Manatuto, August 29, 2026 – The IX Constitutional Government, through the Ministry of State Administration (MAE), organized a national reflection on the 27th commemoration of the Popular Consultation held on August 30, 1999, with the theme “Bringing Hope to the World,” held at the Paroquial Hall in Manatuto.
Hugo Maria Fernandes, Executive Director of Centro Nacional Chega! I.P, was invited to speak on “Portuguese: Contributo da História e da Memória para a Determinação do Futuro” (The Contribution of History and Memory to Shaping the Future). He emphasized the necessity for state policies on national development to reflect on historical memories, warning that neglecting this aspect could potentially destroy it.
“I thought that public policy is what the state desires to make and bring us for shaping our future – We must draw lessons from our past and find a way to unite our fragmented society. While memory has the potential to divide, if we handle it wisely, it can play a remarkable and significant role in our progress. To remember August 30, 1999 – it is in our hands,” Hugo stated.
Hugo further noted that development policies should be based on the memories and incorporated into the Strategic Plan of National Development. “I’ve noticed that the significance of our collective memory is often absent from the Strategic Plan of National Development, despite the profound insights shared by our leaders, but it does not appear in the official documents of the state,” he said.
The Centro Chega! remains committed to carrying out activities based on the memory. For instance, on August 20, 2026, Centro Chega! together with local authorities in Larisula, Baguia Administrative Post, Baucau Municipality, held the 47th commemoration of the Bo’oloi Massacre, an event that had never been commemorated in such a manner before. Moreover, two months ago, Centro Chega! collaborated with the local authority of Ainaro Municipality to address the historical narratives surrounding the Mauchiga-Dare Uprising. Additionally, in August, Centro Chega! facilitated reconciliation concerning the conflict between FRETILIN and UDT, which resulted in over 50 civilian casualties 51 years ago. This reconciliation was achieved through a traditional practice known as Nahe Biti-Boot, or Spreading the Large Woven Mat.
These experiences prompt us to ask: What can we learn from our past? Understanding the principal causes of conflicts through our memories is vital. History teaches us about regimes that violated constitutional frameworks and reminds us of our collective resilience and ability in decision-making as leaders.
We learn about the suffering experienced by the people of Timor. These memories inform our public policy responses to their struggles. They also highlight fundamental principles, in which we can see the spirits of solidarity, resistance, and abnegation. Memory and history guide us in strengthening our strategies, including decentralization, and demonstrate how the expression of power can ensure the well-being of societies.
The national reflection event was attended by representatives from state organs, municipal and village authorities, the diplomatic corps, academics, civil society, religious groups, students, and other stakeholders.
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