New Ombudsman Opens Doors to the Public
The Office of the Provedor--Timor-Leste's independent ombudsman for human rights, anti-corruption, and good governance--opened to the public this week after eight months of recruitment, preparation of procedures, and training. In the first week, the office received 9 new complaints to add to the 48 received earlier. All complaints received by the office will be reviewed and responded to, and findings of criminal acts in the cases subject to full investigation will be handed over to the judicial system for prosecution. USAID supports the establishment of the Office of the Provedor, along with other donors. (March 28, 2006)

Candlenut Oil Production to Boost Timor-Leste Exports
Production has started at a USAID-supported candlenut oil factory in Baucau. The factory is run by a local enterprise, Acelda, with technical assistance from the University of Hawaii, a USAID partner. Hawaii-based manufacturer, Oils of Aloha, has contracted with Acelda to purchase its output, which has reached 272 liters a day. Vital support from USAID during Acelda's set-up phase resulted in leveraging additional resources from another donor, a commercial bank, and the government of Timor-Leste. Candlenut oil, a high-value export for Timor-Leste, is used around the world as an ingredient in skin moisturizers by the cosmetics industry. (March 28, 2006)

 

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