The Technical Administrator of the ANC, Mr Novelino dos Santos, went with the Minister of Transport and Communications, Eng. Miguel Marques Gonçalves Manetelu, to the national flag-raising ceremony for the 50th anniversary of the unilateral proclamation of independence of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste. The theme was "May the celebration of these 50 years of the past give us confidence in the present and hope for the future". It was held at the Democracy Field, Gleno, Ermera Municipality. The Minister was the inspecting officer and read the speech of the President of the Republic, Dr José Ramos-Horta, to the people of Ermera. There were also many performances, such as a drum band, traditional dance, Kore Metan music, poetry and traditional games such as tug-of-war and climbing the betel-nut tree, and prizes for the winners of futsal, traditional dance and cultural music competitions. Municipal authorities, veterans, national and municipal directors, heads of agencies, PNTL, F-FDTL, students, public servants and the community also took part.
