Thomas Remengesau Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas Remengesau Jr.
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Remengesau in May 2016
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| 7th & 9th President of Palau | |
| In office 17 January 2013 – 21 January 2021 |
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| Vice President | Antonio Bells Raynold Oilouch |
| Preceded by | Johnson Toribiong |
| Succeeded by | Surangel Whipps Jr. |
| In office 1 January 2001 – 15 January 2009 |
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| 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 |
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| President | Kuniwo Nakamura |
| Preceded by | Kuniwo Nakamura |
| Succeeded by | Sandra Pierantozzi |
| Minister of Administration of Palau | |
| In office January 1993 – January 2001 |
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| President | Kuniwo Nakamura |
| Preceded by | Sandra Pierantozzi |
| Succeeded by | Sandra Pierantozzi |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Thomas Esang Remengesau Jr.
28 February 1956 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 Palauan politician. He served as the President of Palau for two separate periods: from 2001 to 2009, and again from 2013 to 2021. Between his two times as president, he was a Senator in the Palau National Congress.
Remengesau worked to make Palau less dependent on help from the United States. He encouraged more tourism with the idea "Preserve the Best and Improve the Rest." The "best" refers to Palau's amazing and diverse ocean life. Palau is known worldwide for its incredible underwater attractions. In foreign affairs, Remengesau helped Palau become a leader in the United Nations. He started environmental projects like the Micronesian Challenge. He also led South Pacific nations in talking about global warming and its effects in their region.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Remengesau was born in Koror, Palau. His father, Thomas Remengesau Sr., was 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 also the First Lady of Palau. Thomas Remengesau Jr. went to Grand Valley State University in Michigan, United States, and graduated in 1979.
Starting His Political Journey
At 28 years old, Remengesau became known as a strong supporter for the youth of Palau. In 1984, he was elected to the Palau National Congress (Olbiil Era Kelulau). He became the youngest senator in Palau's history at that time. In 1992, he was elected Vice President of Palau and served two terms. He also worked as the Minister of Administration of Palau.
First Time as President
In 2000, Remengesau won the presidential election. He defeated Peter Sugiyama with 52% of the votes. He easily won re-election in 2004, getting 66.5% of the votes. During his first time as president, he focused on protecting Palau's beautiful marine environment. He also worked to boost tourism, which is very important for Palau's economy.
Serving as Senator Again
After his first time as President, Remengesau ran for a senatorial seat in the Senate of Palau in 2008. He was elected as a senator. Johnson Toribiong became the next President of Palau on January 15, 2009. Remengesau continued to serve his country as a senator, facing some challenges but remaining dedicated to public service.
Second Time as President
Remengesau became President again in 2013. He won the 2012 Palauan presidential election against his successor, Johnson Toribiong. Because of his important work for Palau's environment, Remengesau received several special awards. These included the Pacific Champion Award in 2013 and the United Nations' Champions of the Earth title in 2014. He also received the Inspiring Conservation Award and the IGFA Conservation Award in 2014. In 2016, he was given the Peter Benchley Ocean Award for Excellence in National Stewardship. He appeared in the 2016 documentary film Before the Flood to talk about how Palau is affected by sea level rise.
In the 2016 Palauan presidential election, he ran for a fourth term. His brother-in-law, Senator Surangel Whipps Jr., challenged him. Remengesau won the election with 5,109 votes. He also followed in his father's footsteps as the Maderngebuked of Ngaraard, which is a traditional leadership title.
Personal Life
Thomas Remengesau Jr. is married to Debbie Remengesau.
Honors and Recognition
- Order of Brilliant Jade with Grand Cordon (Republic of China - 2007)
See also
In Spanish: Thomas Remengesau, Jr. para niños
