Marshall Island Government

President and Government Information

david-kabua-picture.jpg

His Excellency David Kabua

President of the Republic of the Marshall Islands

President David Kabua is the ninth President of the Republic of the Marshall Islands. President Kabua has been representing Wotho Atoll since his first appointment as Senator in 2008. In his second term, he was given the portfolio as Minister of Health and then later Minister of Internal Affairs. He was appointed Minister in Assistance to the President in his third term.

During his early years, President Kabua had worked in several Public Service positions as a teacher aid in the Headstart Program for two years, a student liaison officer, General Manager for the Marshall Islands Development Authority (MIDA) under the Ministry of Resources and Development, 1996, and four years as the Consul General in Orange County, California.

He has an extensive background in the private sector for more than ten years as a business owner.

President Kabua was born in Majuro and is the son of the first President of the RMI Amata Kabua and First Lady Emlain Kabua. Upon completion of his studies at Xavier High School (1971) in Chuuk, Federated States of Micronesia, President Kabua furthered his education at Hilo College and at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Together with his wife, First Lady Ginger Kabua, they have three children and one granddaughter.

PRESIDENTIAL CABINET 

Executive power lies with the President, who is Head of State and Head of Government, and the Presidential Cabinet. The President is elected by the Nitijela (Parliament). The President appoints cabinet ministers from amongst the Nitijela members to lead the government ministries with the approval of the Nitijela.

  • His Excellency David Kabua, President

  • Honorable Christopher J. Loeak, Minister In-Assistance to the President and Environment

  • Honorable Casten N. Nemra, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade

  • Honorable Alfred Alfred Jr., Minister of Finance, Banking and Postal Services

  • Honorable Kessai H. Note, Minister of Justice, Immigration and Labor

  • Honorable Kitlang Kabua, Minister of Education, Sports and Training

  • Honorable Bruce Bilimon, Minister of Health and Human Resources

  • Honorable Jemi Nashion, Minister of Culture and Internal Affairs

  • Honorable Sandy Alfred, Minister of Natural Resources and Commerce

  • Honorable Jiba B. Kabua, Minister of Works, Infrastructure and Utilities

  • Honorable Donald F. Capelle, Minister of Transportation, Communication and Information Technology

THE NITIJELA (NATIONAL PARLIAMENT)

Legislative power resides in the Nitijela, the lower house of the Marshall Islands bicameral parliament. It consists of 33 senators elected by 24 electoral districts by universal suffrage of all citizens above 18 years of age. The electoral districts correspond roughly to each atoll of the Marshall Islands. Four district centers—Majuro, Ebeye, Jaluit, and Wotje—serve as local governments with an elected council, a mayor, appointed local officials, and a local police force. Funding for the district centers comes in the form of grants from the national government and revenues raised locally. No legal restrictions exist against the formation of political parties, and two parties currently exist. 

Nitijela Leadership:

  • Honorable Kenneth A. Kedi, Speaker of Nitijela

  • Honorable Peterson Jibas, Vice Speaker of Nitijela

Senators:

  • Ailinlaplap – Minister Christopher J. Loeak, Minister Alfred Alfred, Jr.

  • Ailuk - Senator Maynard Alfred

  • Arno - Vice Speaker Jejwarick H. Anton, Senator Mike J. Halferty

  • Aur - Senator Hilda C. Heine, PhD Ed.

  • Bikini, Kili, Ejit - Vice Speaker Peterson Jibas

  • Ebon - Minister John M. Silk

  • Enewetak - Minister Jack J. Ading

  • Jabot - Minister Kessai Note

  • Jaluit - Minister Casten Nemra, Senator Daisy Alik-Momotaro, Minister Jemi Nashion

  • Kili – Senator Eldon Note

  • Kwajalein - Minister Kitlang Kabua, Senator Michael Kabua, Senator David Paul

  • Lae - Minister Thomas Heine

  • Lib - Senator Joe Bejang

  • Likiep - Minister Donald F. Capelle

  • Majuro - Senator Sandy Alfred, Senator Stephen W. Phillip, Senator Brenson S. Wase, Senator Kalani Kaneko, Senator Tony Muller

  • Maloelap – Minister Bruce Bilimon

  • Mejit – Minister Dennis Momotaro

  • Mili - Minister Wilbur Heine

  • Namu - Senator Tony Aiseia

  • Namdrik – Senator Wisely Zackhras

  • Rongelap - Speaker Kenneth Kedi

  • Utrik - Senator Hiroshi Yamamura

  • Ujae - Senator Atbi A. Riklon

  • Ujelang - Jack J. Ading

  • Wotje - Senator Ota Kisino

  • Wotho - President David Kabua

For more information, click on the Nitijela’s website here: https://www.rmiparliament.org

THE HOUSE OF IROIJ

The House of Iroij is the upper house of the Marshall Islands bicameral parliament. The House is comprised of 12 tribal chiefs who advise the Presidential Cabinet and review legislation affecting customary law or any traditional practice, including land tenure.

