Dili, July 7, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The Government of Timor-Leste, through the Ministry of National Liberation Combatants Affairs (MAKLN) and the National Council of Liberation Combatants (CCLN – Portuguese acronym), officially laid the foundation stone for the “Banco do Nosso Futuro” (BNF) for veterans in the Kolmera area. The launch ceremony took place in Colmera, Dili.
CCLN President Vidal de Jesus, known as “Riak Leman,” stated that this event marks the beginning of a future for veterans and the implementation of various programs supported by the Veterans’ Contributive Fund.
“Today is a very important day as we officially launch the Veterans’ Bank of Our Future. This bank is being established to provide credit access to veterans so they can engage in productive activities,” said CCLN President Vidal de Jesus “Riak Leman” to journalists in Colmera, Dili.
He added that this launch aims to prepare the bank to serve veterans in the future, once it becomes operational, and will encourage them to consider investing in livestock farming, as the bank is coordinating closely with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.
“The Veterans’ Contributive Fund currently holds nearly $50 million, shared among approximately 27,600 veterans. Meanwhile, the total cost for constructing the Banco do Nosso Futuro amounts to $5 million. The project is being implemented by the National Company of Combatants and Veterans (CNCV, SA), in joint venture with Caria Timor-Leste (CTL), with a construction duration of up to one year, starting in July 2025,” he explained.
He expressed hope that this newly established initiative will operate effectively with relevant partners to complete the national bank building. Once done, efforts will focus on other recommended initiatives such as building a health center for veterans and opening a university.
Also present was the Minister of National Liberation Combatants Affairs (MAKLN), Gil da Costa Monteiro “Oan Soru”, who stated that he participated as a witness to the laying of the foundation stone for the future National Bank for Veterans.
“This event is very important for our nation because it represents a long-term guarantee for the veterans’ bank. Today, I brought veterans’ names to express gratitude for your brief but meaningful presence. This moment wasn’t easy it was very difficult. But I ask you not to dwell on the difficulties, because if we focus on that, nothing will move forward,” said Minister Gil da Costa Monteiro “Oan Soru”.
He continued by highlighting three key suggestions from veteran families: to establish a national bank, a dedicated hospital, and a university for veterans.
“Today we all bear witness to the laying of the foundation stone for one of the key suggestions from our veterans to build a National Bank for Veterans. This marks the beginning of that realization,” the Minister added.
CNCV Executive Director Domingos do Santos Siqueiro stated that CNCV has entered into a partnership with Caria Timor-Leste, which will serve as the consulting firm overseeing the one-year construction timeline.
“Possibly, we expect that before one year ends, the project can be completed. This would be a great message to veterans awaiting these services. The project has two phases: one company will handle construction, and another will be responsible for the bank’s interior,” said Director Domingos do Santos Siqueiro.
He further explained that the construction materials have already arrived in Dili, except for cement, which must be imported. However, the material is of good quality and sufficient for the construction process.
The foundation stone ceremony for the Veterans’ Bank was attended by the Vice Prime Minister, Minister of Environment and Economy, Governor of the Central Bank of Timor-Leste, representatives from Bank Mandiri, the Vice President of the National Commercial Bank of Timor-Leste, Secretary of State for Land and Priorities, the General Commander of the National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL), representatives from CCLN across municipalities, and local leaders from Kolmera.
Report by: Domingas
Photo by: Domingas