Category: Operations

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Templar Corps Diplomatic Mission to Guiné-Bissau 2024 – Diary day 9, 10 and 11

NOVEMBER 6

Today was dedicated to practical training at the Bissau Fire Department. National Deputy Commander Jorge Amador began by preparing all the materials in the available ambulance for the simulation exercise.

The advanced life support simulation training session for medical emergencies involves a realistic, high-pressure scenario where participants simulate the rescue of a critically ill patient.

The setup includes both training mannequins and human volunteers. The team begins with an initial assessment focusing on the patient’s airway, breathing, and circulation (ABC), using an ECG monitor to evaluate heart rhythm.

Next, participants practice techniques such as intubation, defibrillation, administration of medications like epinephrine, and intravenous line placement, following specific protocols for critical situations. A key focus is on effective communication and clearly defined roles (leader, defibrillator operator, compression provider) to ensure a coordinated response.

After the exercise, participants discuss their actions, receive feedback on technical skills and team dynamics, and identify areas for improvement for future real-life situations.

TGB, Guinea-Bissau’s television network, was present and covered the event, producing a news segment for that evening’s broadcast.

Training in medical emergency scenarios is crucial for fire and ambulance teams. In emergencies, every second counts. The training simulates real-life situations, allowing the team to practice and improve their real-time responses, which can save lives.

On the other hand, equipment like defibrillators and ventilators requires maintenance and practice to be used safely and quickly. Familiarity with these devices increases confidence and reduces the margin for error. Additionally, emergency situations vary widely. Training allows teams to face different scenarios (such as car accidents or cardiac arrests), promoting flexibility and better improvisation skills when needed.

It was an enriching experience for the large team, who learned new techniques and response methodologies. Trainer Jorge Amador noted that the team was well-coordinated, eager to learn, and had the potential to respond effectively to emergencies in Guinea-Bissau’s capital.

Strangers when they arrived, they departed as friends and companions after a few days of work. The Templar Corps International will return soon with equipment and further training. The values of true Templar Chivalry were present in Bissau, and it shows.

The day ended with a warm and open gathering at a nearby restaurant, enjoying local food and a bottle of wine from the Alentejo Portuguese region.

NOVEMBER 7

The mission moved out of Bissau, heading north towards the Cacheu province.

On their way, they visited the General Directorate of Health of Biombo and the Quinhamel Health Center. The goal was to identify opportunities and challenges, as well as consult health professionals and local authorities about the issues related to healthcare service delivery in this region, which is located near the capital.

The main shortages were noted and discussed. From a material perspective, there is a lack of medical equipment, medications, and supplies. The scarcity of essential diagnostic and treatment equipment creates significant limitations in the services that can be provided to patients.

Some equipment donated in the past has maintenance issues, missing parts, and some is no longer in use. There is often a shortage of basic medications and materials such as gloves, syringes, and emergency kits.

Hospital structures are in poor condition, making quality care difficult. There is also an unstable supply of clean water and electricity, which limits hospital operations and negatively impacts patient care and infection control.

Additionally, there is a shortage of specialized health professionals, and attracting and retaining qualified doctors is a challenge. Despite these limitations, the staff is highly dedicated and compensates for the lack of equipment and supplies with a strong commitment to patient care and well-being, which is noteworthy.

For the Delegation, leaving the capital was extremely important as it allowed for a better understanding of the reality in more remote areas, far from decision-making centers.

The information gathered will help prepare various projects and initiatives aimed at improving healthcare conditions and performance. In this regard, Templar Corps International hopes to contribute in the near future.

The team returned to Bissau at sundown.

NOVEMBER 8

The last day of the Mission, before returning to Lisbon, began with a visit to His Excellency Dr. Pedro Tipote, the Minister of Health of Guinea-Bissau. The meeting, held at the Ministry, was marked by cordiality and a keen interest in getting to know Templar Corps International.