Council of Iroij Leadership:

  • Iroijlaplap Kotak Loeak, Chairman

  • Iroijlaplap Lein P. Zedkeia, Vice Chairman

Members:

  • Iroijlaplap Kotak Loeak, Chairman

  • Royal Clan: Mojen eo an Loeak, Ralik Chain

  • Iroijlaplap Lein P. Zedkeia, Vice Chairman

  • Royal Clan: Mona eo an Tobinwa, Majuro Atoll

  • Iroij Boklong Zackios, Member

  • Royal Clan: Mona eo an Limojwa, Ratak Chain

  • Iroij Jimata Kabua, Member

  • Royal Clan: Mojen eo an Laelan, Ratak Chain

  • Iroij Lejje Loeak, Member

  • Royal Clan: Mojen eo an Litokwa, Ralik Chain

  • Iroij Drile K. Kabua, Member

  • Royal Clan: Mojen eo an Jeimata, Ralik Chain

  • Iroij Rakinmeto Solomon, Member

  • Royal Clan: N/A, Mejit Island

  • Iroij Katwel Jormelu, Member

  • Royal Clan: N/A, Arno Atoll

  • Leroij Aine Joseph, Member

  • Royal Clan: N/A, Mili Atoll

  • Iroij Neruji Joanes, Member

  • Royal Clan: N/A, Ujelang & Enewetak

  • Leroij Loies Jerbal, Member

  • Royal Clan: N/A, Aerok Maloelap Atoll

  • Owner Melvin Narruhn, Member

  • Owner’s Clan: Debrum’s Family, Likiep Atoll

GOVERNMENT HISTORY

Germany purchased the Marshall Islands from Spain in 1899. Japan seized the Islands in 1914, governing them under a League of Nations mandate until the U.S. Navy occupied them in 1945. In 1947, the islands became part of the U.S. Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands under United Nations trusteeship. The Constitution of the Marshall Islands entered into force on May 1, 1979, at which time the parliament chose Amata Kabua to be the country’s first President. In 1983, the Marshall Islands signed a Compact of Free Association with the United States, which entered into force in 1986. Under the Compact, the country is fully sovereign in domestic and foreign affairs, but gives responsibility for defense to the United States. 

GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATION 

The government of the Marshall Islands operates under a mixed parliamentary- presidential system, which includes a ead of state—the President, who is also the head of government—and a bicameral parliament—the Council of Iroij (the upper house) and the Nitijela (the elected lower house). 

Executive: Executive power lies with the President, who is elected by the Nitijela, and the Presidential Cabinet. The President appoints cabinet ministers to leading positions in the government departments with the approval of the Nitijela. 

Legislative: Legislative power resides in the Nitijela, which consists of 33 senators elected by 24 electoral districts by universal suffrage of all citizens above 18 years of age. The electoral districts correspond roughly to each atoll of the Marshall Islands. Although no legal restrictions exist against the formation of political parties, no formal parties exist. Two ad hoc parties have existed since the mid 1990s. 

Council of Iroij: The Council of Iroij is comprised of 12 tribal chiefs who advise the Presidential Cabinet and review legislation affecting customary law or any traditional practice, including land tenure. 

POLITICAL RIGHTS AND CIVIL LIBERTIES 

Freedom of Speech and the Press: The government respects freedom of speech and the press. A privately owned weekly newspaper, the Marshall Islands Journal, publishes in both English and the Marshallese languages. There are several radio stations (one is state-owned) which give voice to a range of views. Cable television broadcasts local news as well as U.S. programs. 

Judicial Independence: The Judiciary is independent, and the rule of law is well established. The government respects the right to a fair trial. Both the national and local police honor legal civil rights protections in performing their duties. There are no restrictions on religious observance in this predominantly Christian country. 

