MAJURO — Marshall Islands President Kessai H. Note led the cabinet and the Nitijela, the local parliament, to the Amata Kabua International Airport VIP Lounge on Saturday morning to pay their last respect to the first president of the Federated States of Micronesia,Tosiwo Nakayama.
Note and officials gathered with the family of Nakayama during Continental Airlines’ transition stop-over on Majuro enroute to the FSM.
First lady Mary N. Note and the Marshalls’ first first lady, Emlain Kabua, were also present during the ceremony.
“We all understand the dedication that President Nakayama had for the people of the Micronesian region during his years in various prominent positions during the United Nation’s Administration of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. President Nakayama represented the people of FSM and Micronesia with distinction and courage,” President Note said in his statement.
“As a member of the Congress of Micronesia during the Trust Territory days, President Nakayama had the respect and admiration of his colleagues and peoples all throughout Micronesia not only because of his knowledge and insights on political issues, but also because he instilled in the people of Micronesia a sense of pride through his leadership and personal encouragements.”
Nakayama had many friends in Micronesia and the Pacific region, said President Note.
“Many of his colleagues here in the RMI remember President Nakayama as a charismatic and effective leader, one who believed that sovereignty and democracy needed to be accorded to every citizen in Micronesia.”
He said that the FSM, Palau and the RMI are now sovereign and independent nations because of the vision of leaders such as Nakayama.
“We enjoy democracy and peace throughout our region and the late President Nakayama was one of the founding fathers of the sovereignty we enjoy today.”
President Note conveyed the RMI’s deep condolences on the passing of the late FSM president saying that the people of the Marshalls mourn the lost of a great leader, a personal friend, and one of Micronesia’s highly revered and deeply respected founding fathers.
Note said that Nakayama will be remembered for his valuable contributions and leadership in the region.