The discussion focused on cooperation in the health sector, aiming to strengthen the country’s healthcare system. Both sides exchanged information on priorities and challenges, such as the lack of medical equipment and human resources.

Templar Corps proposed technical and logistical support, including training programs and provision of essential materials. The Minister of Health emphasized the importance of the partnership, reinforcing the commitment to future collaboration.

The team then met with the Secretary of State for Public Order, Dr. José Carlos Macedo, at the Ministry of the Interior. Templar Corps International briefed him on the training actions conducted with the Bissau Firefighters, as well as the numerous initiatives being prepared in the areas of Civil Protection and support for security forces.

Confidential topics related to security and technology were also discussed. The meeting focused on training and technology for defense, public order, and security. Possible areas of collaboration were explored to strengthen the capacity of security forces, with an emphasis on emergency management and crisis response. The Secretary of State expressed great interest in the cooperation, highlighting the importance of technical support for ensuring modern and efficient security in the country.

With these final meetings, the Templar Corps’ Diplomatic Mission to Guinea-Bissau at the invitation of the Secretary of State for Communities, Dr. Nelson Pereira, concluded.

The team expressed their gratitude for the unparalleled hospitality and warm reception they experienced daily. They also thanked the strong friendships formed and the solid international cooperation bridges built over more than 10 days of the mission.

To all those involved, a heartfelt THANK YOU!

GO BACK TO DAY 1 and 2 »»»

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Templar Corps Diplomatic Mission to Guiné-Bissau 2024 – Diary day 7 and 8

NOVEMBER 4

The morning started with the Delegation being taken for a planning visit to the Secretary of State for Communities. Throughout the week, we’ve been engaging with the realities of Guinea-Bissau and gathering information on many of its needs, as well as areas where the Templar Corps has the capacity to contribute to positive, significant changes.

Following last week’s meeting with His Excellency the Minister of Education, it became clear that dropping out of studies without acquiring technical and professional skills leaves a significant number of young people out of the educational system before they can develop the technical skills needed for a profession. Additionally, there are many requests arriving at the Secretary of State for Communities for support in studying in Portugal. However, it’s challenging to promptly address all situations since specific rules govern student visas, including requirements for accompanying students during the academic period.

In this context, within the scope of the Memorandum of Understanding and aligned with the upcoming Protocol, the Templar Corps proposed forming training classes in specific technical-professional fields and assuming all logistics for training and internships in Portugal, under the guidance of the Algarve Outpost and the Commandery of Arraiolos.

This, set to be the first project from the Partnership, was agreed upon in its general terms. It will allow a limited number of students—expected to expand in 2025—to receive training and internships in essential fields for Guinea-Bissau, such as Electricity, Sanitation, Construction, and Sustainable Agriculture, among others.

To initiate the process through official channels, the Templar Corps informed relevant authorities in the Portuguese government about the Memorandum of Understanding with Guinea-Bissau, as well as about the plans that will be outlined in the near future.

The Mission’s schedule was reviewed, focusing the upcoming days on the expertise of Vice-Commander Amador, specifically in overseeing firefighter training and meeting with the Minister of the Interior to potentially provide training for security forces and coordinate with Civil Protection.

The training at the Bissau Fire Station will occur on the 5th and 6th, with theoretical instruction on the first day and practical procedures on the second, covering emergency response and basic life support techniques.

To prepare the activities, Vice-Commander Amador went to the Fire Station, where he conducted a more detailed general inspection, gathering information on the most pressing issues related to both equipment and maintenance, as well as knowledge gaps.

Much of the available equipment results from international donations. The equipment is generally good, in active use, and the team’s skills are adequate for its handling. However, there are limitations when it comes to larger or more impactful emergencies. Additionally, due to the varying origins of the equipment, compatibility issues with standards and technology arise. For example, hoses from some firefighting vehicles have connectors of different diameters and standards, causing confusion and disruptions during emergencies.

