Objective: Timor-Leste is one of the world's newest nations and became a democracy in 2002. Ranked 150 out of 177 in the 2007 UNDP Human Development Index, the country has the worst health indicators in the Asia-Pacific region. The objective of this study was to collect and analyse data on subjectively assessed general health, health service use, migration and mobility patterns.
Methods: The data collection involved recording self-reported status of general health using a structured questionnaire. The survey was administered to 1,213 Timorese households in six districts using a multi-stage random cluster sampling procedure. Basic descriptive statistical analyses were performed on all variables with SPSS version 13.
Results: More than a quarter (27%) of respondents reported a health problem at the time of the survey. Only approximately half of respondents assessed their health to be good (53%) or average (38%). Barriers reported in the uptake of healthcare services were no felt needed; difficulty in accessing services and unavailability of service.
Conclusions: Results reveal that Timor-Leste needs a more decentralised provision of healthcare through primary healthcare centres or integrated health services. Trained traditional healers, who are familiar with the difficult terrain and understand cultural contexts and barriers, can be used to improve uptake of public health services. An adult literacy and community health education program is needed to further improve the extremely poor health indicators in the country.
Implications: Key lessons that emerged were the importance of understanding cultural mechanisms in areas of protracted conflict and the need for integrated health services in communities.
Bu V.E. Wilson
Centre for International Governance and Justice
Regulatory Institutions Network
Australian National University
+61 407 087 086
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Sunday, 30 August 2009
Wednesday, 26 August 2009
Tour de Timor
Plenty of tumbles in Timor's toughest race
Timor-Leste's spectacular and picturesque mountain country claimed several victims on stage two of the Tour de Timor today. Many riders said they had been distracted by the “unbelievable scenery” and that the distraction was enough to cause them to crash.
Riders suffered cuts, bruises and much road rash on the 57 kilometre section of the Tour de Timor from the nation's second largest city Baucau through to Liuhuno in the country's centre.
Four of Timor-Leste's national team fell and, despite being injured, all continued to the finish line 30 kilometres away where a crowd of several hundred villagers gave them a hero's welcome.
Many riders said they had sacrificed valuable seconds because they “had to stop” and take photographs along the way.
Day two was won by 28-year old Australian Ben Mather in one hour 50 minutes and 27 seconds at an average speed of 30.75 kph; just 24 seconds ahead of Luke French, another Australian. Third was another Aussie Neil Van der Ploeg, who won yesterday's stage. Van der Ploeg will keep the Yellow Jersey for Day 3.
The 450-kilometre “race for peace and adventure” is the initiative of Timor-Leste President Dr José Ramos-Horta. The event is also the principal sporting event of the historic 10th Anniversary of the Popular Consultation celebrations which are being held throughout August. The Popular Consultation in 1999 led to a referendum that cleared the way for independence, which was declared in 2002.
The Tour de Timor is a multi-stage mountain bike contest finishing in Dili on Friday (August 28). The race reaches altitudes of almost 2000 metres on day four, and when climbing from sea level, this makes the stage as challenging as any in the world.
Australian Steele Von Hoff fell and suffered a deep cut to his left arm which required stitches when he was in third position about two kilometres from the finish , but he remounted and came in fifth.
Thousands of highland villagers in traditional dress gathered despite the morning chill to give the riders an amazing welcome. Children waving flags chased bikes chanting “Viva Timor-Leste”.
One rider suffered a blown tyre about two kilometres from the finish but he kept on going and actually crossed the line riding on the wheel rim with the tyre hanging off.
Organisers of the Tour said they were delighted with events so far: “We have had very minor teething troubles, but it has been great,” said Sean Ferguson-Borrell, race Media manager.
Last night the 320 riders camped in Baucau in tents and swags in the grounds of the city's cathedral. Local musicians and artists entertained them into the evening.
Day three is 95 kilometres over very challenging road surfaces, a mixture of bitumen and dirt surfaces but it is not as hilly as the other legs. However there are several river and stream crossings and riders are likely to have to carry their bikes across at least one.
Thousands of children are also taking part in the 10th Anniversary celebrations and the Tour de Timor. Thanks to the generosity of HRH Princess Haya of Jordan, the Festa Ba Dame (Festival of Peace) is being held in conjunction with the ride. The festival is aimed at displaying the beauty, gentleness and creativity of the Timorese people. The children entertain villagers and guests at the day's finish line before the riders arrive.
For further Tour de Timor information:
Media and PR manager, Sean Ferguson-Borrell phone +670 7382208.
Race Director, Dave White phone +670 7305095.
Timor-Leste's spectacular and picturesque mountain country claimed several victims on stage two of the Tour de Timor today. Many riders said they had been distracted by the “unbelievable scenery” and that the distraction was enough to cause them to crash.
Riders suffered cuts, bruises and much road rash on the 57 kilometre section of the Tour de Timor from the nation's second largest city Baucau through to Liuhuno in the country's centre.
Four of Timor-Leste's national team fell and, despite being injured, all continued to the finish line 30 kilometres away where a crowd of several hundred villagers gave them a hero's welcome.
Many riders said they had sacrificed valuable seconds because they “had to stop” and take photographs along the way.
Day two was won by 28-year old Australian Ben Mather in one hour 50 minutes and 27 seconds at an average speed of 30.75 kph; just 24 seconds ahead of Luke French, another Australian. Third was another Aussie Neil Van der Ploeg, who won yesterday's stage. Van der Ploeg will keep the Yellow Jersey for Day 3.
The 450-kilometre “race for peace and adventure” is the initiative of Timor-Leste President Dr José Ramos-Horta. The event is also the principal sporting event of the historic 10th Anniversary of the Popular Consultation celebrations which are being held throughout August. The Popular Consultation in 1999 led to a referendum that cleared the way for independence, which was declared in 2002.
The Tour de Timor is a multi-stage mountain bike contest finishing in Dili on Friday (August 28). The race reaches altitudes of almost 2000 metres on day four, and when climbing from sea level, this makes the stage as challenging as any in the world.
Australian Steele Von Hoff fell and suffered a deep cut to his left arm which required stitches when he was in third position about two kilometres from the finish , but he remounted and came in fifth.
Thousands of highland villagers in traditional dress gathered despite the morning chill to give the riders an amazing welcome. Children waving flags chased bikes chanting “Viva Timor-Leste”.
One rider suffered a blown tyre about two kilometres from the finish but he kept on going and actually crossed the line riding on the wheel rim with the tyre hanging off.
Organisers of the Tour said they were delighted with events so far: “We have had very minor teething troubles, but it has been great,” said Sean Ferguson-Borrell, race Media manager.
Last night the 320 riders camped in Baucau in tents and swags in the grounds of the city's cathedral. Local musicians and artists entertained them into the evening.
Day three is 95 kilometres over very challenging road surfaces, a mixture of bitumen and dirt surfaces but it is not as hilly as the other legs. However there are several river and stream crossings and riders are likely to have to carry their bikes across at least one.
Thousands of children are also taking part in the 10th Anniversary celebrations and the Tour de Timor. Thanks to the generosity of HRH Princess Haya of Jordan, the Festa Ba Dame (Festival of Peace) is being held in conjunction with the ride. The festival is aimed at displaying the beauty, gentleness and creativity of the Timorese people. The children entertain villagers and guests at the day's finish line before the riders arrive.
For further Tour de Timor information:
Media and PR manager, Sean Ferguson-Borrell phone +670 7382208.
Race Director, Dave White phone +670 7305095.
With pedal power, UN staff take part in race to change perceptions about Timor-Leste
Source:
Date: 24 Aug 2009
It may lack the glamour or the pedigree of the Tour de France, but the inaugural Tour de Timor – which starts today in the capital, Dili – can probably claim to be a more gruelling race than its storied peer, with potholes, dirt roads, slippery river crossings and uneven off-road routes to unnerve even the most experienced cyclists.
Over the next five days about 330 entrants from nine countries will contest the 455-kilometre course that criss-crosses the small South-East Asian country before returning to Dili on Friday. They will also be part of efforts to change perceptions about Timor-Leste and show a new side to the fledgling State.
The field, which will be bidding for a share of $75,000 in total prize money, includes 24 cyclists with the United Nations Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT), which is also providing logistical support to race organizers and helping national police maintain security along the course.
Alexandra Covarrubias of Mexico, who works in UNMIT's information technology section, says she entered the race as "a personal challenge." She is part of an all-female team, one of six entered by the mission in the race.
Ms. Covarrubias contested a 75-kilometre event in Timor-Leste two years ago and surprised herself at finding how easy it was, despite the country's undulating terrain, energy-sapping humidity and poor road network. Nevertheless, she insists her goal this week is just to finish given the tough nature of the course, which at one stage will force riders to a height of about 2,000 metres above sea level as it crosses the mountains.
"I'm sure it's going to be really hard," says Ms. Covarrubias, who has worked in Timor-Leste for two-and-a-half years. "It's not really about competing to win – it's just going to be a pleasure to participate. This is just an excellent opportunity for giving back to Timor and for knowing the place where I'm working."
Ms. Covarrubias says she is not sure whether the heat and humidity or the state of the roads will be the greatest challenge during the race, which is being held to coincide with the celebrations later this month to mark the tenth anniversary of the UN-organized Popular Consultation of 1999, in which the Timorese voted to determine their future.
