PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSMIS) — The government of the Federated States of Micronesia, with great sadness, announces that former President Tosiwo Nakayama passed away at the Hawaii Medical Center West in Honolulu on March 29. He was 75.
Nakayama was the first president of the FSM.
He spent a life-time of public service in various prominent positions and roles during the United Nations’ administration of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands.
These positions and responsibilities included key roles in the Congress of Micronesia and the interim Congress of the Federated States of Micronesia.
Nakayama’s leadership, commitment and guidance during the nation’s early efforts toward self-government earned him the respect of his colleagues and the people of the Federated States of Micronesia.
He is one of the nation’s highly revered and deeply respected FSM founding fathers.
In May 1979, Nakayama became the nation’s first president after the FSM gained its independence. He served a second term.
Nakayama is from Chuuk and is survived by his children and grandchildren.
The FSM government is in touch with the Nakayama family for coordination of funeral arrangements.