The technical visit was extremely valuable, significantly aiding the Templar Corps in tailoring the upcoming training to the specific needs of this essential fire department in Guinea-Bissau’s capital.

The meeting between the Templar Corps and the fire department’s leadership was both effective and very cordial, as they exchanged ideas, discussed needs and shortages, and worked toward a better understanding of how to introduce new dynamics in teamwork.

Vice-Commander Amador then spoke briefly with the team members, explaining the content of the theoretical training scheduled to start tomorrow and the requirements for the practical training the following day, where equipment and personnel must be prepared to respond to a simulated emergency mission.

The night ended with another planning meeting before dinner. Project A, focusing on technical and professional training for young people from Guinea-Bissau under the Templar Corps and Secretariat of State for Communities agreement, was finalized, with the process now underway. Project B, aimed at coordination and training for Bissau’s Fire Department, was also advanced, with more details to follow after the upcoming two days of training. Finally, a visit to Cacheu Hospital was scheduled for the 7th to gather detailed information on healthcare needs.

It was decided that I, Luis de Matos, Head of Mission, should return to Portugal due to health concerns caused by the heat, including a significant low blood pressure episode, as well as to oversee Project A’s launch. Additionally, with protocol matters largely resolved, my presence is not essential for the forthcoming training sessions. The mission will continue with Commander Rui Herdadinha and Vice-Commander Jorge Amador.

NOVEMBER 5

Early in the morning, Commander Herdadinha posted a picture of his breakfast on Facebook. I saw it from my room and rushed to join him. By the time I arrived, he had already gone for his morning walk. Yes, this boundless energy battery went to bed late last night and today, after nearly a week of meetings and travel under nearly 40°C (104º F) heat, and he still woke up before 7 AM and went for a happy half-hour walk before the rest of the delegation was ready to join him for breakfast! Shortly after, Jorge Amador came down and we chatted over coffee until Herdadinha reappeared, smiling widely, joking, “I always get up at 6 AM!”

After breakfast, we split up. Jorge was very motivated for the training. He mentioned that the firefighters asked many questions and were excited about learning more, especially with the idea of conducting drills for real-life situations, something they hadn’t done yet. They departed for their mission, and we said our goodbyes. Soon after, Liaison Officer Afonso Mendes came to pick me up at the hotel to take me to the Bissau airport.

We took a typical Bissau taxi. As the Mercedes skillfully avoided collisions with other vehicles—taxis, jeeps, cars, motorcycles, and pedestrians crossing the road without warning—I felt like I was watching a huge flock of birds. It seemed chaotic, but each participant was so aware of the others that no one collided. During my days in Bissau, I didn’t witness a single accident or even a minor fender-bender between two vehicles (or “viaturas,” as they like to say, influenced by French, the growing language in the country).

When we visit a foreign country, we tend to compare what we see with what we have at home. There are always differences and curious aspects. But for me, Guinea-Bissau defies all rational observations. There are many things I don’t understand, leaving me utterly perplexed about the reasoning behind certain decisions. In the context of my visit to the airport, I’ll give just three examples. Without wanting to diminish the country, which I loved, here they are:

My flight ticket was purchased at a travel agency in Bissau about 2 hours before the flight. The agency uses the Galileo system. Due to internet issues in Bissau, Galileo hadn’t synchronized with TAP by the time I arrived at the airport for check-in. Since check-in is done through TAP’s website by their staff and not through Galileo (which they do not have access to), I had no reservation still in the system! They sent me to a hallway with some rooms where a staff member “maybe could solve the problem.”

I had already seen rooms identified with engraved signs, company stickers, or even printed paper fixed to the wall with tape. But I had never seen a room marked with a post-it note! Was it really that temporary?

I understood from the staff member that the only way to solve the problem was by paying for a new ticket and reservation. So I asked the Liaison Officer, who was outside on the parking lot, to help. He managed to get inside the airport and approached the room. The conversation between him and the officer was in Creole (the language typically spoken by Guineans among themselves), but I understood parts of it. It was probably something like this:

“The reservation is not in the TAP system. You need to make a new one and pay.”