The Secretary-General's Special Representative in Timor-Leste and head of UNMIT, Atul Khare, says that the fact that the country is staging the race, following the violent unrest of 2006, "speaks volumes for the progress made over the past three years. Tour de Timor will be a showcase for the friendliness and energy of the Timorese people, and the beauty of this island nation."
In each town where a leg of the race ends, a day-long festival of peace will be held, featuring concerts, theatre, art work and other sporting activities.
Ms. Covarrubias says she hopes that she and her fellow competitors can serve as role models of a kind, helping to change international perceptions about Timor-Leste and its people.
"I think this is also an opportunity for the Timorese as well… For example, when I first came here and started going jogging, you would never see Timorese doing that. Now you do. This kind of healthy participation is important. People are going to see what they are capable of."
Date: 24 Aug 2009
It may lack the glamour or the pedigree of the Tour de France, but the inaugural Tour de Timor – which starts today in the capital, Dili – can probably claim to be a more gruelling race than its storied peer, with potholes, dirt roads, slippery river crossings and uneven off-road routes to unnerve even the most experienced cyclists.
Over the next five days about 330 entrants from nine countries will contest the 455-kilometre course that criss-crosses the small South-East Asian country before returning to Dili on Friday. They will also be part of efforts to change perceptions about Timor-Leste and show a new side to the fledgling State.
The field, which will be bidding for a share of $75,000 in total prize money, includes 24 cyclists with the United Nations Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT), which is also providing logistical support to race organizers and helping national police maintain security along the course.
Alexandra Covarrubias of Mexico, who works in UNMIT's information technology section, says she entered the race as "a personal challenge." She is part of an all-female team, one of six entered by the mission in the race.
Ms. Covarrubias contested a 75-kilometre event in Timor-Leste two years ago and surprised herself at finding how easy it was, despite the country's undulating terrain, energy-sapping humidity and poor road network. Nevertheless, she insists her goal this week is just to finish given the tough nature of the course, which at one stage will force riders to a height of about 2,000 metres above sea level as it crosses the mountains.
"I'm sure it's going to be really hard," says Ms. Covarrubias, who has worked in Timor-Leste for two-and-a-half years. "It's not really about competing to win – it's just going to be a pleasure to participate. This is just an excellent opportunity for giving back to Timor and for knowing the place where I'm working."
Ms. Covarrubias says she is not sure whether the heat and humidity or the state of the roads will be the greatest challenge during the race, which is being held to coincide with the celebrations later this month to mark the tenth anniversary of the UN-organized Popular Consultation of 1999, in which the Timorese voted to determine their future.
The Secretary-General's Special Representative in Timor-Leste and head of UNMIT, Atul Khare, says that the fact that the country is staging the race, following the violent unrest of 2006, "speaks volumes for the progress made over the past three years. Tour de Timor will be a showcase for the friendliness and energy of the Timorese people, and the beauty of this island nation."
In each town where a leg of the race ends, a day-long festival of peace will be held, featuring concerts, theatre, art work and other sporting activities.
Ms. Covarrubias says she hopes that she and her fellow competitors can serve as role models of a kind, helping to change international perceptions about Timor-Leste and its people.
"I think this is also an opportunity for the Timorese as well… For example, when I first came here and started going jogging, you would never see Timorese doing that. Now you do. This kind of healthy participation is important. People are going to see what they are capable of."
Malaysian Women Hot on Thomas' Heels in Tour de Timor
Malaysian women are on course to finish well in Tour Timor -- if only they can get past the solid skills of Australian competitor Tory Thomas.
For the second day in a row, Thomas, from the mixed team Torq Australia, was the first female across the finish line Tuesday. She breezed over in a time of 2:15:24, after a rocky downhill stretch of almost 60 kilometers.
Even two tire punctures on the brutal 132-kilometer first stage couldn't keep Thomas out of first place.
Five minutes and 35 seconds behind her on Day Two was Masziyaton Mohd Radzi from the three-woman Malaysia 2 team. Her teammates Junaikah Juss and Norazin Alias came in fifth and seventh, respectively.
Asked about her day, however, Masziyaton said, “It went badly.”
The 21-year-old said she was not prepared for the harsh conditions. Tuesday's stage, the second in the five-day race, featured 56 kilometers of steep downhill stretches with potholes the size of 4-by-4 vehicles.
Masziyaton said she had only done one downhill mountain bike race this year, and it was in her home country.
“In Malaysia it’s not like this, the roads are Ok,” said teammate Norazin.
Some 50 to 60 women are among the 300-odd riders racing in the inaugural Tour de Timor. The top female will win $5000.
For the second day in a row, Thomas, from the mixed team Torq Australia, was the first female across the finish line Tuesday. She breezed over in a time of 2:15:24, after a rocky downhill stretch of almost 60 kilometers.
Even two tire punctures on the brutal 132-kilometer first stage couldn't keep Thomas out of first place.
Five minutes and 35 seconds behind her on Day Two was Masziyaton Mohd Radzi from the three-woman Malaysia 2 team. Her teammates Junaikah Juss and Norazin Alias came in fifth and seventh, respectively.
Asked about her day, however, Masziyaton said, “It went badly.”
The 21-year-old said she was not prepared for the harsh conditions. Tuesday's stage, the second in the five-day race, featured 56 kilometers of steep downhill stretches with potholes the size of 4-by-4 vehicles.
Masziyaton said she had only done one downhill mountain bike race this year, and it was in her home country.
“In Malaysia it’s not like this, the roads are Ok,” said teammate Norazin.
Some 50 to 60 women are among the 300-odd riders racing in the inaugural Tour de Timor. The top female will win $5000.
10 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE EAST TIMOR SPECIAL ON ABC RADIO
ABC Local Radio Northern Territory presents two special event broadcasts from Dili on the eve of the 10th anniversary Timorese vote for independence.
Mornings with Leon Compton broadcasts live on Local Radio Northern Territory and on ABC digital radio, on Thursday 27 and Friday 28 August. At the time of broadcast Timor will be alive with a host of visitors coming from around the world to celebrate independence with locals, to participate in a trade fair and to ride in the first annual Tour de Timor cycle race.
The Mornings program will make the most of this opportunity and guests will include key political players, fighters from the independence movement and the locals who experienced it firsthand.
"We're looking forward to providing an insight into one of the world's youngest democracies and to asking Timorese people if independence has brought all it promised," commented Anna-Lise Murch, ABC Local Radio Content Manager. "The stories of the people remembering the first independence vote, and the hard years since, should be compelling. Australia, and in particular Northern Territory, has watched with great interest as Timor has grown and developed and to be able to share these stories with our Local Radio audience and ABC radio listeners across Australia through digital radio is very exciting."
On-air
Listen live to ABC Local Radio Northern Territory from 09:00am - 12:00pm Thursday 27 August and Friday 28 August 2009 .
On-line stories
Continue the experience online at abc.net.au/darwin with photo galleries and feature stories.
On Digital Radio
ABC East Timor will be heard on digital radio 09:30am - 12:30pm Thursday 27 August and Friday 28 August 2009 . ABC Digital Radio is available in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth.
To listen to this special event broadcast you'll need to tune your digital radio to ABC East Timor OR listen on-line from anywhere at abc.net.au/darwin .
Mornings with Leon Compton broadcasts live on Local Radio Northern Territory and on ABC digital radio, on Thursday 27 and Friday 28 August. At the time of broadcast Timor will be alive with a host of visitors coming from around the world to celebrate independence with locals, to participate in a trade fair and to ride in the first annual Tour de Timor cycle race.
The Mornings program will make the most of this opportunity and guests will include key political players, fighters from the independence movement and the locals who experienced it firsthand.
"We're looking forward to providing an insight into one of the world's youngest democracies and to asking Timorese people if independence has brought all it promised," commented Anna-Lise Murch, ABC Local Radio Content Manager. "The stories of the people remembering the first independence vote, and the hard years since, should be compelling. Australia, and in particular Northern Territory, has watched with great interest as Timor has grown and developed and to be able to share these stories with our Local Radio audience and ABC radio listeners across Australia through digital radio is very exciting."
On-air
Listen live to ABC Local Radio Northern Territory from 09:00am - 12:00pm Thursday 27 August and Friday 28 August 2009 .
On-line stories
Continue the experience online at abc.net.au/darwin with photo galleries and feature stories.
On Digital Radio
ABC East Timor will be heard on digital radio 09:30am - 12:30pm Thursday 27 August and Friday 28 August 2009 . ABC Digital Radio is available in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth.
To listen to this special event broadcast you'll need to tune your digital radio to ABC East Timor OR listen on-line from anywhere at abc.net.au/darwin .
Monday, 24 August 2009
USAid-AusAid Spends Taxpayers’ Money In Vain To ICFJ, Shout J...
USAid-AusAid Spends Taxpayers' Money In Vain To ICFJ, Shout Journalists
Dili, Tempo Semanal Edisaun 152 17 August 2009
Timor-Leste and [other] post-conflict nations are in a good place because of international agencies and their friends who use taxpayers' money as donors to the people of these nations. As President of the Republic Dr Jose Ramos Horta told in an exclusive interview with Tempo Semanal on 13/08 in his office, "The majority of money that opens these programs is specifically managed through the institutions which the donors themselves choose. With this one I hope the donors will be honest to do an evaluation of their strategy," lamented Horta.
"This hasn't happened just to Timor-Leste, but also in Papua New Guinea, and the same in Afghanistan, Haiti, nations in Asia or Africa because fifty years ago they paid money from their taxpayers," appealed Timor-Leste's head diplomat.
