Dili, Timor-Leste | 18–21 February 2026 Cruz Vermelha de Timor-Leste (CVTL) was honored to welcome Mr. David Trevor Riggen, President of Humanitarian Services of the American Red Cross (AmCross), for an official visit to Timor-Leste from 18–21 February 2026. The visit aimed to strengthen collaboration, review on-going programs, and engage directly with communities supported through CVTL initiatives funded by the American Red Cross.
Prior to the President’s arrival, Ms. Helen Welch, Senior Director for Integrated Global Programming (USA), and Mr. Achala Navaratne, Global Division Director for Asia Pacific (Thailand), arrived in Dili on 16 February to support preparations and coordination for the visit.
On 18 February, the Secretary General of CVTL, Mr. Agapito da Silva, together with CVTL Coordinators, and representatives from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and AmCross in Dili, warmly received Mr. David Trevor Riggen at Nicolao Lobato International Airport via the VIP Gate. At the airport, Mr. Riggen expressed his appreciation to CVTL leadership for organizing a special reception in collaboration with the Government of Timor-Leste.
In the afternoon, following check-in, the delegation visited CVTL Headquarters in Bairo Formosa, Dili, for a strategic meeting with the Senior Management Team of CVTL and IFRC representatives. Discussions focused on key learning questions raised by the President, with CVTL sharing field experiences, national and branch-level engagements, and community perspectives on current humanitarian needs.
A comprehensive presentation delivered by Ms. Vidiana Xareal, CVTL External Relations Coordinator, provided an overview of the country context and CVTL’s involvement in sectorial programs in collaboration with government institutions, Red Cross and Red Crescent (RCRC) partners, and INGOs.
Later in the evening, CVTL hosted a Movement coordination and networking gathering with government counterparts and partners at a beachside venue in Dili. Distinguished guests included the State Secretary of Civil Protection Mr. Mariano Reis and representatives from Civil Protection, DNMG, and SMPC, CVTL President Ms. Madalena Hanjan, CVTL Board Members, and representatives from IFRC and ICRC in Timor-Leste. The event featured a traditional welcome ceremony with Tais and Timorese coffee.
In his remarks, Mr. Riggen thanked CVTL and government counterparts for their continued collaboration in advancing humanitarian mandates across Timor-Leste. He emphasized the strength of the Red Cross Movement as a partnership of volunteers, communities, and RCRC partners working together to alleviate human suffering, particularly through strategic priorities in Disaster Risk Management (DRM).
In the afternoon of 19 February, the delegation traveled to Ermera Municipality, one of the target areas of the Strengthening Disaster Risk Reduction (SDRR) Program. At the Ermera Branch Office, the delegation received a traditional welcome from Branch leadership, staff, and volunteers. The visit aimed to understand how volunteers and branch structures support humanitarian action at the community level. Mr. Riggen expressed his appreciation for the dedication of Branch Volunteers in serving communities at risk. He shared his motivation to visit project sites and witness first-hand the impact of CVTL’s humanitarian interventions.
That evening, the delegation joined a dinner with the local government authorities, including the President of Ermera Municipality and representatives from CPA, SMPC, and the Education sector. A ceremonial presentation of traditional Tais was held in honour of the American delegation.
During the dinner, Mr. Riggen encouraged strengthened cooperation between CVTL and municipal authorities to ensure that humanitarian services reach vulnerable communities, particularly those in remote areas. He emphasized the importance of implementing Memorandum of Understanding based on identified local needs and priorities.
On 20 February 2026, the delegation conducted an official visit to Urahou Village, Hatulia B Administrative Post, Ermera Municipality. The team was welcomed by the Village Chief and Council Members. The visit focused on: Strategic dialogue with community members. Listening to concerns and disaster risk priorities. Observing traditional water conservation practices. Meeting SDRMC members and volunteers. Reviewing community-based Early Warning Systems (EWS). Visiting mitigation activities, including water source conservation and small bridge crossings.
Mr. Riggen highlighted the importance of strong local leadership and dedicated volunteers at the heart of CVTL’s humanitarian work. He also visited a local classroom to observe how students are gaining multi-hazard awareness and how teachers are benefiting from the SDRR program.
The visit provided an opportunity to review progress supported by the American Red Cross and local government while understanding challenges faced by communities during disasters.
On behalf of the entire CVTL team, the Secretary General, Mr. Agapito da Silva, together with the President of CVTL, Ms. Madalena Hanjan, expressed sincere gratitude to Mr. Trevor Riggen and his delegation for their continued support, especially in advancing Disaster Risk Reduction initiatives across Timor-Leste. CVTL wishes you a safe flight back to America. Please send our warm greetings to your family, especially to our brothers and sisters at the American Red Cross.
CVTL also extended appreciation to its key government partners, including APC, DNMG, Municipal Authorities, Administrative Posts, Suku leaders, APORTIL, and all partners who contributed to the success of the visit and on-going humanitarian efforts.
On 21 February 2026, Mr. David Trevor Riggen departed from Dili to Bali, Indonesia, continuing onward to Bangkok, Thailand, accompanied by Ms. Helen Welch Senior Director, Integrated Global Programming based in USA, Mr. Achala Navaratne Global Division Director for Asia Pacific based in Thailand, and Mr. Md. Sazzad Ansari, American Red Cross representative in Timor-Leste.
For more photos from the visit, please click the link attached.
Mr. Trevor Riggen, Arrival in Dili Mr. Trevor Riggen, held a visit to the CVTL Ermera Branch office Mr. Trevor Riggen, paid an official visit to Urahou Village