“But it was made and paid at the agency two hours ago. Can’t you find it in the system?”

“Agency? What agency? Here? In Bissau?”

“Yes, at the [Agency Name].”

“At [Agency Name]? With whom?”

“It was Djuma, I just came from there.”

“DJUMA? You said DJUMA? I know her! Djuma?”

“Yes, do you want me to call her?”

“She was my schoolmate. Djuma? From my class…”

“Hello, Djuma, I’m here at the airport with a reservation problem…”

“Give me the phone… Djuma? How are you? It’s Naiana! Yes, from your school! I’m here, working with TAP now. Yes, there’s a gentleman here with a problem. Yes… Yes… Alright… Goodbye then.”

And, by a miracle, the unsolvable problem was solved! He gave me a new boarding pass and ripped up the previous reservation… Just like that. Blessed Djuma! [Names changed to protect the individuals.] I couldn’t get my head around that one!

Once inside the departure lounge, I wanted to know the WiFi password.

There it was, this time not on a post-it, but on a printed sheet of paper stuck to a pillar with pieces of tape. First off, having a password like “123456789” or no password at all is the same thing! But why on earth would you put this password on a public network and then post a piece of paper with the password? I don’t get it. The password is so weak it’s almost like there isn’t one at all, but there is. My mind spins without control. It makes me want to try all the passwords for all the other systems in the airport!

But it doesn’t stop there. I search for the network and can’t find it. I make my phone do a deep search. Nothing. It doesn’t exist. I was on my third attempt when a gentleman sitting next to me, seeing my body language, touched my shoulder and said, “Read it again.” I replied, “WiFi – Partida – Password: 123456789.” He responded, “No, read carefully. It’s broken. It doesn’t work.” “Ah! WiFi – PARTIDA (in portuguese “partida” means “departure”, but also “broken”…) Ah! Ok… My mind melted right then and there.

Three simple examples of my constant perplexity! And so, I boarded the flight.

Meanwhile, the other members of the delegation began their training session.

The training focused on key areas essential for responding to emergencies efficiently and safely, including:

Urban Firefighting: Discussing specific techniques to control fires in different environments and prevent the spread of flames.

Rescue and Pre-Hospital Care: First aid techniques, including basic and advanced life support, use of defibrillators, and trauma care.

Rescue in Vehicle Accidents: Techniques to free and assist victims trapped in wrecked vehicles.

Disaster Management and Emergency Coordination: Planning for rapid and efficient response to natural disasters and large-scale incidents.

Operational Equipment and Safety: Training in the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and firefighting vehicles to minimize risks to firefighters, which will be the focus of tomorrow’s drills.

The day ended with a dinner where a very positive assessment of the Mission so far was made. Tomorrow will be especially challenging, with drills, followed by a trip to the Cacheu region on Thursday.

DAY 9, 10 and 11 »»»

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Templar Corps Diplomatic Mission to Guiné-Bissau 2024 – Diary day 5 and 6

NOVEMBER 2

The delegation began the day with a hearty breakfast, feeling energized. Or rather, Commander Herdadinha was full of energy (as always!), while Vice-Commander Amador was more focused on retrieving his luggage, expected to arrive on the 1:00 pm flight. Personally, I felt weighed down by the intense heat—today it’s around 38ºC (102ºF), making it hard to keep cool. Thankfully, my colleagues’ upbeat attitude helped lift everyone’s spirits.

Due to the airport pickup schedule, the day was split into a morning discussion on potential Templar Corps and Guinea-Bissau cooperation projects, followed by an afternoon visit to Bissau’s Fire Station to prepare for a training session planned for Monday.

The main topics of the morning discussions were divided into two major areas: Agriculture and Civil Protection.