During his visit to the kangaroo nation, the President of this young nation subtlely criticised its donors as follows in this news excerpt from ABC and The Australian on 28/07/09: "In the area that they [donors] spend much of their money, they claim that their spending in training is in the area of capacity-building. True, we greatly need this and definitely have a positive use for this, but if all of this money is used according to the way of increasing Timor's children's capacities, all the Timorese people should have found the title of PhD by now. At present we are all the same as Einstein," he jibed.
In the middle of 2006, an American came to sit, joust with, and capture part of the media in Timor-Leste through asking support from the ICFJ to win a project tender from USAID with the objective to force Timor-Leste's independent media and give the power of increased intelligence to Timor's children. "At the time STL recommended the ICFJ to win this project, but we also made it clear that the ICFJ must work with all the heads of this nation's media to be able to identify the problems and necessities of each media outlet, but when they won the tender, ICFJ worked according to their views alone," declared Domingos Saldanha, the Vice Director of STL newspaper.
At the time, the ICFJ gave US$1.8 million within two years. Maybe if they'd used this money today, the children of Timor-Leste's journalists would have already assumed specialist roles in their areas and the media institutions will not ask further from the government to buy copies of their newspapers to distribute to the villages.
The ICFJ's Director in Dili told that their project has found great success, though they themselves recognise that the ICFJ doesn't succeed in working with all of the media. "We work together with many media outlets, although not with all," he feigned. Mr Rice told this newspaper that their program has found great success. "We have already given training to many journalists from newspapers and radios."
This boss of the ICFJ said their [his] organisation has given small funding to media outlets.
But Domingos Saldanha, who is also the President of TLPC hopes ICFJ may extensively support newspaper distribution to villages in Timor-Leste, but he has already waited and waited two years, and lives as if one of his dreams are broken. "We also asked them to distribute the newspaper to villages, but until now, they've not yet done it."
Although [despite] the young Fourth Government of Timor-Leste has already contributed to the development of its media and facilitated the distribution of information from newspapers (STL, DN, and TS) to over four hundred villages within Timor. Because of this, the President of the Timor-Leste Press Club said ICFJ has come not to help the media to distribute information, but just to spend Australian and American taxpayers' money. "I think the Australian and American taxpayers' money which helps the media in Timor-Leste through USAID and AusAID and their partner ICFJ spends funds but doesn't give benefits to the media and people of Timor-Leste."
According to information which this newspaper has found, the ICFJ told the following, "from the five years' funding of US$5.6 million, 79.88% was spent in Timor-Leste. The remaining 20.12% was spent in our building in Washington through managing the project within Timor."
This shows that the money paid from American taxpayers' has been partly broken off in Washington, to a total of US$1,120,000.00 and the rest which came to Timor-Leste also was used to buy airplane tickets, perdiems, car rental, large salaries and house or hotel rental and air-conditioning for their international staff. Indeed, the journalists and media of Timor-Leste initiated a project for international people, and the result has been that American and Australian taxpayers' money has been spent to keep the journalists and media of Timor-Leste lacking, according to international people's reports to Canberra and Washington.
"I demand that USAid and AusAid stop their project to ICFJ because it spends taxpayers' money but never gives support to the media's work. And more, they steal journalists from media already in Timor-Leste to work with them for the purpose of giving negative impact to the media in this nation."
"Because ICFJ doesn't have a system of work which is good for the journalists' capaicities, the local media outlets in Timor-Leste demand indeed that international agencies such as AUSAID, USAID and UNDP stop at once support to the ICFJ because they don't have the will to develop Timor's media."
In the same place, Domingos empathises and gives full support to the community radio networks which now are victims of ICFJ. "Our part faithfully agrees with the declaration of our friends in the radio community who say they intend to resign and not work together with ICFJ because the ICFJ's system of work doesn't give benefits to Timor's media, but they use the Timorese media like a project to look for money and take back to their land."
Beginning in the month of November 2006, the ICFJ established itself in Dili. STL and other media outlets rejected co-operation with this international institution. ICFJ always campaigned to use community radio as a good toy [(spinning) top] to throw against the media which don't co-operate with their program. But beginning in a day last August, the honey moon was over from a venom which didn't just make ICFJ weak, but also inhibited AusAID and USAID's capacities because of declarations from Community Coffee Radio (Ermera), Voice of Tatamailau Community Radio (Ainaru), Voice of Matebian Community Radio (Baukau), Manatutu Community Radio and also Rakambia Community Radio (Dili). The five community radio stations declared, "together [we] protest and reject to co-operate together with ICFJ when the ICFJ doesn't show goodwill and professionalism to the journalists' capacities."
Radio Rakambia's manager, Eurico Pereira lamented that ICFJ has already failed its mission. "I see the ICFJ has failed because they bring unprofessional people and don't have the capacity to come and give training to journalists because many journalists' associations in Timor-Leste now reject working together with their program."
He elaborates that, "Radio Rakambia has also declared that ICFJ doesn't have goodwill to help journalists' capacities [and] ICFJ violates established agreements and because they've had the money since back when they signed the contract with us five." He explained that, "In May 2008 Radio Rakambia attempted to co-operate with the ICFJ to establish an accord to send Radio Rakambia journalists to training at ICFJ. In line with this accord between these two groups, after training finished those journalists would return to conduct their work at Radio Rakambia. Because of this, Radio Rakambia sent five journalists to training at ICFJ, but after they up-skilled they became members of the ICFJ without giving recognition to Radio Rakambia."
This isn't the last time this situation has happened, but in the past it's also occurred to a journalist and editorial chief at Tempo Semanal, whose cost was passed on by Tempo Semanal not publishing part of their editions in 2007. "Because of this, I may decidethat in the future we will reject ICFJ's support," Eurico confidently stated. With this occurrence, he demands that donors such as USAID and AusAID conduct an evaluation of the ICFJ's work.
Although the majority of media organisations and journalists lament the ICFJ's work and have delivered their concerns to the donors but the people with the money pretend and dramatise the situation before they can hear from the keepers of media in Timor-Leste—such as the head of AusAID—to sing a voiceless song in vainly defending the ICFJ's money, as they said in response to this newspaper's questions. "Australia feels happy with the results of ICFJ's work for this period. Although some journalists haven't accessed this program, journalists who participate give positive accounts about the ICFJ's programs. As with Timor's children, Australia greatly supports media freedom and independence. They also want us to continue our collaboration with USAID to continue supporting this program," said Ali Gillies of the Australian Development Assistance Program in Timor-Leste.
But Nelio Isac, TVTL's editorial chief tested AusAID's honesty in saying, "If ICFJ says they've increased journalists' abilities, then show us their results and show us the journalists who they've assisted". Nelio informed donors that, "The things that ICFJ does is to recruit those who aren't journalists, but they find people from another place to train and then send a report to their donors, stating they've given training to Timor-Leste's journalists".
"I think that community radio stations have the right to reject and not want to work with the ICFJ because we all know that the ICFJ's yet to do anything to Timor's media," he said.
The TLPC's Vice-President said the organisation's position is that, "In recent memory the Press Club hasn't wanted to co-operate with the ICFJ because the Press Club has the principle that it doesn't want to begin a project for other people, but if the ICFJ has money and wants to develop the media, they should co-ordinate with media organisations to give training to their members who work in the print media, radio, and television according to each media outlet's necessities – not according to the ICFJ's desires."
The TLPC's President, Domingos Saldanha, agreed with the community radio stations' declaration in saying that, "The ICFJ's system of work isn't professional because it is based upon their perception that ICFJ doesn't have the will to develop the East Timorese media, but they only want to use the local media to make a project with their program."
Baucau Community Radio declared Voice of Matebian Radio totally rejects the mechanism which the ICFJ uses to control Baucau Community Radio; one can see the ICFJ's intervention through the Regional Media House, which [they want to] assume the position of a Community Radio Board, and doesn't recognise the actual board and management team of Baucau Community Radio. Baucau Community Radio also recited, "The ICFJ's intervened to rehabilitate the RCM's studio through the Regional Media House; they don't co-ordinate and have never given recognition to Baucau Community Radio to become an independent and self-structured media outlet." He also appealed to USAID and AusAID to investigate the case. "[I] ask the international organisations which support the ICFJ's program to conduct an evaluation of their program, particularly with the program to develop journalists' capacities." According to the Director of Baucau Community Radio, he also doesn't understand about the Media House's use: "Who is responsible for this Media House and who will use it in the future, because the reality is that building these Houses in the districts will decrease the journalists' participation in their associations."
Other representatives from Coffee Community Radio in Ermera declared, "ICFJ discrimination because their internet installation system in the Coffee Community Radio office isn't the same as the installation in the Regional Media Houses; and regarding expenditure on radio that they wrote in the memorandum of understanding, until now Coffee Community Radio has not been able to know the amount or subjects of their expenditures." Consequently, Coffee Community Radio will not agree to any intervention from external groups. "Coffee Community Radio doesn't want to co-operate with the ICFJ. Coffee Community Radio also will not offer their support towards the ICFJ, and also do not want to have other people bringing their name to sell at random to donors for other peoples' purposes," he declared.
