THE Casey Friends of Ermera committee has launched an appeal to provide a computer and motorcycle for Ermera journalist Carlito Soares.

He reports on issues and events in the Ermera District of East Timor for the Timor Post, one of East Timor’s two daily newspapers.

He lives with his wife and six children in a small house at Gleno, capital of the Ermera District.

Friends of Ermera president Jan Trezise met Mr Soares in September 2006 when three group committee members were monitoring projects and meeting with Ermera people.

“He wanted to know why we were there and what projects we were planning,” Mrs Trezise said. “He said our work should be reported and that the community deserved to know about the Friends of Ermera and projects it was supporting.

“Carlito demonstrated to us that he passionately believed in an independent media and its vital role at this crucial time in the development of democracy in East Timor.

“He writes his articles and takes them by motor bike to the Timor Post Office in Dili, about 90 minutes away.

“The paper’s Dili office has a computer for him, but we thought at the time that Carlito desperately needed a lap top, digital camera and a printer in his area.”

Mr Soares published an article telling of the friends’ group work.

Mrs Trezise said the friends group had found him helpful in alerting members to where community needs were most pressing.

“He sometimes phones us in Australia to check on an issue to do with one of our projects and provides us with the opportunity to let the wider community know what is underway and what is being planned,” she said.

“Sadly Carlito had an accident early this year that resulted in injuries, including a broken arm. His old motor bike is beyond repair.

“When we met him recently his arm was on the mend but his activities were curtailed because he lacked his own transport.”

Mrs Trezise said the group had taken every opportunity to check his standing in his community and found he was well regarded and trusted.

“We are convinced that he deserves support so that he can more effectively carry out his important role and we want to provide him with a new digital camera, a lap top, and a printer. This equipment can be bought in Dili for less than $4000.

“We also want to buy him a reliable second-hand motor bike that can also be acquired in Dili for about $1200.”

Donations to the appeal are tax deductible and can be sent to Friends of Ermera secretary Rob Daniel, who will be travelling to East Timor, at his own expense, to be an international observer at the parliamentary elections on Saturday 30 June.

“If funds have been raised he could make the purchases and obtain the receipts. However, if funds come later we have another reliable contact who could also arrange purchases and provide receipts.”

Cheques can be made out to Friends of Ermera and sent to Mr Daniel at Box 1052, Narre Warren 3805. Direct debit can also be made with Mrs Trezise on 5944 4676 or gjtrezise@e-vision.com.au