DILI, 15 June 2026 (TATOLI) – The President of the Republic and Nobel Peace Laureate, Jose Ramos-Horta, has awarded the Medal of Merit and Certificates of Recognition to 20 national and international individuals and organizations in honor of their outstanding contributions to the Bakhita Center in Ermera and Bobonaro.
Pursuant to President of the Republic Decree No. 51/2026, the Chief of Cabinet, Ms. Henriqueta Maria da Silva, was appointed to act on behalf of the President of the Republic for the conferral of the awards. The ceremony took place at Era Ulu, Ermera Municipality, recognizing the recipients’ fundamental role in the construction and development of the Bakhita Center in Era Ulu (Ermera Municipality) and Palaka Atsabe (Bobonaro Municipality).
According to President of the Republic Decree No. 52/2026, the recipients awarded the Medal of Merit and Certificate of Recognition are as follows:
- Matt Mealsy, Thirfty Rental Car Darwin
- Lena Filipe, Thirfty Rental Car Darwin
- East Timor Sunrise
- Ms. Eve, Water East Timor
- Endy Graham, Water East Timor
- Georgina Lougan-LETS
- Mike Berna
- Warrambool Rotary Club
- Josh Francis, Menzies School of Health Research
- Bram Milson
- Sue Milson
- Tenison, Woods Catholic Colleague
- Xavier Catholic Colleague
- Jack Sing
- Monica Leman
- José Adilson C. Ribeiro
- Ceva Air and Ocean Timor Unipessoal
- Fr. Helio Perreira Fernandes
- Eddie Carvalho
- David Bridie, Wantok Music
Following the referendum in 1999, Saint Bakhita began working in Timor-Leste with the Diocese of Dili, alongside Fr. Juvito do Rego, Fr. Lucio de Deus, Fr. Domingos da Silva Soares, and five young people from Australia and Timor-Leste. The team first commenced their work in Ainaro, later moving to Oecusse and many other parts of the country, always collaborating closely with local parish priests. In 2003, Fr. Domingos, then parish priest of Letefoho, donated land in Eraulu, where the Bakhita Center was built. From that center, the mission has served communities across the Eraulu and the municipality of Ermera. Now celebrating 27 years of existence, the Bakhita Center has helped countless communities and schools. Many donors who have supported Saint Bakhita since 1999 remain actively involved.
“Timor-Leste has overcome many challenges and achieved important development successes thanks to the selfless efforts of our friends, both at home and abroad. The individuals and organizations recognized today have worked tirelessly to build the Bakhita Center, transforming the lives of countless Timorese. Their service embodies the very spirit of solidarity that built our nation,” stated President J. Ramos-Horta.
President Ramos-Horta has been a longstanding supporter of the Bakhita Center, and his continued encouragement has been deeply appreciated by the center and the communities.
TATOLI
