Congratulations, Dr. Horta

I came to know Jose for the first time when we were flying from Australia's Darwin to East Timor on the same UN hired C-130 aircraft. It was one of the days in the first week of December 1999. There were, among others, a good number of Bangladeshis - both civilian and military personnel - travelling with us. All of them were heading towards their respective duty stations in East Timor for the first time, in almost all cases.

I came to know more about Jose when I started working for his organisation - Timor Aid, the country's largest NGO in the post liberation period. At that time, he was, among other things, the chief patron of Timor Aid and I was working as the organisation's Baucau representative. During my entire stay in East Timor, I have had several opportunities to observe Jose as an individual, and as a leader, as well as, manager - occupying, for example, a number of important national positions. It may be mentioned here, my learning curve concerning Horta related matters started growing at a faster rate when I came to capital Dili with an international assignment. Dr. Horta was then holding the position of cabinet member responsible for the country's foreign affairs under the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET).

I found Jose to be a visionary; a strategic thinker, as well as decision-maker; a highly result-oriented person; a tactful diplomat; a reliable guide in crisis; a man of reason and mission; a good negotiator; and an effective, as well as efficient leader; among other things.

Given the present day status of democracy, development and governance in East Timor, it now appears the country is yet to cross its transitional phase in many respects, relative to time, space and other variables, though. The country is small but resourceful. The management of the country's internal security, politics and resources has not yet been able to make a significant contribution to the country's per capita human development. Poverty is still at the chronic stage. Delivery of public services is yet to become competitive, more equitable, and cost effective. It should be noted here, a continually instable East Timor could inter alia facilitate a quick transformation of the country into a full-fledged safe heaven for terrorists. Further, East Timor has a vital role to play in say, the region's peace and stability.

In light of the above and other relevant factors, it now appears Dr. Horta, as the president of East Timor, will have a hard time in the days ahead. It is expected that people of East Timor, friends, neighbours and well-wishers will assist Dr. Horta and his team in the effort towards meeting the challenges.