CONSTITUTION (PREAMBLE)

“We, the people of the Marshall Islands, trusting in God, the Giver of our life, liberty, identity and our inherent rights do hereby exercise these rights and establish for ourselves and generations to come this Constitution, setting forth the legitimate legal framework for the governance of the Marshall Islands. 

We have reason to be proud of our forefathers who boldly ventured across the unknown waters of the vast Pacific Ocean many centuries ago, ably responding to the constant challenges of maintaining a bare existence on these tiny islands in their noble quest to build their own distinctive society. 

This society has survived, and has withstood the test of time, the impact of other cultures, the devastation of war, and the high price paid for the purposes of international peace and security. All we have and are today as a people, we have received as a sacred heritage which we pledge ourselves to maintain, valuing nothing more dearly than our rightful home on these islands. 

With this Constitution, we affirm our desire and right to live in peace and harmony, subscribing to the principles of democracy, sharing the aspirations of all other peoples for a free and peaceful world, and striving to do all we can to assist in achieving this goal. 

We extend to other peoples what we profoundly seek from them: peace, friendship, mutual understanding, and respect for our individual idealism and our common humanity.”

Download the entire here: Constitution (English) or Constitution (Marshallese)

Republic of the Marshall Islands Flag

Significance: The deep blue background represents the Pacific Ocean. The white and orange bands represent the Ratak (Sunrise) and Ralik (Sunset) chains, respectively. The customary symbolism of orange as the color of bravery and white as the color of peace are also recognized. The star represents the cross of Christianity, with each of the 24 points signifying a municipal district of the RMI. The four main points represent the major centers of Majuro, Ebeye, Jaluit and Wotje. The official flag is at an aspect ratio of 2:1.

Republic of the Marshall Islands Seal

Description: The outstanding feature of the Seal is the stylized Angel of Peace centered with outstretched wings. 

Around the Angel, from the top and moving clockwise: 24 point star representing the 21 municipalities of the Republic. The four longer rays represent the 4 sub-centers of Majuro (the capital), Jaluit, Wotje, and Kwajalein Atolls. 

On either side of the star are the rays which are on the flag. Each ray is of two colors, one, orange representing bravery, and the other, white representing peace. The two-colored rays also represent the two chains of atolls, the Ratak (Sunrise) and the Ralik (Sunset).

Next is a stylized fishing net, fish being the main staple of the diet of the Marshallese people. 

Next, a stylized sailing canoe, outrigger type, sails on the ocean (covering the bottom 1/3 of the seal). 

Under the stick chart is the word "SEAL." 

An island with stylized palm trees (coconut) is next. All of the Marshall Islands are low lying atolls. 

Above the right wing of the Angel is a "pounder", made out of a giant clam shell, and treasured by every family. This pounder is used to pound pandanus leaves, which are used for making mats, sails, and, traditionally, clothing. The pounder was a symbol of prosperity.  

Around the outer edges are the words "Republic of the Marshall Islands" and at the bottom, "Jepilpilin Ke ejukaan." 

The rim of the seal is a link chain representing that the islands are all linked together, half of the chain representing the Ralik group and the other half the Ratak. 

Protection of the Seal: A person who uses the seal or a representation of it, or anything that so resembles the seal as to be calculated to deceive or advertise or promote any commercial purposes, or for any purpose whatsoever without the permission of the Cabinet, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall, upon conviction, be subject to a fine of not less than $500 and no more than $2,500, a term of imprisonment of not less that 6 months nor more than one year or both. Each individual use of the seal shall be considered a separate offense. 

RMI NATIONAL ANTHEM

"Forever Marshall Islands" (music and lyrics by President Amata Kabua) 

Marshallese

Ae-lon eo ao ion lo---me-to; Einwot wut ko loti ion dren e-lae; Kin me-ram in Me-kar jen ijo---i-lan; Erreo an romak ioir kin me---ram---in mour; Iltan pein A---nij ewel-eo---sim woj; Kejolit kij kin ijin ji-kir e-mol; Ijja-min I-lok jen in ao-le-mo ran; Anij an ro je-mem wo-nak-ke im kej ram-mon Ae-lin kein am. 

English

My island lies o'er the o-cean; Like a wreath of flowers upon the sea; With a light of Mekar from far a-bove; Shining with the brilliance of rays of life;. Our Fa-ther's wondrous cre-a-tion; Bequeathed to us, our Motherland; I'll never leave my dear home sweet home; God of our forefathers protect and bless forever Marshall Islands. 

