José Lucas da Silva

José Lucas do Carmo da Silva (born 2 March 1970) is an East Timorese politician, marine biologist and academic, and a member of the Fretilin political party.

From June 2020 to July 2023, he was Minister of Tourism, Trade and Industry, serving in the VIII Constitutional Government of East Timor led by Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak.Presently he the President of Timor Leste Marine and Fishery Association(TLMFA) or in tetum Asosiaun Peskas no Marina Timor Leste (Apm-tl).

Early life and career From 1990 to 1993, Silva completed a marine and fisheries science training program at Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Kelautan dan Perikanan in Jakarta, Indonesia.

From 1993 to 1996, Silva was a technical officer in the Fisheries Office. From 1996 to 1998, he studied marine and fisheries science at the University of Brawijaya (UB) in Malang, Indonesia; he graduated with an engineering degree. From 1999 to 2001, he served as an officer at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) office in East Timor, and then, from 2001 to 2003, he studied at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, graduating with a Master of Science degree in Natural Resource Development and Protection.

Political career Following a change in the governing coalition, and the admission of Fretilin to the VIII Constitutional Government, Silva was sworn in as Minister of Tourism, Trade and Industry on 24 June 2020.

Silva's tenure as Minister ended when the IX Constitutional Government took office on 1 July 2023. He was succeeded by Filipus Nino Pereira.