Banks in Timor-Leste
Until land title law and regulation on interest rates is passed, interest rates will remain high – a problem that could be solved now if the government wished.
COVID-19: A Global Snapshot Released
I would like to share with you a timely report from Western Sydney University providing a global snapshot of COVID-19 responses, to which I have contributed an analysis of Timor-Leste’s response to the virus from a business perspective.
On the Ground in Timor-Leste
‘I was really worried and very scared’ … Four Timorese locals share their thoughts, comments, and feelings about facing COVID-19.
A Trans-Timor Travel Bubble
As Australia opens up, there is increasing talk of a trans-Tasman travel bubble, and Scott Morrison foreshadowed other Pacific bubbles for ‘members of our broader Pacific family’. But what of our cousins in Timor-Leste to the north, where there have been no COVID-19 deaths? Now it’s time to consider a trans-Timor COVID safe travel zone.
A rent furlough for Timor-Leste?
Even with wage assistance programs from governments rolling out in many countries, businesses are still finding themselves burdened with a second financial hurdle: rent on premises that are not producing income.
Cooperation & Economic Recovery in Timor-Leste
I think it is now safe to say we can call what we are now seeing, a recession. Most people would agree, we don’t need to wait for the official report of two successive quarters of contraction to call this one. What is unknown is how long this will last and how deep it will be.
Coronavirus and the Timor-Leste Economy
The Timor-Leste Government has faced its share of challenges in recent times, and they are dealing with them in a mature fashion, experiencing democracy in action. However, this world-wide slowdown will have a deep flow-on effect on their economy, like others. The government has an opportunity at its feet now to act decisively against the coronavirus.
Positives in the Midst of a Crisis, a response to Jose Antonio Belo’s article
May I begin by congratulating Jose Antonio Belo on his wonderful article. Although I now live in Sydney, I lived in Timor-Leste for 20 years when I was establishing our business, East Timor Trading. Based on my experience, you have captured the essence of the nation at this turning point for Timorese democracy.
In The Diplomat
I am pleased to say that my latest article about tourism in Timor-Leste was published on The Diplomat.
A new economic driver for Timor-Leste
To help build a sustainable, diverse economy, one sector that is virtually invisible at the moment in Timor-Leste is tourism. This could be developed now and continue long after oil and gas have run their courses.
Truth will out
Those with power would be well-advised to take heed of Shakespeare’s words in The Merchant of Venice, that eventually, truth finds a way out.
Kashmir: A Possible Solution?
The Kashmiri people should be given protection by the international community to hold their plebiscite – just as the Timorese people were.
The case against Witness K and Bernard Collaery
Having lived and worked in Timor-Leste for more than 15 years, I am deeply concerned about the prosecution of Witness K and Bernard Collaery.
A step in the right direction
The Timor pipeline development may well be Australia’s last chance to achieve increased engagement and helping our friendly neighbour.
BJ Habibie and Xanana Gusmão
BJ Habibie was a man of conscience and honour, who acted decisively to rectify the sins of the past.