The 9th Constitutional Government announces that the memorial service for the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Culture, José Honório da Costa Pereira Jerónimo, will be held today, April 24th, 2026, in the municipality of Liquiçá, bringing together family members, government officials, dignitaries, colleagues, and citizens to pay their respects and bid him a final farewell.
The ceremonies will begin at 3:00 p.m., with the procession departing from the family home in Ekali, Maubara, and proceeding to St. John de Britto Church in Liquiçá, where a solemn Mass will be held at 3:30 p.m. The funeral will be held at 5:00 p.m. at the family home in Ekali, followed at 6:00 p.m. by a dinner in solidarity with the bereaved family at the same location. 
Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, in a message in Portuguese, stated: “It was with great surprise and in solidarity with the immense sorrow of the bereaved family that we pray to God to welcome Dr. José Honório da C. P. Jerónimo into His kingdom! A warm embrace, Minister! May perpetual light shine upon them!”
Vice Prime Minister Mariano Assanami Sabino said: “I deeply mourn the loss of a visionary leader. It is not only the Government and the Democratic Party that have lost him, but the entire people of Timor-Leste, who have lost a wise man.”
Agio Pereira, Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and Spokesperson for the Government, 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 people at this time of mourning.”
In the vote of condolence approved by the Council of Ministers through Government Resolution No. 27/2026 of April 22nd, the Government “expresses its deep sorrow at the passing of His Excellency the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Culture, José Honório da Costa Pereira Jerónimo, a Timorese citizen of recognised merit, whose public service was distinguished by his commitment to the development of the higher education system, the promotion of knowledge, and the development of national human capital, both as a current member of the Government and, previously, at the National University of Timor Lorosae.” 
The resolution also states that “his strategic vision and personal dedication helped to enhance the quality of higher education institutions, foster international academic cooperation, and promote advanced training opportunities for the people of Timor-Leste” and that “his death is an irreparable loss for the government, the academic and scientific community, and the entire Timorese people.”
José Honório da Costa Pereira Jerónimo was born in Bazartete, in the municipality of Liquiçá, on February 15th, 1973. He earned a bachelor’s degree in development studies from the Mandala Institute of Technology and Sciences in Indonesia in 2001. He 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 since 2001, serving in various leadership roles, including Department Chair, Dean, Associate Dean, and Vice Rector. He was a member of the institution’s 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, the National Student Resistance of Timor-Leste (RENETIL), as part of the struggle for national liberation.
He was sworn in as Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Culture on July 1st, 2023, as part of the 9th Constitutional Government.
The Government joins in paying tribute and once again extends its condolences to the bereaved family.