The Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão called on the new generation to be creative and take the initiative to develop Timor-Leste, as the nation was built with blood and bone. 
Prime Minister Gusmão said this year the government celebrated the historic day simply, so all people especially the new generation could reflect on their contribution to development, rather than just demanding rights as citizens.
According to him, the new generation is different to previous generations, who gathered with one voice through suffering to contribute to the war and gain freedom and now don’t demand anything from the government, as they love their country.
“Today this is a simple celebration to remind us of all components before we look at our rights, before we look at our duties, as older people have shown already they are not afraid of difficulty and death, so now we are free,” said PM Gusmao at the 14th celebration of Popular Consultation Day.
He said that Timor was independent but Timorese people, especially youths, did not love the nation, were lazy and did not look for a way to contribute to building the state but instead tried to destroy and kill each other.
The Prime Minister promised the government would make an effort to respond to all problems faced by the people, as the state was built only 11 years ago and the government can’t do everything in one day.
“To all the people I respect, the state will do everything to slowly respond to your problems,” he said.
On the other side, Antonio Soares, as a member of the new generation, said these reflections were important so young people could find a way to participate in building the country, as liberty was gained through blood and bone, still being scattered.
He said while people have different opinions it doesn’t not mean they don’t love Timor, but they needed to build their capacity and knowledge to fix the mentality of the people.
“Previously they shed blood and bone to struggle for independence, now the new generation should spill sweat to build our nation, if not us in the new generation, who will?” he asked.
At the same time Mateus de Jesus said he was proud of the development in Timor-Leste after only 11 years of independence.
“My opinion is that the development currently running in Timor-Leste is very different to other nations who have already had independence for 100 years,” he said.