Guinea-Bissau is an incredibly fertile country, located between the Tropic of Cancer and the Equator. Its coastline stretches from Cabo Roxo to Ponta Cagete. It shares borders with Senegal to the north, Guinea to the east and southeast, and is bounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the west, with over 80 islands and islets, forming an unparalleled natural wonder.

The continental part is formed by a coastal plain and an interior plateau zone. The interior zone is formed by low plateaus, and two transition zones can be distinguished that lead to two small plateaus – Bafatá and Gabú – and the hilly area with the highest altitudes in the country, (around 300m) in the region of Boé.

Three major products are grown in Guinea-Bissau: rice, mango and cashew nuts. But one of the things that the Delegation noticed at the end of a couple of meals is that the rice and vegetables consumed at almost all meals are not produced in Guinea. Even rice is mostly imported. Tomatoes, onions and cucumbers come from Senegal and rice from Pakistan. Mango and cashew are also destined almost 100% the export market, without any local industrial transformation.

In other words, the creation of value for these products that are highly sought after worldwide is done outside the country. For Guinea, rice, mango and cashew are commodities. They have a value by weight, as they are collected in the wild. Their industrial treatment and the value added to them by this treatment is a gain made outside the country.

The Templar Corps International, through some of its leaders in Italy, Portugal, and the OSMTHU, had been involved years ago in similar projects in Asia related to coffee. In that case, as here, the primary issue was that local communities manage commodities, but added commercial value is created outside the country, limiting local benefits. It was decided to revisit the documents from that time to explore ways of designing projects adapted to Guinea-Bissau’s specific context.

Regarding the topic of Civil Protection, Vice-Commander Amador presented several ideas, focusing on training local forces and implementing an emergency communication and coordination center. He proposed establishing an ambulance unit operated by well-trained local staff, equipped for first aid and accident response, which could greatly impact the city of Bissau. He expressed his willingness to facilitate the donation of some units through the Templar Corps International and to coordinate the necessary training, potentially using an abandoned building or constructing a new one with sustainable methods on a donated city lot.

As lunchtime approached, the Delegation split up. Vice-Commander Amador was taken to the airport to retrieve his luggage. Unfortunately, the troubles with this luggage continued to escalate. First, the flight was delayed by two hours, seriously impacting the afternoon’s work. When the luggage finally arrived, it surprisingly contained unrelated items—like chocolates, hair products, and cosmetics—while his drone had mysteriously disappeared. Customs required him to pay excess baggage fees for items he didn’t own. Despite the confusion, the commitment to the Mission prevailed, though the drone was lost for good.

Back at the hotel with the rest of the Delegation, he expressed some relief that his clothes and the training materials (aside from the drone) were intact. It appears that some airport staff check baggage weight and, if a bag doesn’t reach the 23kg limit, they open it to add contents from other bags of the same passenger to use up the allowed weight. During check-in, his bag was wrapped in pink cellophane with two others that weren’t his, leading to the confusion—including dozens of chocolate bars and women’s hair products!

There was still a preliminary visit to the Fire Station. The visit was brief and aimed solely at preparing for Monday’s training. Vice-Commander Amador familiarized himself with the firefighting equipment, noting its condition and operability. He took notes and made a few recommendations.

NOVEMBER 3

Being Sunday, the Delegation took the day to rest. An initial visit to the islands was planned; however, the delay of the luggage at the airport compromised the possibility of catching the boat on Friday.

Therefore, accompanied by local team members Gaio Gomes and Afonso Mendes, under the guidance of Secretary of State Nelson Pereira, the afternoon was spent at a typical restaurant in the port area, enjoying homemade food and Guinean music. The hospitality of the friends from Guinea-Bissau is unparalleled.

DAY 7 and 8 »»»

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Templar Corps Diplomatic Mission to Guiné-Bissau 2024 – Diary day 3 and 4

OCTOBER 31

Early in the morning Vice-National Commander Jorge Amador made his check-in in Lisbon airport, ready to travel to Bissau and join the Delegation.

