Hitting the Waves - "Buy Local. Build Timor-Leste" Takes a Nautical Turn

 "Buy Local. Build Timor-Leste" at sea.

Aside from finishing a total of 102 tiga roda, the painting crew at Creative Sablon interspersed their efforts on land with efforts at sea to deck out the boats moored in Dili Harbor. Organized by Peace Dividend Trust's Matchmaking Associate Brigida Soares, 10 boats are now finely displaying the "Buy Local. Build Timor-Leste" message on their hulls, cabins and sides. Among these boats is the fishing boat Manutasi that weekenders to Atauro will recognize as their return vessel to Dili that braves the short voyage Monday mornings.

The outside view of the cabin of the Manutasi. 

Mrs. Soares also had the opportunity to brief local media about the project, raising awareness of  the impact purchasing local goods and services in Timor-Leste has on the local economy. Televisaun Timor-Leste (TVTL) featured Mrs. Soares on Friday March 22nd, covering her activities in Dili Harbor and promoting Peace Dividend Trusts' activities in Timor-Leste. Other media outfits that spoke with Mrs. Soares were Televisaun Suara Timor-Leste (TV STL), Diario Nacional, and Radio Televisaun Timor-Leste (RTTL).

Mrs. Soares giving an interview to RTTL.

An interview at the beach with TV STL.

Another interview at the beach with Diario Nacional.

This activity was funded by The Arsenault Family Foundation.

Covalima Online - www.buildingmarkets.org

The Peace Dividend Trust Verification Team has completed the first stage of surveying businesses in Covalima District. 58 businesses are now online. The results can be found with a click.

Covalima is out of sight and out of mind, and that is frankly, part of the problem, however there is alot going on in this south coast district.

Comico Suai Diak Company provides Candle nuts, coconuts, coffee, green beans, and other local products.

Desesperado Lda exports cattle. Over $300 000 worth of cattle in the last 2 or 3 years. That is a big deal on the south coast. Senhor Carlos, the owner, is pictured below with PDT Verificatiion Associate Gaspar Quintao da Silva.

Tua Hun Company is an interesting outfit. They actually construct fishing boats, in some in inconsiderable quantities and to a reasonable standard. They do not only sell boats, you can rent from them as well.
Oficina Carpintaria Sao Paulo is a success story born in 2002. It makes windows, doors and frames, bedroom and bathroom furniture and shrine/oratorio. What a wonderful thing 24 hour electricity would be for this business.

And we should not forget Buka Moris / Looking for Lfe Rattan which makes good quality rattan furniture. Since our blog entry in May 2008 Buka Moris has received a large number of orders. So many that they have leected to purchase a mobile phone...?!

Find what you are looking for http://www.buildingmarkets.org/.