DILI, 19 May 2026 (TATOLI) – On the occasion of the 24th Anniversary of Timor-Leste’s Restoration of Independence, President and Nobel Peace Laureate, Jose Ramos-Horta, bestowed Order of Timor-Leste upon national and international citizen under three decrees of the President of the Republic.
The awards ceremony held at the Nicolau Lobato Presidential Palace, recognized their extraordinary contributions to the nation’s liberation struggle, the consolidation of the rule of law and national development.
Under Decree of the President of the Republic No.54/2026, President Ramos-Horta bestowed the Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste and a Certificate of Recognition to:
- João da Silva “Choque”
- Abilio Mesquita “Dalas”
In recognition of their courage, commitment, and spirit of resistance as youth leaders during the national liberation struggle, serving as fundamental pillars for the achievement of Timor-Leste’s independence. The Timorese people benefited from the sacrifices and efforts made by this generation throughout the years of resistance, and today, several continue to actively contribute to national development. Their relevant services to the Fatherland deserve the recognition and valuation of the State.
Under Decree of the President of the Republic No.55 /2026, President Ramos-Horta bestowed Order of Timor-Leste in the category of Collar, Medal, and Insignia, including Medal of Merit and Medal of Solidarity to national and international citizens for their services to national development. The recipients are:
I. Collar the of the Order of Timor-Leste:
- Kusni Sulang
- Carlos Alberto Martinho de Jesus
- Adão Soares Barbosa
II. Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste (Posthumous):
- The late Prof. Dr. Lucas da Costa “Rama Metan’’
III. Medal of the Order of Timor-Leste:
- Brigadeiro Reformado Neville John Reilly
- Senior Inspector Reformado Ray Leslie Sutton
- Dr. Salustiano Dos Reis Piedade
- Dr. Estanislau de Sousa Saldanha
- Dr. Manuel Florencio de Canossa Vong
- Dra. Carla Alexandra de Jesus da Costa
- Dr. Joao Muni
- Dr. Alvaro Menezes Amaral
- Dra. Aderita Mariana Takeleb Dos Santos
- Dra. Teresa Freitas Belo
- Dra. Belandia da Costa Graciana
- Dr. Domingos Maria B. Barreto
- Dr. Edio da Costa
- Dr. Nazario Gomes
- Dr. Francisco Cosme de Sousa Gama
- Dr. Natalino Fonseca Da Silva Guterres
- Dr. Helio Brites da Silva
- Rudy Yanto / Rudy Yanto Kwan
- José Januário dos Reis Costa
- Edio Saldanha Borges
- Luis Bernardo Gamboa
- Francisca Maia Gonçalves
IV. Insignia of the Order of Timor-Leste:
- Kristina Ruth Webb
- Nandy Gurr
- Simon Benedict Fenby
- Fiona Jane Hamilton
- Chen Lisong
- José M.S. Turquel de Jesus
V. Medal of Merit:
- Jude Comway
- Vaughan Williams
- Stuart Highway
- Francisca Gonçalves
VI. Medal of Solidarity:
- Darren Boyd-Skinner
- Dominic Zappavigna
- Connor Bruce
- Wayne Bruce
- Matthew Carpenter
- Mark Dalton
- Julie Horgan
- Julie Mitchell
- Daniel Wall
- Renee Wilson
- Christopher Yow
These awards recognize their tireless activities in favor of the Timorese people across various sectors of national development, both within Timor-Leste and internationally.
Under Decree of the President of the Republic No.56 /2026, decoration with the Order of Timor-Leste and Certificate of Recognition was bestowed upon Public Defenders who performed functions for the benefit of the Timorese people during national development. The recipients are:
I. Collar the of the Order of Timor-Leste:
- Dr. Sérgio de Jesus Fernandes da Costa Hornai
- Dr. Câncio Xavier
- Dra. Olga Barreto Nunes
- Dr. Manuel Sarmento
- Dra. Márcia Maria Filipe Sarmento
- Dr. Sebastião Amado Nheu Ribeiro de Almeida
- Dr. Fernando Lopes de Carvalho
II. Medal of the Order of Timor-Leste:
- Dr. Marçal Mascarenhas
- Dr. Sergio Paulo Dias Quintas
- Dra. Laura Valente Lay
III. Medal of the Order of Timor-Leste (Posthumous):
- The late Dr. Rui Manuel Guterres
These Awards recognize their commitment, dedication, and high sense of mission as Public Defenders, ensuring access to justice for the vulnerable and strengthening the Democratic Rule of Law.
As the nation prepares to mark the 24th Anniversary of the Restoration of Independence,
President Ramos-Horta reflected on the significance of these honors stated:
“On the 24th Anniversary of our Restoration for Independence, we honor those whose dedication has been instrumental in our journey, from the young resistance fighters who risked everything for a free Timor-Leste, to the public defenders who ensure justice reaches the poorest among us and to our national and international citizen who stood with us in our hardship moment and continue to walk beside us until today. You are the living pillars of our nation. Your collective courage and service have strengthened our democracy, fostered peace, and built the foundations for a future worthy of the sacrifices made by so many.”
The decorations conferred on the occasion of the 24th Anniversary of Timor-Leste’s Restoration of Independence recognize not only past heroism but also ongoing commitment to Timor-Leste’s development. The honorees’ unwavering service across the justice sector, civil society, international cooperation, and solidarity has directly benefited Timorese citizens while reinforcing the nation’s democratic institutions. Their example stands as an enduring inspiration as Timor-Leste continues to build a just, prosperous and sovereign future.
TATOLI
