Presidency of the Council of Ministers

Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste

Ninth Constitutional Government

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

Press Release

August 15th, 2024

Day off on August 28th and 29th, 2024

Considering that paragraph a) of number 2 of article 7 of f Law no.10/2005 of August 10^th, as amended by Laws no. 3/2016, of May 25^th, and 10/2023 of April, provides that time off may be granted on an official commemorative date.

Bearing in mind that under the terms of paragraph e) of number 1 of article 2 of Law no.10/2005, of August 10^th, as amended by Law no.3/2016, of May 25^th, and 10/2023 of April 5^th, August 30^th is National Holiday, as “Popular Consultation Day”;

Considering that this year marks the 25^th anniversary of Popular Consultation Day”.

Bearing in mind the historic importance of august 30^th 1999, which at the end of a referendum process, despite the atmosphere of intimidation and violence, resulted in the self-determination of the Timorese people and the independence of the country;

 Also considering the IX Constitutional Government’s desire to celebrate 25^th anniversary of this historic milestone with the population, with various commemorations throughout the country.

Considering the need to enable people to travel to their places of origin to celebrate this historic date with their families.

Whereas according to the paragraph d) of number 6  of article  7  of Law no.10/2005, of August 10^th , amended by Laws no.3/2016, of  May 25^th, and 10/2023, of April 5^th, it is the Prime Minister’s responsibility to grant day off to officials and agents of the ministries or services dependent on them, as well as institutes and bodies integrated into the indirect administration of the State”;

Therefore, pursuant to the provision of paragraphs 2(a) and 6(d) of article 7 of Law no.10/2005, of August, as amended by Laws no.3/2016, of May 25^th, and 10/2023 of April 5^th, I hereby determine the following:

1. It is granted days off on August 28^th and 29^th 2024
2. This order covers all officials, agents and workers who work in the State’s direct administration services, whether centralized or deconcentrated, or in indirect administration bodies.
3. Exceptions to the previous paragraph are the human resources of public services who, due to the nature of their activity, must remain in operation during that period.

4. Without prejudice to the continuity and quality of the public service to be provided, the chief executives of the services referred to in the previous paragraph must promote the equivalent exemption from duty of attendance of the respective human resources, on a day to be set in due course.

To instruct the Secretary of State for Vocational Training and Employment, along with representative of the Private Sector, to request that workers be duly excused so that they, together with public sector workers, can take part in the commemoration of this very, very important date. END