Timor-Leste Media Development Centre member Zelia Fernandes said ICFJ doesn't have the goodwill to develop local media. True, they should have a capacity-building role with journalists, but the reality we see shows a different face because the formation they've given to local media doesn't benefit journalists. "As we all know, they're now building Regional Media Houses in all districts, but they themselves don't know that if their contract finishes, then how will they finish the program," In addition to this, Zelia also called attention to, "Associations which are involved in Regional Media Houses are like veils behind which ICFJ intends to realise their objectives." Coffee Community Radio states that, "In the near future Regional Media Houses build the ICFJ's ability to oppress Coffee Community Radio."
In this way, Manatutu Community Radio's manager, Laurentino S. Freitas said via telephone that the ICFJ's work system "doesn't have a work system that is transparent."
"We will ask the for ICFJ to repair their work mechanism and, if not, community radios will not collaborate with them, including Manatutu Community Radio."
ICFJ aways changes the programs it's already planned according to their desires. Rita Barros of Ainaro Community Radio said the ICFJ said they would place a Regional Media House and radio station in Maubisse, but just suddenly they changed back to Gleno (Ermera district) and didn't clarify; because of this, Ainario Community Radio delivered a petition to ask the ICFJ's clarification."
On Monday August 17, the UNDP again attempted to use some media organisations and East Timorese journalists to establish a Timor-Leste media institution project, but TLPC and some media outlets rejected the attempt.
--
Posted By TEMPO SEMANAL to TEMPO SEMANAL on 8/21/2009 03:23:00 AM
Dili, Tempo Semanal Edisaun 152 17 August 2009
Timor-Leste and [other] post-conflict nations are in a good place because of international agencies and their friends who use taxpayers' money as donors to the people of these nations. As President of the Republic Dr Jose Ramos Horta told in an exclusive interview with Tempo Semanal on 13/08 in his office, "The majority of money that opens these programs is specifically managed through the institutions which the donors themselves choose. With this one I hope the donors will be honest to do an evaluation of their strategy," lamented Horta.
"This hasn't happened just to Timor-Leste, but also in Papua New Guinea, and the same in Afghanistan, Haiti, nations in Asia or Africa because fifty years ago they paid money from their taxpayers," appealed Timor-Leste's head diplomat.
During his visit to the kangaroo nation, the President of this young nation subtlely criticised its donors as follows in this news excerpt from ABC and The Australian on 28/07/09: "In the area that they [donors] spend much of their money, they claim that their spending in training is in the area of capacity-building. True, we greatly need this and definitely have a positive use for this, but if all of this money is used according to the way of increasing Timor's children's capacities, all the Timorese people should have found the title of PhD by now. At present we are all the same as Einstein," he jibed.
In the middle of 2006, an American came to sit, joust with, and capture part of the media in Timor-Leste through asking support from the ICFJ to win a project tender from USAID with the objective to force Timor-Leste's independent media and give the power of increased intelligence to Timor's children. "At the time STL recommended the ICFJ to win this project, but we also made it clear that the ICFJ must work with all the heads of this nation's media to be able to identify the problems and necessities of each media outlet, but when they won the tender, ICFJ worked according to their views alone," declared Domingos Saldanha, the Vice Director of STL newspaper.
At the time, the ICFJ gave US$1.8 million within two years. Maybe if they'd used this money today, the children of Timor-Leste's journalists would have already assumed specialist roles in their areas and the media institutions will not ask further from the government to buy copies of their newspapers to distribute to the villages.
The ICFJ's Director in Dili told that their project has found great success, though they themselves recognise that the ICFJ doesn't succeed in working with all of the media. "We work together with many media outlets, although not with all," he feigned. Mr Rice told this newspaper that their program has found great success. "We have already given training to many journalists from newspapers and radios."
This boss of the ICFJ said their [his] organisation has given small funding to media outlets.
But Domingos Saldanha, who is also the President of TLPC hopes ICFJ may extensively support newspaper distribution to villages in Timor-Leste, but he has already waited and waited two years, and lives as if one of his dreams are broken. "We also asked them to distribute the newspaper to villages, but until now, they've not yet done it."
Although [despite] the young Fourth Government of Timor-Leste has already contributed to the development of its media and facilitated the distribution of information from newspapers (STL, DN, and TS) to over four hundred villages within Timor. Because of this, the President of the Timor-Leste Press Club said ICFJ has come not to help the media to distribute information, but just to spend Australian and American taxpayers' money. "I think the Australian and American taxpayers' money which helps the media in Timor-Leste through USAID and AusAID and their partner ICFJ spends funds but doesn't give benefits to the media and people of Timor-Leste."
According to information which this newspaper has found, the ICFJ told the following, "from the five years' funding of US$5.6 million, 79.88% was spent in Timor-Leste. The remaining 20.12% was spent in our building in Washington through managing the project within Timor."
This shows that the money paid from American taxpayers' has been partly broken off in Washington, to a total of US$1,120,000.00 and the rest which came to Timor-Leste also was used to buy airplane tickets, perdiems, car rental, large salaries and house or hotel rental and air-conditioning for their international staff. Indeed, the journalists and media of Timor-Leste initiated a project for international people, and the result has been that American and Australian taxpayers' money has been spent to keep the journalists and media of Timor-Leste lacking, according to international people's reports to Canberra and Washington.
"I demand that USAid and AusAid stop their project to ICFJ because it spends taxpayers' money but never gives support to the media's work. And more, they steal journalists from media already in Timor-Leste to work with them for the purpose of giving negative impact to the media in this nation."
"Because ICFJ doesn't have a system of work which is good for the journalists' capaicities, the local media outlets in Timor-Leste demand indeed that international agencies such as AUSAID, USAID and UNDP stop at once support to the ICFJ because they don't have the will to develop Timor's media."
In the same place, Domingos empathises and gives full support to the community radio networks which now are victims of ICFJ. "Our part faithfully agrees with the declaration of our friends in the radio community who say they intend to resign and not work together with ICFJ because the ICFJ's system of work doesn't give benefits to Timor's media, but they use the Timorese media like a project to look for money and take back to their land."
Beginning in the month of November 2006, the ICFJ established itself in Dili. STL and other media outlets rejected co-operation with this international institution. ICFJ always campaigned to use community radio as a good toy [(spinning) top] to throw against the media which don't co-operate with their program. But beginning in a day last August, the honey moon was over from a venom which didn't just make ICFJ weak, but also inhibited AusAID and USAID's capacities because of declarations from Community Coffee Radio (Ermera), Voice of Tatamailau Community Radio (Ainaru), Voice of Matebian Community Radio (Baukau), Manatutu Community Radio and also Rakambia Community Radio (Dili). The five community radio stations declared, "together [we] protest and reject to co-operate together with ICFJ when the ICFJ doesn't show goodwill and professionalism to the journalists' capacities."
Radio Rakambia's manager, Eurico Pereira lamented that ICFJ has already failed its mission. "I see the ICFJ has failed because they bring unprofessional people and don't have the capacity to come and give training to journalists because many journalists' associations in Timor-Leste now reject working together with their program."
He elaborates that, "Radio Rakambia has also declared that ICFJ doesn't have goodwill to help journalists' capacities [and] ICFJ violates established agreements and because they've had the money since back when they signed the contract with us five." He explained that, "In May 2008 Radio Rakambia attempted to co-operate with the ICFJ to establish an accord to send Radio Rakambia journalists to training at ICFJ. In line with this accord between these two groups, after training finished those journalists would return to conduct their work at Radio Rakambia. Because of this, Radio Rakambia sent five journalists to training at ICFJ, but after they up-skilled they became members of the ICFJ without giving recognition to Radio Rakambia."
This isn't the last time this situation has happened, but in the past it's also occurred to a journalist and editorial chief at Tempo Semanal, whose cost was passed on by Tempo Semanal not publishing part of their editions in 2007. "Because of this, I may decidethat in the future we will reject ICFJ's support," Eurico confidently stated. With this occurrence, he demands that donors such as USAID and AusAID conduct an evaluation of the ICFJ's work.
Although the majority of media organisations and journalists lament the ICFJ's work and have delivered their concerns to the donors but the people with the money pretend and dramatise the situation before they can hear from the keepers of media in Timor-Leste—such as the head of AusAID—to sing a voiceless song in vainly defending the ICFJ's money, as they said in response to this newspaper's questions. "Australia feels happy with the results of ICFJ's work for this period. Although some journalists haven't accessed this program, journalists who participate give positive accounts about the ICFJ's programs. As with Timor's children, Australia greatly supports media freedom and independence. They also want us to continue our collaboration with USAID to continue supporting this program," said Ali Gillies of the Australian Development Assistance Program in Timor-Leste.
But Nelio Isac, TVTL's editorial chief tested AusAID's honesty in saying, "If ICFJ says they've increased journalists' abilities, then show us their results and show us the journalists who they've assisted". Nelio informed donors that, "The things that ICFJ does is to recruit those who aren't journalists, but they find people from another place to train and then send a report to their donors, stating they've given training to Timor-Leste's journalists".
"I think that community radio stations have the right to reject and not want to work with the ICFJ because we all know that the ICFJ's yet to do anything to Timor's media," he said.
The TLPC's Vice-President said the organisation's position is that, "In recent memory the Press Club hasn't wanted to co-operate with the ICFJ because the Press Club has the principle that it doesn't want to begin a project for other people, but if the ICFJ has money and wants to develop the media, they should co-ordinate with media organisations to give training to their members who work in the print media, radio, and television according to each media outlet's necessities – not according to the ICFJ's desires."
The TLPC's President, Domingos Saldanha, agreed with the community radio stations' declaration in saying that, "The ICFJ's system of work isn't professional because it is based upon their perception that ICFJ doesn't have the will to develop the East Timorese media, but they only want to use the local media to make a project with their program."
