East Timor - Resources Curse or Cure?

CompanyMcDonnell Media
PhotographerTed McDonnell
PrizeBronze in Press / Political
Entry Description

The scares of the brutal 24 year Indonesian reign still exists, but the East Timorese are forgiving people. A decade into its independence, there are significant signs of change, the largest being, Timor Plaza, the nation's first major shopping centre, in the heart of one of Dili poorest suburbs, Comoro. Yet, despite the opulence of Timor Plaza, very few East Timorese can actually shop there as most live on less than a dollar a day... A cup of coffee at Timor Plaza costs around $4 -- equivalent to a days wages. International observers now believe East Timor's petroleum riches could very well turn into a resources curse. High unemployment, a failing education system and systemic poverty - plague East Timor. Despite these systemic social problems, Prime Minister Gusmao, who was returned to government for s second term last year, recently gifted his 53 coalition ministers brand new Toyota four wheel drives valued at $60,000 each. Gusmao's government has been wracked with controversy with five of his ministers having been investigated by the Corruption Commission in recent years. Justice Minister Lucia Lobato was jailed last year for five years others such as Finance Minister Emilia Pires remains under investigation. Insiders say other Gusmao senior ministers will also face scrutiny from the Corruption Commissioner as the nation of one million fights corruption from within the highest ranks of government. Observers and Opposition leaders allege the country's $10 billion resources riches is being plundered by government officials and ministers through nepotism and corruption. Last year, Transparency International ranked East Timor 123 out of 172 countries in the 2013 Corruption Perceptions Index. Yet as always with corruption, it is the children who suffer through lack of nutrition, health care and education, whilst the politicians spend their ill-gotten gains.

About Photographer

Award winning photojournalist & photographer Ted McDonnell shoots documentary and editorial projects for magazines and newspapers. Also photographs for commercial and corporates.