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Thomas Remengesau Jr.
Tommy Remengesau 2016.jpg
Remengesau in May 2016
7th & 9th President of Palau
In office
17 January 2013 – 21 January 2021
Vice President Antonio Bells
Raynold Oilouch
Preceded by Johnson Toribiong
Succeeded by Surangel Whipps Jr.
In office
1 January 2001 – 15 January 2009
Vice President Sandra Pierantozzi
Elias Camsek Chin
Preceded by Kuniwo Nakamura
Succeeded by Johnson Toribiong
4th Vice President of Palau
In office
1 January 1993 – 1 January 2001
President Kuniwo Nakamura
Preceded by Kuniwo Nakamura
Succeeded by Sandra Pierantozzi
Minister of Administration of Palau
In office
January 1993 – January 2001
President Kuniwo Nakamura
Preceded by Sandra Pierantozzi
Succeeded by Sandra Pierantozzi
Personal details
Born
Thomas Esang Remengesau Jr.

(1956-02-28) 28 February 1956 (age 69)
Koror, Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands
(now Palau)
Political party Independent
Spouse Debbie Remengesau
Children 4 (including TJ Imrur)
Parents Thomas Remengesau Sr.
Ferista Esang Remengesau
Relatives Valerie Whipps (Sister)
Surangel Whipps (Brother-in-law)
Alma mater Grand Valley State University

Thomas Esang "Tommy" Remengesau Jr. (born 28 February 1956) is a well-known Palauan politician. He has served as the president of Palau two times. He was the seventh president from 2001 to 2009. Later, he became the ninth president from 2013 to 2021.

Before becoming president, he was the Vice-President of Palau. He also served as a Senator in the Palau National Congress. He is known for his efforts to help Palau grow. He also works to protect Palau's amazing natural environment.

Early Life and Education

Thomas Remengesau Jr. was born in Koror, Palau. His father, Thomas Remengesau Sr., was also an important leader in Palau. He served as District Administrator, Minister of Justice, Vice President, and even briefly as President.

His mother, Ferista Esang Remengesau, was the First Lady of Palau. Thomas Remengesau Jr. went to Grand Valley State University in the United States. He graduated from there in 1979.

Political Journey

Starting as a Senator and Vice President

Tommy Remengesau
Remengesau in 2008.

At 28 years old, Thomas Remengesau Jr. became the youngest senator in Palau's history. He was elected to the Palau National Congress in 1984. He gained support from young voters and became a strong voice for the youth of Palau.

In 1992, he was elected Vice President of Palau. He served two terms in this role. During this time, he also worked as the Minister of Administration of Palau.

First Time as President

In 2000, Thomas Remengesau Jr. won the presidential election. He was supported by the outgoing President Kuniwo Nakamura. He easily won re-election in 2004, continuing his work as president.

Serving as Senator Again

After his first time as president, Remengesau ran for a senatorial seat again. He was elected to the Senate of Palau in 2008. He served as a senator between his two terms as president.

Second Time as President

In 2013, Thomas Remengesau Jr. became President of Palau for a second time. He won the election against his successor, Johnson Toribiong.

He is well-known for his dedication to protecting Palau's environment. For his important work, he received several awards. These include the Pacific Champion Award in 2013. He also earned the United Nations' Champion of the Earth title in 2014. He appeared in the 2016 film Before the Flood. In the film, he talked about how Palau is affected by sea level rise.

In 2016, he was re-elected for his fourth term as president. He ran against his brother-in-law, Senator Surangel Whipps Jr.. Remengesau also holds the traditional title of Maderngebuked of Ngaraard, following his father.

Personal Life

Thomas Remengesau Jr. is married to Debbie Remengesau.

Honors

  • Order of Brilliant Jade with Grand Cordon (Republic of China - 2007)

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Thomas Remengesau, Jr. para niños

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