Baucau Community Radio declared Voice of Matebian Radio totally rejects the mechanism which the ICFJ uses to control Baucau Community Radio; one can see the ICFJ's intervention through the Regional Media House, which [they want to] assume the position of a Community Radio Board, and doesn't recognise the actual board and management team of Baucau Community Radio. Baucau Community Radio also recited, "The ICFJ's intervened to rehabilitate the RCM's studio through the Regional Media House; they don't co-ordinate and have never given recognition to Baucau Community Radio to become an independent and self-structured media outlet." He also appealed to USAID and AusAID to investigate the case. "[I] ask the international organisations which support the ICFJ's program to conduct an evaluation of their program, particularly with the program to develop journalists' capacities." According to the Director of Baucau Community Radio, he also doesn't understand about the Media House's use: "Who is responsible for this Media House and who will use it in the future, because the reality is that building these Houses in the districts will decrease the journalists' participation in their associations."
Other representatives from Coffee Community Radio in Ermera declared, "ICFJ discrimination because their internet installation system in the Coffee Community Radio office isn't the same as the installation in the Regional Media Houses; and regarding expenditure on radio that they wrote in the memorandum of understanding, until now Coffee Community Radio has not been able to know the amount or subjects of their expenditures." Consequently, Coffee Community Radio will not agree to any intervention from external groups. "Coffee Community Radio doesn't want to co-operate with the ICFJ. Coffee Community Radio also will not offer their support towards the ICFJ, and also do not want to have other people bringing their name to sell at random to donors for other peoples' purposes," he declared.
Timor-Leste Media Development Centre member Zelia Fernandes said ICFJ doesn't have the goodwill to develop local media. True, they should have a capacity-building role with journalists, but the reality we see shows a different face because the formation they've given to local media doesn't benefit journalists. "As we all know, they're now building Regional Media Houses in all districts, but they themselves don't know that if their contract finishes, then how will they finish the program," In addition to this, Zelia also called attention to, "Associations which are involved in Regional Media Houses are like veils behind which ICFJ intends to realise their objectives." Coffee Community Radio states that, "In the near future Regional Media Houses build the ICFJ's ability to oppress Coffee Community Radio."
In this way, Manatutu Community Radio's manager, Laurentino S. Freitas said via telephone that the ICFJ's work system "doesn't have a work system that is transparent."
"We will ask the for ICFJ to repair their work mechanism and, if not, community radios will not collaborate with them, including Manatutu Community Radio."
ICFJ aways changes the programs it's already planned according to their desires. Rita Barros of Ainaro Community Radio said the ICFJ said they would place a Regional Media House and radio station in Maubisse, but just suddenly they changed back to Gleno (Ermera district) and didn't clarify; because of this, Ainario Community Radio delivered a petition to ask the ICFJ's clarification."
On Monday August 17, the UNDP again attempted to use some media organisations and East Timorese journalists to establish a Timor-Leste media institution project, but TLPC and some media outlets rejected the attempt.
--
Posted By TEMPO SEMANAL to TEMPO SEMANAL on 8/21/2009 03:23:00 AM
From flight to fight
The Jakarta Post
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Matheus Guedes: From flight to fight
Iman D. Nugroho, The Jakarta Post, Atambua
With his generous smiles and amiable demeanor, Matheus B. C.
Guedes is a man with many friends. But his ongoing struggle to
help refugees means he also has many enemies.
"I don't care what people say, I just want to defend the rights
of refugees from the former East Timor," says the former
combatant from East Timor, one of the many made a refugee after
opposing East Timor's independence.
The 1999 referendum in East Timor that saw the province become
an independent state called Timor Leste was a major event in
Indonesia's recent history, colored by the tragedy of those
caught up in conflict.
Matheus Guedes was a witness to that history. The youngest of
eight children in a coffee farming family chose to join the
Aitarak organization (which means "thorn" in Tetun, the Timorese
language), first as a computer technician in Dili, to help fight
for citizens who supported integration with Indonesia.
"I call it a fight, because we defended what we considered to be
true," he says.
When the result of the East Timor referendum was announced on
Sept. 4, 1999, Matheus started to mobilize those citizens to
take refuge and to protect them.
In the growing conflict between those who were pro-integration
and those who were pro-independence, Matheus armed himself.
"The choice was to kill or be killed," he says "I only fired [my
gun] once, when an unknown person approached the refugees."
The mobilization was long and complex, and ended when he and his
extended family safely occupied a refugee camp in Atambua in
East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).
Shades of déjà vu for the family: Back in 1975, when Portuguese
rule ended and East Timor was integrated with Indonesia,
Matheus, then 7, and his family members were among the group of
pro-Indonesia people who became refugees in NTT.
"There were also some of my relatives who chose to be
pro-Portugal," he adds.
When the situation stabilized and East Timor became an
Indonesian province in 1975, Matheus and his family returned to
East Timor to build their lives in Dili. Twenty-four years
later, he was a refugee again.
For the past 10 years as a refugee, Matheus has lived in an area
only six by three meters in size, watching as all the refugees
struggle to survive, without knowing their fate.
Matheus was fortunate to have found a job in the employment
department of the Belu regency government.
"But remember there are thousands of other refugees who weren't
as lucky as me," he says. "They didn't have a job, they didn't
have any land to be worked and they didn't even have a house
because the houses that they occupied and built were on land
belonging to NTT people."
Matheus was among those who formed the Humanitarian Forum to
support Indonesian citizens from the former East Timor; he was
given the position of secretary-general.
The forum set about organizing the refugees - who now total
around 20,000 families - and made a list of the problems they
face. Their work was necessary because, he said, "there has been
a lack of government attention".
Every day, Matheus, an avid reader, clips news items about the
refugees; he has a collection of thousands of clippings in his
house.
The information in these clippings is used by members of the
forum to explain and document aspects of the refugees'
situation, and Matheus raises awareness by sharing the
information with local and national media outlets
"I often send SMS to television programs, or directly to
journalists to share our concerns," he says.
The records gathered by Matheus' organization show that the
refugees have had their ups and downs over the past 10 years.
While there has been aid - funds for food, for housing and
resettlement, for the poor - for them, there has not been
transparency over its usage.
"Refugees' houses and resettlement projects, for example, were
built in locations where there is no water, which is affecting
people's health," he adds.
Facts such as these were included in a report submitted to the
government. It came to nothing.
Finally, in 2008, Matheus led a demonstration outside the Belu
Regency Council to draw attention to the refugees' plight. On
the seventh and final day, the demonstration turned into a riot;
Matheus was arrested, and ultimately sentenced to four months in
jail.
But his sacrifice wasn't in vain. Not long after he was
sentenced, aid started pouring in for the former East Timor
refugees, totaling Rp 8 billion (US$800,000). Efforts were also
made to repair the roads leading to the refugees' homes.
Not that it is over. Matheus is calling for the refugees to be
given land, with secure ownership, so they can build houses and
develop businesses, for which they also need startup capital.
"Very soon every refugee family will get Rp 5 million aid
through the welfare department," he said, before adding, "but I
hesitate to accept information from the government."
Another initiative of the forum was to boost the refugees'
political involvement.
In this year's election, 28 former refugees ran for a seat in
the Belu legislative assembly, with two winning office. Five
others ran for seats in the national House of Representatives.
"But no one was elected," he added with a laugh. "Our hopes now
depend on former East Timor officials who are now officials in
the NTT government."
Whatever small advances made are not enough for him to rest.
"But right now, change is not taking place, and because of that
I will keep fighting for the rights of refugees from the former
East Timor."
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Matheus Guedes: From flight to fight
Iman D. Nugroho, The Jakarta Post, Atambua
With his generous smiles and amiable demeanor, Matheus B. C.
Guedes is a man with many friends. But his ongoing struggle to
help refugees means he also has many enemies.
"I don't care what people say, I just want to defend the rights
of refugees from the former East Timor," says the former
combatant from East Timor, one of the many made a refugee after
opposing East Timor's independence.
The 1999 referendum in East Timor that saw the province become
an independent state called Timor Leste was a major event in
Indonesia's recent history, colored by the tragedy of those
caught up in conflict.
Matheus Guedes was a witness to that history. The youngest of
eight children in a coffee farming family chose to join the
Aitarak organization (which means "thorn" in Tetun, the Timorese
language), first as a computer technician in Dili, to help fight
for citizens who supported integration with Indonesia.
"I call it a fight, because we defended what we considered to be
true," he says.
When the result of the East Timor referendum was announced on
Sept. 4, 1999, Matheus started to mobilize those citizens to
take refuge and to protect them.
In the growing conflict between those who were pro-integration
and those who were pro-independence, Matheus armed himself.
"The choice was to kill or be killed," he says "I only fired [my
gun] once, when an unknown person approached the refugees."
The mobilization was long and complex, and ended when he and his
extended family safely occupied a refugee camp in Atambua in
East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).
Shades of déjà vu for the family: Back in 1975, when Portuguese
rule ended and East Timor was integrated with Indonesia,
Matheus, then 7, and his family members were among the group of
pro-Indonesia people who became refugees in NTT.
"There were also some of my relatives who chose to be
pro-Portugal," he adds.
When the situation stabilized and East Timor became an
Indonesian province in 1975, Matheus and his family returned to
East Timor to build their lives in Dili. Twenty-four years
later, he was a refugee again.