RMI & U.S. Relationship

The bilateral relationship between the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the United States of America is based on a unique and historical friendship. As nations with common commitments to world peace and security, the Marshall Islands and the U.S. initiated a strategic relationship in the aftermath of World War II. This partnership has evolved from the Trusteeship and the Cold War period of nuclear weapons testing to a modern relationship based on a shared commitment to preserve democratic principles.

World War II

The U.S. and the Marshall Islands first became allies during World War II. During the War, many Marshallese served as scouts helping the U.S. troops. Up to this day, the RMI is still a strong ally of the US, often voting along with the US on numerous issues at the United Nations, even when its other allies don’t.  For many years, the islands were governed by the U.S. Navy. Later, this function was transferred to the U.S. Department of Interior. 

Trust Territory

Following the WWII, the United Nations entrusted the U.S. Government with administering the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands (TTPI). The Strategic Trusteeship extended across six districts: the Marianas, Palau, Yap, Kosrae, Truk, Pohnpei, and the Marshall Islands. Collectively, they were governed by a High Commissioner and the Congress of Micronesia.

The U.S. Nuclear Weapons Testing Program

Because of its geographical isolation from world powers and metropolitan areas, the U.S. Government used its strategic Trust Territory to conduct atomic and thermonuclear weapons tests. From 1946 -1958, the U.S. tested 67 weapons on the land, in the air, and in the ocean areas surrounding the Marshall Islands. Forty three (43) of those tests were conducted on Enewetak Atoll which to this day houses tons of nuclear waste materials in a concrete encased tomb.  The world’s first atomic bomb was tested at Bikini atoll on March 1, 1954.  It was 1000 times more powerful than each of the bombs dropped at Hiroshima and Nagasaki during WWII, and resulted in whole islands dissipating or disappearing completely from the lagoon. Decades later, the Marshallese people still confront medical problems, environmental contamination, displacement, and social upheaval. 

The Compact of Free Association

The Compact of Free Association between the RMI and the US was signed and entered into force in 1986.  This Agreement establishes and governs the relationship of free association between the two countries.  The Compact provides economic assistance and US defense of the islands in exchange for continued US defense rights over the islands.  The US Army operates a military installation on Kwajalein Atoll which is vital to the US Missile Defense Program.  Under the Compact agreement, citizens of the RMI can live and work in the US visa free, and serve in the US Military.  Today Marshallese citizens living in the US are responsible, contributing members of their local communities and the RMI has one of the highest percentage (per capita) of citizens volunteering in the US Armed Forces.

The RMI and the US have a long history of being allies and friends. As with any friendship, it will continue as long as there is mutual respect and understanding. What started out as a strategic alliance is now a true and lasting relationship based on mutual respect for democratic principles and fundamental human rights.

LISTING OF ALL COUNTRIES WHICH HAVE ESTABLISHED DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS WITH THE REPUBLIC OF THE MARSHALL ISLANDS

 (As of 13 February 2019)

