Written Message from His Excellency the Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak on the occasion of the Commemoration of National Youth Day and of the Santa Cruz Cemetery Massacre 

Dili, November 12^th, 2019

Today is a very important day, because 28 years ago, our young people, with determination and fighting spirit, stood up and shouted to the world that Timor-Leste wanted its independence.

On these celebrations of the twenty-eighth anniversary of the Santa Cruz Massacre and the fourteenth year in which we celebrate National Youth Day, I invite all young generation so that, together, we could discover, profoundly, the example of heroism about the life, the love, the sacrifice, the responsibility and the peace, that the Santa Cruz martyrs left us. They died so we could achieve independence. They died so that we could live in peace and build this country.

As a new generation – if you share the values ​​that the fallen young people during the Santa Cruz Cemetery Massacre defended on November 12^th 1991 – you will be able to look at the future full of hope.

I, therefore, appeal to all young people all across the country to devote your mind and effort to your studies. When you have some difficulties, do not give up, because in order to reap, you need to cultivate, and to be smart you need to study hard. The future of Timor-Leste is in your hands! Try to approach each other and sit together to ponder on the following thought:

What can I offer and do for my country?

Our nation has been independent for only 17 years. Looking back on the experiences of nations that have been independent for many years, as a Timorese, I am proud, because while we are not the best nation in the world, we are not the worst either.

Finally, as Prime Minister, I would also like to appeal to all Timorese, particularly young people, to contribute to peace and social stability, so that this land of ours, a sacred land we all love, may become the modern and prosperous country we all desire. Thank you