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Timor-Leste's Council of Ministers listens to the ordinary
citizen, 18 November 2006
Thirty-nine-year old Cipriano Meneses is married to Juliana,
they have four children and they live and work in the remote village
of Beaco, in Timor-Leste's Suai District. Cipriano is a humble,
proud and hard-working man.
On Thursday last week the Prime Minister Dr José Ramos-Horta
invited Mr Meneses to tell Timor-Leste's powerful Council of Ministers
all about the assistance he needs to build two community centres
in two succos - or small villages - called Raimea and Zulo, both
in the Zumalai sub district near his home. He had submitted detailed
proposals for the projects to the Government in September.
It was the first time a member of the public had been invited
to address the Government's executive but Dr Ramos-Horta says
he plans to invite more people to present their stories directly
to the Council.
"I want us all to be aware of the special people that we
represent," Dr Ramos-Horta said.
"It is all very well to have a written report in front of
you, but when you meet gentle and humble people like Mr Meneses,
it tends to make you sit up and take notice."
An agriculture graduate from high school Mr Meneses worked in
the Department of Agriculture from 1993 to 1999. Two years ago
he set up a local Non-Government Organisation called Hametin lia
tatoli with three full-time staff and several other part-timers.
Irish Aid and the New Zealand Government have helped support the
project.
Mr Meneses assists local farmers with agricultural advice, helps
the village and surrounding area with matters of water supply
and sanitation and he is currently working to rebuild and refurbish
the local school.
"These are the heroes of Timor-Leste," Dr Ramos-Horta
said.
"We are a poor nation but we must do our best to help people
like Mr Meneses. My colleagues in the Council of Ministers were
impressed and moved by this man's dedication.
"The Government will be addressing his request and I hope
to have more members of the public appear directly before the
Council."
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