1. United States of America*                                           October 21, 1986 

2. Federated States of Micronesia                                     February 26, 1987

3. Australia                                                                        July 8, 1987

4. Israel (State of Israel)**                                               September 16, 1987

5. Fiji (Republic of Fiji)                                                    January 22, 1988

6. Kiribati ( Republic of Kiribati)                                      June 4, 1988

7. New Zealand                                                                 June 17, 1988

8. Philippines**                                                                September 15, 1988

9. Papua New Guinea                                                       September 21, 1988

10. Japan*                                                                        December 09, 1988

11. Chile                                                                          January 25, 1990

12. Solomon Islands                                                        May 23, 1990

13. Vanuatu                                                                     August 01, 1990

14. Tuvalu                                                                       September 14, 1990

15. Samoa                                                                       October 22, 1990

16. Nauru (Republic of Nauru)                                       February 22, 1991

17. Republic of Korea ( South Korea)                              March 16, 1991

18. Germany (Federal Republic of Germany)                  September 23, 1991

19. Peru                                                                          November 14, 1991

20. Cyprus ( Republic of Cyprus)                                   November 17, 1991

21. Maldives                                                                   December 16, 1991

22. Poland                                                                      December 17, 1991

23. Spain                                                                        December 17, 1991

24. United Kingdom of Great Britain                             February 02, 1992

and Northern Ireland**

25. Sweden                                                                     February 12, 1992

26. Greece                                                                      February 14, 1992

27. Egypt ( Arab Republic of Egypt)                              May 02, 1992

28. Vietnam                                                                    June 01, 1992

29. Costa Rica                                                                 June 15, 1992

30. Colombia                                                                  August 05, 1992

31. Russian Federation**                                                August 06, 1992

32. Singapore                                                                  August 28, 1992

33. Denmark                                                                  September 17, 1992

34. Norway (Kingdom of Norway)                                October 16, 1992

35. Slovenia ( Republic of Slovenia)                             October 19, 1992

36. Saint Lucia                                                               1992 

37. Malaysia                                                                  June 04, 1993

38. Iceland (Republic of Iceland)                                 January 25, 1993

39. Finland (Republic of Finland)                                January 26, 1993

40. Mexico ( United Mexican States)                          January 28, 1993

41. St. Vincent & The Grenadines                               January 28, 1993

42. Seychelles                                                               February 02, 1993

43. France                                                                    February 19, 1993

44. Austria                                                                   March 01, 1993

45. Netherlands                                                           March 02, 1993

46. Barbados                                                               March 23, 1993

47. Argentina                                                              April 23, 1993

48. Belize                                                                    April 30, 1993

49. Indonesia                                                              May 21, 1993

50. Luxembourg                                                         July 20, 1993

51. Italy                                                                      September 24, 1993

52. Thailand (Kingdom of)                                        October 29, 1993

53. Malta                                                                    February 08, 1994

54. The Holy See                                                        December 30, 1994

55. Portugal  **                                                           February 10, 1995

56. Andorra                                                                February 23, 1995

57. Kuwait                                                                  September 27, 1995

58. Ukraine                                                                December 22, 1995

59. Cape Verde                                                           December 01, 1995

60. Brunei Darussalam                                               January 17, 1996

61. South Africa                                                         January 27, 1996

62. Romania                                                               January 29, 1996

63. Belgium                                                               May 29, 1996

64. Turkmenistan                                                      October 8, 1996

65. Republic of Mauritius                                         October 23, 1996

66. India                                                                    February 02, 1997

67. Canada                                                                 August 14, 1997

68. Palau**                                                                August 01, 1998

69. ROC Taiwan *                                                     November 20, 1998

70. Slovakia                                                              January 29, 1999 

71. Order of Malta                                                   May 3, 2002

72. Swiss Federation                                                 January 22, 2003

73. Macedonia                                                         February 27, 2003

74. Republic of Turkey**                                         April 11, 2008 

75.Czech Republic **                                              April 30, 2009

76. Oriental Republic of Uruguay                           December 2, 2009

77. Azerbaijan                                                         February 18, 2010

78. Georgia                                                             February 18, 2010

79. Tajikistan                                                          February 18, 2010

80. UAE ( United Arab Emirates)                           June 03, 2010

81. Federative Republic of Brazil                             July 27, 2010

82. Kingdom of Morocco                                        September 13, 2010

83. Estonia (Republic of)                                        July 12 2013

84. Cook Islands                                                     September 03, 2013

85. Kosovo                                                              October 27, 2013

86. Mongolia                                                          May 23, 2015

87. Cuba                                                                 September 28, 2015

88. Principality of Monaco                                      September 29, 2015

89. Kyrgyz Republic                                                December 22, 2016

90. Cambodia                                                          January 20, 2017

91. Myanmar                                                           April 21, 2017

92. Guatemala                                                         July 20, 2017

93. El Salvador                                                       September 22, 2017

94. Saint Kitts and Nevis                                         December 18, 2018

95. Republic of Kazakhstan                                     February 12, 2019

96. Eswatini                                 April 15, 2019

97. Nicaragua                                    June 13, 2019

98. Bosnia and Herzegovina                                    September 23, 2019

99. Dominican Republic                                 September 23, 2019

100. Croatia                                    September 24, 2019

101. Ecuador                                    September 24, 2019

102. Honduras                                  September 24, 2019

103. Liechtenstein                               September 24, 2019

104. Lithuania                                   September 24, 2019

105. Timor-Leste                               September 25, 2019

106. Algeria                                   September 26, 2019

107. Lebanon                                   September 26, 2019

108. Paraguay                                   September 26, 2019

109. Hungary                                    September 27, 2019

*          Embassy located in Majuro

**        Consulate located in Majuro

(RMI became a UN member on 17 September 1991)