Jorge is involved in the fields of Security, Civil Protection, Firefighting, and Medical Emergency. His luggage, loaded with training manuals, uniforms, a small drone, and other technical materials, exceeded the allowed limit, requiring him to check it in with the airline before boarding.

Jorge explains that the process was confusing which resulted in his two bags being bundled with a third, unknown bag, all wrapped in pink cellophane by the staff. Later, he discovered his luggage had been opened—possibly due to the drone. But we’ll get to that.

Meanwhile, the other members of the Mission continued to explore the city, visiting markets and noticing small differences between neighborhoods, engaging warmly with local residents and passersby, who where very friendly.

In the early afternoon, the team was taken to the airport to pick up the recently arrived Jorge Amador. Unfortunately, the main luggage had been lost by the airline and was not delivered in Bissau. This meant that all the materials needed for the scheduled training for Security and Fire Forces on Friday were missing, and a formal complaint had to be filed. The next flight with the same airline is only on Saturday, requiring urgent adjustments to the plans for the following days.

To complicate matters, an Extraordinary Council of Ministers was convened, making it even harder to reschedule meetings at key ministries involved in the Mission. It was therefore decided to take Vice-Commander Amador to the hotel, hold an afternoon meeting to reorganize the plans, and move all commitments involving the Ministry of the Interior to the beginning of the next week. The weekend would then be used to visit the interior of the country.

The day concluded with a pleasant dinner, bringing the entire team together.

NOVEMBER 1

November 1 is not an official holiday in Guinea-Bissau, where only about 20% of the population is Christian. However, there is a noticeable slowdown, especially in official services, possibly due to it being a Friday and close to the weekend.

The changes in the Mission’s meeting schedule, because the airline lost Jorge Amador’s luggage, opened opportunities to discuss the local conditions for planned initiatives. Professional t raining is a clear priority. A country’s strength and future depend on human potential. Where there’s a desire for growth in skills and professional capacity, there’s potential for a positive impact. Guinea-Bissau’s youth are numerous and visible in the streets. While the average level of formal education is not highly advanced, this is due more to a lack of programs suited to social and professional needs than to a lack of motivation among students.

There is a significant need to train students in professions that ensure basic livelihood and a dignified life. The shared language between Portugal and Guinea-Bissau eases collaboration between organizations and institutions in both countries. Templar Corps International, through its partnerships, has the means to provide knowledge transfer and expand career prospects for many young Guineans who dream of a better life.

The Mission also addressed the topic of emigration, a major trend among young Guineans. Many have family in Portugal and express a desire to move abroad. Differences in salaries and working conditions drive much of this migration flow. However, the lack of local opportunities is also a crucial factor.

The Mission believes that an unqualified emigrant will find similar challenges abroad. Professional qualifications can make a difference. Therefore, education should be a core component of the Templar Corps Guinea-Bissau Project. Skills training should address local needs and support rapid value creation. Professions like construction, carpentry, electricity, mechanics, and agriculture are essential. Expanding knowledge through complementary programs alongside regular education can make a difference, helping young people find reasons to stay in Guinea-Bissau and contribute to their country’s development.

The Mission spent part of the afternoon in direct contact with the population, testing some of these ideas and listening to local opinions on the streets. Notably, there are no homeless people visible on the streets, and even the street vendors, typical across Africa, are exceptionally friendly. Even when they don’t manage to sell their products, they still engage in conversation and speak proudly about their country.

The relations between Portugal and Guinea-Bissau reflect deep historical and cultural ties, from colonial times to modern cooperation in areas like education, health, defense, and economy. Portugal actively supports development projects and promotes stability in Guinea-Bissau, serving as a significant partner through the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP), of which Guinea-Bissau is a member.

To Commander Herdadinha’s surprise, Arraiolos tapestries, from his hometown, were found in a Bissau auditorium. These handcrafted Portuguese tapestries symbolize cultural exchange and the preservation of Portuguese heritage in regions historically connected to Portugal—an encouraging sign for this Mission.

