Dili, June 12, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The President of the Republic, José Ramos-Horta, awarded the prestigious Medal of the Order of Timor-Leste to two distinguished international representatives as recognition for their exceptional service to the people of Timor-Leste and their contributions to national development.
The recipients of this prestigious honor are:
- Marc A. Weinstock, Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Timor-Leste
- Bernard Harborne, Resident Representative of the World Bank in Timor-Leste
Marc A. Weinstock has served as the Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Dili since August 2023. Over his 18-month tenure, he oversaw significant improvements in coordination across U.S. missions in Timor-Leste, including the Peace Corps, USAID, Millennium Challenge Corporation, and U.S. Navy Seabees. The U.S. Embassy extended its outreach to all 13 municipalities in Timor-Leste, strengthening grassroots connections between American and Timorese communities.
“Weinstock enhanced U.S.–Timor-Leste security cooperation through humanitarian assistance programs, maritime security initiatives, critical improvements at Baucau Airport in coordination with the F-FDTL, and supported bilateral training activities including Dalan ba Dame, CARAT, and active engagement in the State Partnership Program with the Rhode Island National Guard,” stated President José Ramos-Horta.
President Ramos-Horta also recognized Bernard Harborne, who has served as the World Bank’s Resident Representative in Timor-Leste since August 2021, for supporting the government’s post-pandemic economic recovery efforts. His mandate focused on economic diversification, job creation in sectors such as the blue economy, and addressing the needs of Timor-Leste’s youth population, including efforts to combat stunting.
Harborne’s major achievements include collaboration with the Ministry of Finance on fiscal reforms and public financial management, helping establish the Inter-Ministerial Task Force on Social Affairs focusing on nutrition and food security, and promoting evidence-based policymaking in public discourse. His extensive experience with the World Bank since 2004 includes work in post-conflict transitions in various countries in Africa and Asia.
“The work carried out by Weinstock and Harborne exemplifies the spirit of international cooperation that is fundamental to peace, stability, and national development. Bernard Harborne, the World Bank’s Resident Representative in Timor-Leste, led critically important activities that brought substantial benefits to our people in various development sectors throughout his professional career. The contributions of U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Marc A. Weinstock have positively impacted many Timorese over the past few years and deserve recognition and appreciation from the State,” stated the President.
Marc A. Weinstock will complete his mission in Timor-Leste in mid-June 2025 and will assume his next role as Deputy Chief of Mission to the Kingdom of Eswatini in Southern Africa. Bernard Harborne will conclude his mandate in Timor-Leste at the end of June 2025 and will continue his service as the World Bank Representative to the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.
Report: Domingas
Photo: PR Media Officer