For the past 10 years as a refugee, Matheus has lived in an area
only six by three meters in size, watching as all the refugees
struggle to survive, without knowing their fate.
Matheus was fortunate to have found a job in the employment
department of the Belu regency government.
"But remember there are thousands of other refugees who weren't
as lucky as me," he says. "They didn't have a job, they didn't
have any land to be worked and they didn't even have a house
because the houses that they occupied and built were on land
belonging to NTT people."
Matheus was among those who formed the Humanitarian Forum to
support Indonesian citizens from the former East Timor; he was
given the position of secretary-general.
The forum set about organizing the refugees - who now total
around 20,000 families - and made a list of the problems they
face. Their work was necessary because, he said, "there has been
a lack of government attention".
Every day, Matheus, an avid reader, clips news items about the
refugees; he has a collection of thousands of clippings in his
house.
The information in these clippings is used by members of the
forum to explain and document aspects of the refugees'
situation, and Matheus raises awareness by sharing the
information with local and national media outlets
"I often send SMS to television programs, or directly to
journalists to share our concerns," he says.
The records gathered by Matheus' organization show that the
refugees have had their ups and downs over the past 10 years.
While there has been aid - funds for food, for housing and
resettlement, for the poor - for them, there has not been
transparency over its usage.
"Refugees' houses and resettlement projects, for example, were
built in locations where there is no water, which is affecting
people's health," he adds.
Facts such as these were included in a report submitted to the
government. It came to nothing.
Finally, in 2008, Matheus led a demonstration outside the Belu
Regency Council to draw attention to the refugees' plight. On
the seventh and final day, the demonstration turned into a riot;
Matheus was arrested, and ultimately sentenced to four months in
jail.
But his sacrifice wasn't in vain. Not long after he was
sentenced, aid started pouring in for the former East Timor
refugees, totaling Rp 8 billion (US$800,000). Efforts were also
made to repair the roads leading to the refugees' homes.
Not that it is over. Matheus is calling for the refugees to be
given land, with secure ownership, so they can build houses and
develop businesses, for which they also need startup capital.
"Very soon every refugee family will get Rp 5 million aid
through the welfare department," he said, before adding, "but I
hesitate to accept information from the government."
Another initiative of the forum was to boost the refugees'
political involvement.
In this year's election, 28 former refugees ran for a seat in
the Belu legislative assembly, with two winning office. Five
others ran for seats in the national House of Representatives.
"But no one was elected," he added with a laugh. "Our hopes now
depend on former East Timor officials who are now officials in
the NTT government."
Whatever small advances made are not enough for him to rest.
"But right now, change is not taking place, and because of that
I will keep fighting for the rights of refugees from the former
East Timor."
Friday, 21 August 2009
Betano gears up for the Tour de Timor
The Timor-Leste Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries (MAF) Betano Research Station is gearing up to host more than 300 Tour de Timor participants next Wednesday August 26. A spectacular 80km ride along Timor-Leste’s southern coast on Day 3 of the race will take the cyclists from Viqueque to Betano. They will be looking forward to a good night’s sleep in Betano before Thursday’s gruelling 1900 metre climb to Maubisse.
The Betano Research Station is a centrepiece of Seeds of Life (SoL), a food security program funded jointly by MAF, AusAID and the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR). Seeds of Life aims to reduce hunger by improving crop yield through the use of improved varieties of staple food crops.
In addition to hosting the Tour de Timor cyclists, the research station also hosts a range of agricultural research activities. Seeds of Life conducts replicated trials of new rice, maize, cassava, sweet potato, peanut and mungbean varieties. In the south of the country rainfall is spread over a longer period and there are two wet seasons, meaning it is possible to grow two crops a year in Betano. Since 2007 Seeds of Life has tested hundreds of new varieties at the research station.
Local farmers regularly attend field days at the research station, where they can see the yields from the replicated trials and taste test the new varieties. Seeds of Life uses the farmers’ feedback to select which varieties will be trialled on local farms.
Marcos Correia Vidal is one of 21 staff who work at the research station. His responsibilities as a Seeds of Life researcher include trialling new varieties of peanuts, mungbean, velvet bean and cassava. Originally from the Fatuberliu sub-district of Manufahi, Marcos is a graduate of the Universidade Nacional de Timor-Leste (UNTL) Faculty of Agriculture and has worked for Seeds of Life since 2005.
“I really enjoy working on the research station and building my research capacity, designing research, analysing data and publishing research results,” he says. Although he adds that the crocodiles in Betano are an added challenge to conducting research. “They get into the research station through the irrigation water from the river,” Marcos says. “I’ve lost count of how many crocodiles we’ve seen at Betano”.
The Betano Research Station is also used to produce foundation seed of high yielding varieties which have already been extensively tested and released by MAF. The seed storage warehouse currently holds more than 3 tons of rice seed, 13.5 tons of maize seed and 1.6 tons of peanut seed which were produced during the 2008-2009 wet season. This seed will be distributed to Timor-Leste farmers through government and NGO networks for planting in the next wet season. Seed production staff also produce elite seed at Betano, for on-farm trials of new varieties of maize, cassava and sweet potato.
Seeds of Life rehabilitated the 22 hectare Betano site in 2006-2007, and the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, HE Mariano Assanami Sabino inaugurated the research station on 29 November 2007. Five new buildings were constructed and others refurbished, including an office and laboratory, housing for research station staff, and a storage warehouse. In addition the station was fenced and irrigation equipment installed. Laboratory equipment, a tractor and a seed cleaner machine were allocated to the research station. These improvements are part of the long term MAF plan to develop a strong, well-equipped agricultural research system in Timor-Leste. MAF also use the station for research into animal production, while agriculture students from UNTL regularly visit Betano to conduct their final year research projects.
The Betano Research Station was the first of three research sites to be rehabilitated by the Seeds of Life program. Betano was chosen as there was a supportive local community, ready to work with the rehabilitation activities.
Originally a centre of tractor maintenance and seed production during Indonesian times, the Betano site was completely destroyed in the mayhem that followed the popular consultation in August 1999. Now, 10 years later, the site is the source of new information and varieties assisting Timor-Leste farmers, and the Betano community is looking forward to welcoming the Tour de Timor.
The Betano Research Station is a centrepiece of Seeds of Life (SoL), a food security program funded jointly by MAF, AusAID and the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR). Seeds of Life aims to reduce hunger by improving crop yield through the use of improved varieties of staple food crops.
In addition to hosting the Tour de Timor cyclists, the research station also hosts a range of agricultural research activities. Seeds of Life conducts replicated trials of new rice, maize, cassava, sweet potato, peanut and mungbean varieties. In the south of the country rainfall is spread over a longer period and there are two wet seasons, meaning it is possible to grow two crops a year in Betano. Since 2007 Seeds of Life has tested hundreds of new varieties at the research station.
Local farmers regularly attend field days at the research station, where they can see the yields from the replicated trials and taste test the new varieties. Seeds of Life uses the farmers’ feedback to select which varieties will be trialled on local farms.
Marcos Correia Vidal is one of 21 staff who work at the research station. His responsibilities as a Seeds of Life researcher include trialling new varieties of peanuts, mungbean, velvet bean and cassava. Originally from the Fatuberliu sub-district of Manufahi, Marcos is a graduate of the Universidade Nacional de Timor-Leste (UNTL) Faculty of Agriculture and has worked for Seeds of Life since 2005.
“I really enjoy working on the research station and building my research capacity, designing research, analysing data and publishing research results,” he says. Although he adds that the crocodiles in Betano are an added challenge to conducting research. “They get into the research station through the irrigation water from the river,” Marcos says. “I’ve lost count of how many crocodiles we’ve seen at Betano”.
The Betano Research Station is also used to produce foundation seed of high yielding varieties which have already been extensively tested and released by MAF. The seed storage warehouse currently holds more than 3 tons of rice seed, 13.5 tons of maize seed and 1.6 tons of peanut seed which were produced during the 2008-2009 wet season. This seed will be distributed to Timor-Leste farmers through government and NGO networks for planting in the next wet season. Seed production staff also produce elite seed at Betano, for on-farm trials of new varieties of maize, cassava and sweet potato.
Seeds of Life rehabilitated the 22 hectare Betano site in 2006-2007, and the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, HE Mariano Assanami Sabino inaugurated the research station on 29 November 2007. Five new buildings were constructed and others refurbished, including an office and laboratory, housing for research station staff, and a storage warehouse. In addition the station was fenced and irrigation equipment installed. Laboratory equipment, a tractor and a seed cleaner machine were allocated to the research station. These improvements are part of the long term MAF plan to develop a strong, well-equipped agricultural research system in Timor-Leste. MAF also use the station for research into animal production, while agriculture students from UNTL regularly visit Betano to conduct their final year research projects.
The Betano Research Station was the first of three research sites to be rehabilitated by the Seeds of Life program. Betano was chosen as there was a supportive local community, ready to work with the rehabilitation activities.
Originally a centre of tractor maintenance and seed production during Indonesian times, the Betano site was completely destroyed in the mayhem that followed the popular consultation in August 1999. Now, 10 years later, the site is the source of new information and varieties assisting Timor-Leste farmers, and the Betano community is looking forward to welcoming the Tour de Timor.
