were presented to the companies and teams involved in the project’s execution and supervision.

Vice Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Adérito Hugo da Costa; Secretary of State for Electricity, Water, and Sanitation, Santos Noronha; representatives of the Indonesian and Malaysian embassies; Member of the Parliament, Maria Gorumali Barreto; municipal and local officials; representatives of the Catholic Church; and members of the community also attended the ceremony.

The rehabilitation of the Maliana urban road is part of a series of ongoing projects to strengthen the national road network and support national economic development.

 

On April 17^th, 2026, in Dili, Duílio Marino Gusmão Araújo da Silva was sworn in as Executive Director of the Timor-Leste Investment and Export Promotion Agency, I.P. (TradeInvest Timor-Leste), and Roberto da Costa Cabral Lai was appointed Deputy Executive Director of the same institution for a three-year term, at a ceremony presided over by Vice Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister of Economic Affairs, Francisco Kalbuadi Lay. 

The ceremony was held at the Office of the Vice Prime Minister and attended by the Chairman of the Civil Service Commission, Agostinho Letêncio de Deus; the Commissioner for Workforce Planning, José Telo Soares Cristóvão; and other guests.

The appointment of the two officials was based on the Council of Ministers’ decision dated April 8^th, 2026, as well as an order from the Coordinating Minister of Economic Affairs, which recognises the merit, technical expertise, and years of dedicated service of the new leaders at the institution.

During the ceremony, Francisco Kalbuadi Lay emphasised that the Government’s trust rests on the competence and dedication demonstrated by both appointees in their duties at TradeInvest. He also noted that this moment marks the beginning of a responsibility to the nation, particularly to strengthen the economy and serve the people of Timor-Leste.

“The success of your term in office will be judged by tangible progress in attracting investment, expanding business opportunities, and contributing to the sustainable development of our economy,” said the Vice Prime Minister.

The Minister also urged the new leaders to carry out their duties with a sense of responsibility and commitment, emphasising TradeInvest’s central and strategic role in national development.

The President of the Civil Service Commission called for compliance with the rules and guidelines, emphasising the need to act in line with institutional objectives and the State’s interests.

Before their appointments, Duílio Marino Gusmão Araújo da Silva served as Deputy Executive Director of TradeInvest Timor-Leste, while Roberto da Costa Cabral Lai served as Director of Marketing and External Relations at the same institution.

The new leaders are taking office with the responsibility to strengthen TradeInvest Timor-Leste’s capacity to promote investment and trade opportunities, thereby contributing to the sustainable economic development of Timor-Leste.