Labour MP Anneliese Dodds has joined members of Oxford’s Timorese community at a commemorative event marking the anniversary of Timor-Leste’s 1999 “popular consultation”, a landmark moment in the country’s path to independence.
Dodds attended the Oxford Timorese Association’s event at Blackbird Leys Park, where community members, performers and volunteers came together to remember the historic referendum and celebrate Timorese culture.
Writing on X, Dodds said:
“It was an honour to attend the Oxford Timorese Association’s event today commemorating the ‘popular consultation’.”
She also praised the organisers, adding:
“Well done to Mrs Adelaide Fahic, her team and all of the performers and other volunteers for this event that’s open to all in Blackbird Leys Park!”
The 1999 popular consultation, organised under United Nations auspices, saw the people of East Timor vote overwhelmingly to reject a proposal for autonomy within Indonesia, paving the way for independence.
The anniversary continues to hold deep significance for Timorese communities around the world, including in the UK, where cultural associations play an important role in preserving heritage, supporting families and strengthening links between generations.
Dodds’ attendance highlighted the strength of Oxford’s diverse communities and the contribution made by volunteers and community organisations in bringing people together.
The event in Blackbird Leys combined commemoration with music, performance and community activity, giving local residents an opportunity to learn more about Timor-Leste’s history and culture.
For Dodds, the occasion was also a chance to recognise the work of the Oxford Timorese Association and those who continue to keep the story of the 1999 consultation alive.
Her message was one of solidarity and celebration: honouring a defining moment in Timor-Leste’s history while recognising the contribution of the Timorese community to life in Oxford today.