Betano gears up for the Tour de Timor
The Timor-Leste Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries (MAF) Betano Research Station is gearing up to host more than 300 Tour de Timor participants next Wednesday August 26. A spectacular 80km ride along Timor-Leste’s southern coast on Day 3 of the race will take the cyclists from Viqueque to Betano. They will be looking forward to a good night’s sleep in Betano before Thursday’s gruelling 1900 metre climb to Maubisse.
The Betano Research Station is a centrepiece of Seeds of Life (SoL), a food security program funded jointly by MAF, AusAID and the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR). Seeds of Life aims to reduce hunger by improving crop yield through the use of improved varieties of staple food crops.
In addition to hosting the Tour de Timor cyclists, the research station also hosts a range of agricultural research activities. Seeds of Life conducts replicated trials of new rice, maize, cassava, sweet potato, peanut and mungbean varieties. In the south of the country rainfall is spread over a longer period and there are two wet seasons, meaning it is possible to grow two crops a year in Betano. Since 2007 Seeds of Life has tested hundreds of new varieties at the research station.
Local farmers regularly attend field days at the research station, where they can see the yields from the replicated trials and taste test the new varieties. Seeds of Life uses the farmers’ feedback to select which varieties will be trialled on local farms.
Marcos Correia Vidal is one of 21 staff who work at the research station. His responsibilities as a Seeds of Life researcher include trialling new varieties of peanuts, mungbean, velvet bean and cassava. Originally from the Fatuberliu sub-district of Manufahi, Marcos is a graduate of the Universidade Nacional de Timor-Leste (UNTL) Faculty of Agriculture and has worked for Seeds of Life since 2005.
“I really enjoy working on the research station and building my research capacity, designing research, analysing data and publishing research results,” he says. Although he adds that the crocodiles in Betano are an added challenge to conducting research. “They get into the research station through the irrigation water from the river,” Marcos says. “I’ve lost count of how many crocodiles we’ve seen at Betano”.
The Betano Research Station is also used to produce foundation seed of high yielding varieties which have already been extensively tested and released by MAF. The seed storage warehouse currently holds more than 3 tons of rice seed, 13.5 tons of maize seed and 1.6 tons of peanut seed which were produced during the 2008-2009 wet season. This seed will be distributed to Timor-Leste farmers through government and NGO networks for planting in the next wet season. Seed production staff also produce elite seed at Betano, for on-farm trials of new varieties of maize, cassava and sweet potato.
Seeds of Life rehabilitated the 22 hectare Betano site in 2006-2007, and the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, HE Mariano Assanami Sabino inaugurated the research station on 29 November 2007. Five new buildings were constructed and others refurbished, including an office and laboratory, housing for research station staff, and a storage warehouse. In addition the station was fenced and irrigation equipment installed. Laboratory equipment, a tractor and a seed cleaner machine were allocated to the research station. These improvements are part of the long term MAF plan to develop a strong, well-equipped agricultural research system in Timor-Leste. MAF also use the station for research into animal production, while agriculture students from UNTL regularly visit Betano to conduct their final year research projects.
The Betano Research Station was the first of three research sites to be rehabilitated by the Seeds of Life program. Betano was chosen as there was a supportive local community, ready to work with the rehabilitation activities.
Originally a centre of tractor maintenance and seed production during Indonesian times, the Betano site was completely destroyed in the mayhem that followed the popular consultation in August 1999. Now, 10 years later, the site is the source of new information and varieties assisting Timor-Leste farmers, and the Betano community is looking forward to welcoming the Tour de Timor.
The Betano Research Station is a centrepiece of Seeds of Life (SoL), a food security program funded jointly by MAF, AusAID and the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR). Seeds of Life aims to reduce hunger by improving crop yield through the use of improved varieties of staple food crops.
In addition to hosting the Tour de Timor cyclists, the research station also hosts a range of agricultural research activities. Seeds of Life conducts replicated trials of new rice, maize, cassava, sweet potato, peanut and mungbean varieties. In the south of the country rainfall is spread over a longer period and there are two wet seasons, meaning it is possible to grow two crops a year in Betano. Since 2007 Seeds of Life has tested hundreds of new varieties at the research station.
Local farmers regularly attend field days at the research station, where they can see the yields from the replicated trials and taste test the new varieties. Seeds of Life uses the farmers’ feedback to select which varieties will be trialled on local farms.
Marcos Correia Vidal is one of 21 staff who work at the research station. His responsibilities as a Seeds of Life researcher include trialling new varieties of peanuts, mungbean, velvet bean and cassava. Originally from the Fatuberliu sub-district of Manufahi, Marcos is a graduate of the Universidade Nacional de Timor-Leste (UNTL) Faculty of Agriculture and has worked for Seeds of Life since 2005.
“I really enjoy working on the research station and building my research capacity, designing research, analysing data and publishing research results,” he says. Although he adds that the crocodiles in Betano are an added challenge to conducting research. “They get into the research station through the irrigation water from the river,” Marcos says. “I’ve lost count of how many crocodiles we’ve seen at Betano”.
The Betano Research Station is also used to produce foundation seed of high yielding varieties which have already been extensively tested and released by MAF. The seed storage warehouse currently holds more than 3 tons of rice seed, 13.5 tons of maize seed and 1.6 tons of peanut seed which were produced during the 2008-2009 wet season. This seed will be distributed to Timor-Leste farmers through government and NGO networks for planting in the next wet season. Seed production staff also produce elite seed at Betano, for on-farm trials of new varieties of maize, cassava and sweet potato.
Seeds of Life rehabilitated the 22 hectare Betano site in 2006-2007, and the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, HE Mariano Assanami Sabino inaugurated the research station on 29 November 2007. Five new buildings were constructed and others refurbished, including an office and laboratory, housing for research station staff, and a storage warehouse. In addition the station was fenced and irrigation equipment installed. Laboratory equipment, a tractor and a seed cleaner machine were allocated to the research station. These improvements are part of the long term MAF plan to develop a strong, well-equipped agricultural research system in Timor-Leste. MAF also use the station for research into animal production, while agriculture students from UNTL regularly visit Betano to conduct their final year research projects.
The Betano Research Station was the first of three research sites to be rehabilitated by the Seeds of Life program. Betano was chosen as there was a supportive local community, ready to work with the rehabilitation activities.
Originally a centre of tractor maintenance and seed production during Indonesian times, the Betano site was completely destroyed in the mayhem that followed the popular consultation in August 1999. Now, 10 years later, the site is the source of new information and varieties assisting Timor-Leste farmers, and the Betano community is looking forward to welcoming the Tour de Timor.
Timor-Leste's armed forces celebrates 34th anniversary
Comando Falintil-Forca defeza Timor-Leste (F-FDTL), the armed forces of Timor-Leste, celebrated its 34th anniversary here on Thursday.
Addressing his remarks on the anniversary celebration held in Dili's landmark Palacio Guvernu, the F-FDTL chief commander Taur Matan Ruak said that F-FDTL would secure the country's stability so as to succeed the development efforts conducted by the Timor-Leste government.
"With the help of citizens and the Policia Nacional de Timor-Leste (PNTL), we believe that we can preserve stability to secure the government's continuing development program," Taur said.
The F-FDTL currently comprises two small infantry battalions, a small Naval Component and several supporting units.
The F-FDTL's primary role is to protect Timor-Leste from external threats. It also has an internal security role, which overlaps with the role assigned to the PNTL.
This overlap has led to tensions between the services, which have been exacerbated by poor morale and discipline within the F-FDTL.
The F-FDTL's problems came in 2006 when almost half the force was dismissed following protests over discrimination and poor conditions.
The dismissal contributed to a general collapse of both the F-FDTL and PNTL in May and forced the government to request foreign peacekeepers to restore security. The F-FDTL is currently being rebuilt with foreign assistance and has drawn up a long-term force development plan.
Source:Xinhua
Addressing his remarks on the anniversary celebration held in Dili's landmark Palacio Guvernu, the F-FDTL chief commander Taur Matan Ruak said that F-FDTL would secure the country's stability so as to succeed the development efforts conducted by the Timor-Leste government.
"With the help of citizens and the Policia Nacional de Timor-Leste (PNTL), we believe that we can preserve stability to secure the government's continuing development program," Taur said.
The F-FDTL currently comprises two small infantry battalions, a small Naval Component and several supporting units.
The F-FDTL's primary role is to protect Timor-Leste from external threats. It also has an internal security role, which overlaps with the role assigned to the PNTL.
This overlap has led to tensions between the services, which have been exacerbated by poor morale and discipline within the F-FDTL.
The F-FDTL's problems came in 2006 when almost half the force was dismissed following protests over discrimination and poor conditions.
The dismissal contributed to a general collapse of both the F-FDTL and PNTL in May and forced the government to request foreign peacekeepers to restore security. The F-FDTL is currently being rebuilt with foreign assistance and has drawn up a long-term force development plan.
Source:Xinhua
The Foundation for Post Conflict Development
The Foundation for Post Conflict Development
On the Occassion of the 4th Anniversary of the Ascension to the Throne of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco
12 July 2009, Raffles Hotel, Singapore
Your Excellency Dr Lim Wee Kiak, Member of Parliament for Sembawang GRC
Your Excellencies Distinguished Members of the Diplomatic Corps
Distinguished Singapore Government Bodies
Your Excellency, Mme Jacky Deromedi, Honorary Consul of Monaco
Ladies and Gentlemen, Friends of Monaco
It is my honour to be with you today on this special occasion to commemorate the 4th Anniversary of the Ascension to the throne of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco. It is an appropriate moment to highlight a re-newed effort by the Philanthropic Prince toward our common humanity in 3 ways: Quality Leadership; Commitment to Sustainable Peace and an Evolving Legacy.