The afternoon concluded with another meeting at the State Secretariat for Communities. The delegation briefed Secretary of State Nelson Pereira on the day’s reflections and their areas of intervention, engaging in a fruitful exchange of ideas with his team.

Next, the delegation met with the Secretary of State for Youth, Lesmes Mutna Monteiro. Upon presenting the Templar Corps International’s projects, especially those focused on youth, it was with great enthusiasm that they received full support from this State Secretariat and a commitment to aid in implementing future programs.

DAY 5 and 6 »»»

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2024 Forest Fires Appeal – Portugal

FOREST FIRES IN PORTUGAL

READ THE NEWS HERE

AND HERE

We have set up the national network of Knights and friends of the Templar Corps, in order to supply basic goods to the fire fighters who have been working continuously for several days. We gathered food, water, medical supplies and clothing. In the first 24h we were able to send over 9 tons of material through network to the front of the Operational Theatre.

LEADERSHIP INVOLVED:

General Coordination:

F+ Luis de Matos, KGCTJ Chancellor of the OSMTHU
F+ Victor Varela Martins, KCTJ Commander of Lagos of the GP Portugal OSMTHU

Logistical and Operational Coordination:

F+ Jorge Amador, KTJ, Vice-National Commander Relief/Humanitarian Efforts do Templar Corps

Fr+ Miguel Novais, KSTJ, Leiria

Local support:

Fr+ Nuno Moreira, KSTJ, Alcochete

JOURNAL OF THE OPERATION

SEPTEMBER 16

21:17

A decision is made about creating an Appeal to help Firefights at the Operational Theatre. Deaths have been reported and multiple houses were destroyed by fire. Most Firefighters have been in the forest for over 48h. About 2.000 man are deployed by Civil Protection authorities. In the next few days this number would go up to 5.000.

22:00

Internal zoom call to set the terms of the Appeal. Needs are assessed and a final text is written.

23:43

The appeal is published on Templar Corps social media and website.

SEPTEMBER 17

10:30

The logistical arrangements are finalized and a few Firefighter corporations agree to collaborate in the Appeal.

16:20

The Appeal is updated and republished on social media.

23:00

The appeal is sent by email to Templar Corps, OSMTHU and Secular Templi members in Portugal.

SEPTEMBER 18

Past 9:00

Donations gathered by members of the Templar Corps, OSMTHU and Secular Templi start arriving at the Logistic Outposts in Algarve, Alcochete and Camarate. All means of transportation are used.

10:00

Firefighters of Moita, Setubal, agree to be an added point of delivery in the Lisbon region, in view of the overwhelming mobilization that was being achieved. At the end of the afternoon the goods will be transported to Alcochete. The new delivery point is published on Templar Corps social media. Donations start arriving in Moita.

13:42

S+ Ilda Moutinho, DSTJ and F+ Hugo Miguel, KSTJ under the guidance of Commander and F+ Victor Varela Martins, KCTJ, set a Telegram Channel with up to the minute information about what roads and highways have been cut by authorities.  Over 12 major roads were cut off at his point.

Past 15:00

Donations gathered by members of the Templar Corps, OSMTHU and Secular Templi keep arriving at the Logistic Outposts in Algarve, Alcochete and Camarate.

18:21

Message by Fr+ Sérgio Ferreira, KSTJ:

Donation made in collaboration with Geezy, Continente de São Marcos (Sintra), and TemplarCorps. Delivered to the Camarate Firefighters. And you, have you made your contribution yet?

Our firefighters are urgently in need of water and other basic products. Helping those who defend us is not a right, it’s a duty!

18:30

Donations are sorted, piled in pallets and protected to prepare shipping.

20:00

A truck loaded with nine pallets is transported from Alcochete, Setubal, to Camarate, Lisbon, ready to be distributed in the affected areas at the north.

