SHARED DREAM DELIVERS REAL ACHIEVMENT

. Superintendent Joao Belo dos Reis and Superintendent Mick Calatzis at the AFP's Majura training centre.

NINO BUCCI- The Canberra Times- 27 Jun, 2010

EAST Timorese Superintendent Joao Belo dos Reis and AFP Superintendent Mick Calatzis formed a special bond as two policeman separated by thousands of kilometres but united to protect a newly independent East Timor.

The men are both fathers, both from humble families and both committed to ensuring the safety of a nation which had suffered an unforgiving birth. But when Superintendent Calatzis asked his East Timorese colleague about his dreams, Superintendent dos Reis could not answer.

The pair reunited in Canberra this week when Superintendent dos Reis completed an AFP course alongside 23 other members of the National Police of Timor-Leste to qualify for United Nations peace-keeping missions.

''One day he asked what was my dream ... but in East Timorese culture, people do not tell each other these things. I knew Calatzis was a good man, and he had helped teach me to be a good police officer ... it was difficult, but I told him,'' Superintendent dos Reis said.

His dream was to go to university, as it is impossible to progress through the top ranks of the East Timorese police service without a degree.

''The East Timorese are very proud, reserved and dignified people,'' Superintendent Calatzis said. ''Him sharing anything about his dreams the East Timorese see it as something that doesn't need to be shared; as almost rude or selfish. They're a very selfless people.''

Superintendent Calatzis knew he had to help.
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