RAEBIA Timor-Leste executive director, Xisto Martins (second right) receives his award
RAEBIA Timor-Leste’s executive director, Xisto Martins, has been honoured with a prestigious Medal of Merit in a ceremony in Gleno, Ermera, on the 14th anniversary of the restoration of Timor-Leste’s independence.
Recognised for his work with RAEBIA, Mr Martins spoke of the role development must play in building a sustainable future for Timor-Leste.
“I’m from the generation that contributed directly in the fight for our freedom,” said Martins, who accepted the award 14 years after Timor-Leste was declared a sovereign state after decades of foreign occupation.
“I consider RAEBIA one of the ways to continue the aim of our vision to be free,” he said. “It’s an instrument for development. Now that we have freedom, we have to follow up with development.”
Mr Martins highlighted in his speech the importance of growing more food, building soil health and protecting the environment as key steps in working towards a better future for Timor-Leste.