22:49

Message from Fr+ Nuno Moreira, KSTJ, coordinator of the Operation in Alcochete, Setubal:

As the local representative of the Templar Corps International, and on behalf of all the Templar Brothers, I would like to thank the Alcochete Volunteer Firefighters, particularly their President, José Carlos Costa, for all the willingness shown so that together we could successfully carry out this humanitarian mission.

A tiring day comes to an end with a sense of duty fulfilled. Nine pallets of donations were collected to be sent to the firefighters who are battling the fires devastating northern Portugal. A huge thank you to the Alcochete Volunteer Firefighters for their logistical support and for providing space in their station. A very special thank you to Mr. Francisco Nini for his willingness to provide transportation for the donations to the Camarate Volunteer Firefighters station. A heartfelt thanks to all my Templar Brothers and to Templar Corps International.

It feels good to do good.

Non Nobis Domine Non Nobis Sed Nomine Tuo Da Gloriam.

SEPTEMBER 19

9:45

Thank you message by the Alcochete Firefighters:

The Alcochete Volunteer Firefighters served as the logistical hub for receiving essential goods, which were then transported to the areas of operation. Yesterday, a truck carrying essential supplies departed for the regions affected by the fires.

The appeal strictly refers to these essential goods in kind. We are not accepting monetary donations.

We ask that no one goes to the fire-affected areas.

We thank the Templar Corps International for the solidarity shown, as well as for their organization and support. (…)

17:00

Thank you letter from Fr+ Victor Varela Martins, KCTJ, National Commander Relief/Humanitarian Efforts Portugal

Dear Friends:

The Templar Corps International wishes to tank the Volunteer Firefighter Corps of:

Ajuda
Alcochete
Camarate
Moita, to their respective Boards, Commanders, volunteers, and members;
To MedyAmbulances, Lagoa;
To the NaturBoticae Clinic, Lagos;
To CONTINENTE in Sintra;
To the company TOFRASANS, owned by Mr. Francisco Nini from Alcochete;
To the ever-generous population of various villages who immediately, opportunely, voluntarily, and charitably responded to the call issued by Templar Corps and to the various entities that responded and cooperated with donations, providing storage space, and offering local logistical support.

This is an exceptional, sad, and painful time, but the ability of our local communities to transcend and cooperate gives hope that not everything is lost, and that the lives lost were not and will not be in vain! The best way to honor them is by doing what needs to be done. The tireless work of the firefighters must have continued support!

In our role, the Templar Corps International will remain attentive and cooperative, as always!

A thank you to our Templar Corps volunteers who answered the call, and in particular, recognition to the Knights and Dames of the Order of the Temple who coordinated the entire effort over the past two days in various areas. The immediate mission set out has been fulfilled.

From issuing alerts and information, coordinating donation collection points, managing distribution and transport logistics, maintaining institutional relationships with donors, liaising with the Firefighter Corps, handling strategy and technical support, to overseeing communications and monitoring the situation around the clock— for all this and much more, the involved Knights and Dames deserve recognition and demonstrate that Templar Chivalry is alive today!

Thank you to:
KTJ Jorge Amador, 2nd National Commander TCI
KSTJ Miguel Novais Ribeiro
KSTJ Nuno Moreira
KTJ João Rafael Gonçalves
DTJ Zezinha Viegas
DSTJ Ilda Moutinho
KSTJ Hugo Miguel Rodrigues
KTJ Rui Rocha
KSTJ Sérgio Ferreira
DSTJ Lídia Antunes
KSTJ José Lemos, who, each with their own availability and skills, embraced the missions assigned to them, in some cases putting their knowledge and experience at the service of Templar Chivalry and TemplarCorps.

To all the other Brothers, I know many remained in reserve, as a strategic backup, ready to assume functions if called upon. To everyone, thank you!!!

This is Chivalry in action, the Temple is fulfilled by coordinated and ordered action around the Axis, and that is our Service.

For the greater glory of God.

Victor Varela Martins
TemplarCorps International
National Commander / Relief and Humanitarian Efforts Portugal