Quality Leadership
There are no adequate words nor time to describe all of the humanitarian actions of Monaco, for at present these actions touch all corners of the globe with the help of 50 local Non-Governmental Organizations.
Timor-Leste is but one example of where heartfelt projects are ongoing due to the quality of Prince Albert II’s leadership to engage -not necessarily in response to a natural disaster - but in response to the needs that define the essence of humanity. I will present a glimpse of Monaco’s actions in Timor-Leste via slide-show images that translates into confidence building, achievement of the Millennium Development Goals and a commitment to sustainable peace.
Commitment to Sustainable Peace
Because of Prince Albert II’s personal commitment to sustainable peace, the root causes of poverty are being tackled in Timor-Leste through community based approaches. For example, Monaco is the catalyst for changing the birthing culture of Timor-Leste through a global partnership with the Government of the Principality , the Monaco Red Cross and The Foundation for Post Conflict Development . Through the creation of the very first maternity clinic – The Prince Rainier III Maternity Clinic - the lives of mothers and babies are being saved. To date, more than 448 healthy babies have been born – whereby the first boy is named after his kind benefactor: “Albert”. The Maternity Clinic started as a pilot project and has evolved. It will be used as the model and be replicated throughout the country’s 64 sub-districts and is included in Timor-Leste’s National Development Plan.
On April 18-19 2008, Prince Albert II made an historic visit to Timor-Leste to inaugurate the country’s first Maternity Clinic. This special day coincided with the wedding anniversary of His Beloved Parents Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace of Monaco- a treasured fact by the local community. During this visit, the Prince met with many of Timor-Leste’s high officials, the sporting community and inaugurated the Becora Youth Center whereby the Sovereign Prince planted a symbolic tree.
Prince Albert II’s concern for the environment is encapsuled in the Foundation that bares His Name. However, above and beyond the Prince’s Foundation work, the Sovereign Prince has directed the Government of Monaco to support 5 years of The Reforestation and Family Income Project under the auspices of President Jose Ramos-Horta’s Anti-Poverty Initiatives. This is an integrated programme that is creating kitchen gardens, diversification of food crops, fish ponds, and shade trees so that families can increase their nutritional intake on one hand and earn a living on the other, all while making a positive impact on the environment.
Evolving Legacy
The future of Monaco-Timor-Leste relations is embraced by the past . In 1979, the beloved Princess Grace of Monaco visited the Timorese Refugee camps in Portugal at a time when Statehood was but a dream. In this regard and in Her image, special medals will be awarded on 30 August 2009 to commemorate the 30 Year Anniversary of Her visit as well as the 10 Year Anniversary of the United Nations- led referendum that allowed the Timorese people to choose their self-determined right of independence. Her Excellency Madame Jacky Deromedi will represent the Sovereign Prince on this occasion and award the first 10 honorees of Timor-Leste’s International Solidarity Movement, an occasion that will be repeated for the next 10 years.
I invite Your Excellencies to pay close attention to the continued development of North –South Cooperation between Monaco and Timor-leste. A special announcement will be made on 30 August 2009 in Dili whereby I assure you, the best is yet to come!
In conclusion, I stand before you, proud to have facilitated this monumental work. Monaco’s combined efforts in Timor-Leste symbolize the evolution of the humanitarian legacy of the Principality brought to a new level by His Serene Highness Prince Albert II. Assisting the marginalized of this world are part of the fabric of the Principality's identity whereby it is evident that Monaco is indeed synonymous with Humanitarian Action.
Excellencies and Friends,
Thank you for your kind attention.
Pictured above: 19 April 2008, on the occasion of the Inauguration of the Prince Rainier III Maternity Clinic in Same, Timor-Leste. (left:) Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão shows attendees first baby girl born in the Prince Rainier III Maternity Clinic. Photo credit: Martine Perret UNMIT/DPI (center:) H.S.H Prince Albert II and Timorese youth participate in a tree planting ceremony during the FPCD/FXG Bercora Youth Center Inauguration in Becora District, Timor-Leste, in honour of Monaco’s reforestation efforts. Photo credit: Palace of Monaco (right:) H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco and FPCD Executive Director Ms. Claudia Abate present portrait of H.S.H. Prince Rainier III and Prince Albert II to Chief Midwife Justa Pereira. Photo credit: Palace of Monaco
12 July 2009/Singapore
On the Occassion of the 4th Anniversary of the Ascension to the Throne of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco
12 July 2009, Raffles Hotel, Singapore
Your Excellency Dr Lim Wee Kiak, Member of Parliament for Sembawang GRC
Your Excellencies Distinguished Members of the Diplomatic Corps
Distinguished Singapore Government Bodies
Your Excellency, Mme Jacky Deromedi, Honorary Consul of Monaco
Ladies and Gentlemen, Friends of Monaco
It is my honour to be with you today on this special occasion to commemorate the 4th Anniversary of the Ascension to the throne of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco. It is an appropriate moment to highlight a re-newed effort by the Philanthropic Prince toward our common humanity in 3 ways: Quality Leadership; Commitment to Sustainable Peace and an Evolving Legacy.
Quality Leadership
There are no adequate words nor time to describe all of the humanitarian actions of Monaco, for at present these actions touch all corners of the globe with the help of 50 local Non-Governmental Organizations.
Timor-Leste is but one example of where heartfelt projects are ongoing due to the quality of Prince Albert II’s leadership to engage -not necessarily in response to a natural disaster - but in response to the needs that define the essence of humanity. I will present a glimpse of Monaco’s actions in Timor-Leste via slide-show images that translates into confidence building, achievement of the Millennium Development Goals and a commitment to sustainable peace.
Commitment to Sustainable Peace
Because of Prince Albert II’s personal commitment to sustainable peace, the root causes of poverty are being tackled in Timor-Leste through community based approaches. For example, Monaco is the catalyst for changing the birthing culture of Timor-Leste through a global partnership with the Government of the Principality , the Monaco Red Cross and The Foundation for Post Conflict Development . Through the creation of the very first maternity clinic – The Prince Rainier III Maternity Clinic - the lives of mothers and babies are being saved. To date, more than 448 healthy babies have been born – whereby the first boy is named after his kind benefactor: “Albert”. The Maternity Clinic started as a pilot project and has evolved. It will be used as the model and be replicated throughout the country’s 64 sub-districts and is included in Timor-Leste’s National Development Plan.
On April 18-19 2008, Prince Albert II made an historic visit to Timor-Leste to inaugurate the country’s first Maternity Clinic. This special day coincided with the wedding anniversary of His Beloved Parents Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace of Monaco- a treasured fact by the local community. During this visit, the Prince met with many of Timor-Leste’s high officials, the sporting community and inaugurated the Becora Youth Center whereby the Sovereign Prince planted a symbolic tree.
Prince Albert II’s concern for the environment is encapsuled in the Foundation that bares His Name. However, above and beyond the Prince’s Foundation work, the Sovereign Prince has directed the Government of Monaco to support 5 years of The Reforestation and Family Income Project under the auspices of President Jose Ramos-Horta’s Anti-Poverty Initiatives. This is an integrated programme that is creating kitchen gardens, diversification of food crops, fish ponds, and shade trees so that families can increase their nutritional intake on one hand and earn a living on the other, all while making a positive impact on the environment.
Evolving Legacy
The future of Monaco-Timor-Leste relations is embraced by the past . In 1979, the beloved Princess Grace of Monaco visited the Timorese Refugee camps in Portugal at a time when Statehood was but a dream. In this regard and in Her image, special medals will be awarded on 30 August 2009 to commemorate the 30 Year Anniversary of Her visit as well as the 10 Year Anniversary of the United Nations- led referendum that allowed the Timorese people to choose their self-determined right of independence. Her Excellency Madame Jacky Deromedi will represent the Sovereign Prince on this occasion and award the first 10 honorees of Timor-Leste’s International Solidarity Movement, an occasion that will be repeated for the next 10 years.
I invite Your Excellencies to pay close attention to the continued development of North –South Cooperation between Monaco and Timor-leste. A special announcement will be made on 30 August 2009 in Dili whereby I assure you, the best is yet to come!
In conclusion, I stand before you, proud to have facilitated this monumental work. Monaco’s combined efforts in Timor-Leste symbolize the evolution of the humanitarian legacy of the Principality brought to a new level by His Serene Highness Prince Albert II. Assisting the marginalized of this world are part of the fabric of the Principality's identity whereby it is evident that Monaco is indeed synonymous with Humanitarian Action.
Excellencies and Friends,
Thank you for your kind attention.
Pictured above: 19 April 2008, on the occasion of the Inauguration of the Prince Rainier III Maternity Clinic in Same, Timor-Leste. (left:) Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão shows attendees first baby girl born in the Prince Rainier III Maternity Clinic. Photo credit: Martine Perret UNMIT/DPI (center:) H.S.H Prince Albert II and Timorese youth participate in a tree planting ceremony during the FPCD/FXG Bercora Youth Center Inauguration in Becora District, Timor-Leste, in honour of Monaco’s reforestation efforts. Photo credit: Palace of Monaco (right:) H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco and FPCD Executive Director Ms. Claudia Abate present portrait of H.S.H. Prince Rainier III and Prince Albert II to Chief Midwife Justa Pereira. Photo credit: Palace of Monaco
12 July 2009/Singapore
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