Government of Timor-Leste

The Prime Minister attended the flag hoisting ceremony in Same, Manufahi, during the commemorations of the Restoration of Independence of Timor-Leste, on May 20.

Before the ceremonial, the Prime Minister was dressed with the traditional custom of Same by the elders, after which the traditional dance Bidu was performed by the children who walked the Head of the Government to the ceremony venue. The district of Same is the homeland of Dom Boaventura, one of the prime independence fighters during the colonial times.

At the rite, the Secretary of State for Livestock read the President of the Republic’s speech. The Prime Minister held a minute of silence, where he said: “Our independence completes eight years today, thousands died for such. We must pay tribute so that people keep giving us attention and our independence may hand us down to posterity. Honour and glory to the national liberation martyrs!”.

The Head of the Government was accompanied by the Minister of Finance, Emília Pires, the Secretary of State for Livestock, Valentino Varela, the Japan Ambassador, Kiwao Kitahara, the Deputy Commander of the National Police, Afonso de Jesus and the District Administrator of Manufahi, Filomeno Tilman.

The ceremony was also attended by the population of the eight sucos that comprise the Sub-District of Same, civil servants, students, Police members, martial arts group members, entrepreneurs and local authorities