Raising a Nation : The Speeches of Xanana Gusmao 2011-2014

Raising a Nation, the third volume of Xanana Gusmao's speeches, shows the intellect, emotion, and poetry that the Prime Minister of Timor-Leste displayed in his public speaking, and in his leadership. Xanana Gusmao's journey to become leader of his country is one of the world's great stories. From guerrilla fighter during his country's occupation, to a prisoner in exile, and finally returning to become one of the founding fathers of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, Xanana Gusmao's life has provided him with the political and visceral experiences that few other modern political leaders possess. The speeches collected here, celebrate how one man has taken his small, new nation onto the international stage. To the world's established nations they stand as a reminder that leaders with honesty, humility, and clarity of vision have a place in our world. To emerging nations, following in Timor-Leste's footsteps, these speeches will provide practical insight into nationbuilding in the twenty-first century. There is much yet to be achieved in Timor-Leste, but through these speeches we begin to understand where the nation has come from. This will give its people, and the rest of the world, great hope for its future. His Excellency retired as Prime Minister on 6 February 2015. 'These are the writings and speeches of a reconciler who has fought the good fight and of a nation's founder who has given his all to the next, more difficult stage of national development and growth.' - Fr Frank Brennan SJ AO'Unfortunately, this book cannot showcase the raw strength of commitment, passion and deep emotion that are always the foundation of an address by Xanana Gusmao where crowds in their thousands stand silently mesmerized, or are yelling at the top of their voices 'Xanana Xanana Xanana' - Major General Mick Slater AO, DSC, CSC