Journalist Suzana Cardoso led more than one hundred journalists, diplomats and donors in a moment of silence at a World Press Freedom Day event in Timor-Leste on Sunday to remember those journalists, around the world, who died in the line of duty.

This event featured remarks by US Ambassador Hans Klemm and others, and marked the second year in a row that ICFJ has taken part in the ceremony in Timor-Leste.   Ambassador Klemm noted that in order to have a strong democracy, you must have a free press. He cited the case of Richard Nixon. Ambassador Klemm said the Watergate Scandal would not have been exposed had there not been a free media in the United States.

The ceremony marked a first for me. It was the first time that I gave a speech in a language other than my own – English.  It was challenging, but also a lot of fun. After struggling with Russian for four years, the word pronunciations in Tetum were actually quite easy. I felt it important to speak in Tetum on this special day for journalists.

Like last year, this year’s ceremony was held in the outdoor garden at Hotel Turismo – a place that became a gathering point for journalists covering the tragic events that began in 1975 with the Indonesian occupation of Timor-Leste.  Most international journalists also stayed at this hotel in 1999 during Timor-Leste’s fight for independence.

After the speeches, there was live music and a cloud burst, but the rain didn’t stop people from dancing. In fact, after the heat and humidity of the afternoon, the rain actually felt good. 

ICFJ’s own Frances Suni hosted the event and when the band started playing – Frances did vocals. He’s got a great voice and could easily get a record contract!