Office of the Speaker

Sen. B. S. Wase1

Honorable Brenson S. Wase

Speaker of Nitijela

Roles & Functions of the Office of the Speaker

The Speaker is elected from the membership of the Nitijela by a simple majority. By contrast, the removal of the Speaker requires a 2/3 majority vote. The Speaker is the head of the Parliament. The most prominent of the Speaker's tasks is to preside over meetings of the Nitijela and to ensure that the official business of the Nitijela is conducted in compliance with the Constitution and the Rules of Procedures of the Nitijela.

The Speaker ensures that discipline and decorum is maintained throughout the conduct business of the Nitijela. All laws that have properly been passed by the Nitijela come into effect only on the date such laws receive certification by the Speaker.

In addition, the Speaker is responsible for formally appointing the President elect and Members of the Cabinet to Office. Whenever the Speaker is unable to carry out his or her duties, the Vice Speaker will assume such responsibilities.

Speakers' Profiles:

Current Speaker of Nitijela (2024 to Current)

Honorable Brenson S. Wase

Speaker of Nitijela

Sen. B. S. Wase1

PERSONAL

Date of Birth: May 28, 1952

Place of Birth: Ine, Arno Atoll, Republic of the Marshall Islands

Marital Status: Married

Spouse: Antonia U. Wase

Children: 4 children

Nationality: Marshallese

Church Affiliation:

Language: English & Marshallese

CONSTITUENCY: Majuro Atoll

EDUCATION

1. University of Hawaii, Hilo (Businesss Administration)

2. Mid-Pacific Institute in Honolulu, Hawaii

3. Marshall Islands High School

4. Mizpha High School of Micronesia in Truk

5. Rita Elementary School (RES)

SERVICE RECORD

2023-Present - Speaker of Nitijela

2021-2023 - Minister of Finance

2016-2020 - Minister of Finance

2009 - Minister of Justice

2002-2008 - Minister of Finance

2000-2002 - Minister of Transportation

1991-1995 - Ministr of Internal of Interior

1995-1999 - Minsiter of Internal Affairs

1987 - Reelected and Appointed as Minsiter of Resources and Development

1984 - Minister of Social Services

1983 - First elected as Senator from Arno Atoll

Will include more soon.

APPOINTMENT TO COMMITTEES/BOARDS:

Available soon

SPECIAL INTEREST/HOBBIES

Fishing, traveling, meeting people, working with young people, and likes all sports.

7th Speaker of Nitijela (2016 to 2023)

6th Speaker of Nitijela (2012 to 2015)

Honorable Donald F. Capelle

Speaker of Nitijela

DFC

PERSONAL

Date of Birth: April 13, 1950

Place of Birth: Likiep Atoll, Republic of the Marshall Islands

Marital Status: Married

Spouse: Rosita Capelle

Children: 3 children

Nationality: Marshallese

Church Affiliation: Catholic

Language: English & Marshallese

CONSTITUENCY: Likiep Atoll

EDUCATION

1998 - Certificate in Health Care Financing at Boston University, USA

1977 to 1978 - Legal Research, Civil Procedure I & II, Torts I & II, Contract I & II

Community Property & Real Property at Northwestern State University, College of Law, USA

1970 to 1974 - Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at University of Hawaii, USA

1960 to 1970 - Diploma at Thurston Senior High Springfield, Oregon, USA

1966 to 1969 - Marshall Islands High School, RMI

1964 to 1966 - Certificate at Likiep Elementary School, RMI

1955 to 1963 - Likiep Holy Rosary School, RMI

POST GRADUATE

Management for Senior Level Personnel in Government

Strategic Management and Budgeting

Personnel Management and Leadership

Government Leadership, USDA, 1991

SERVICE RECORD

2012 Present - Speaker of the Nitijela (Parliament)

2008 to 2012 - Member Elected to Nitijela from Likiep Atoll (Senator)

2004 to 2008 - Member of the Cabinet, Minister of Justice, Member Elected to Nitijela

2002 to 2004 - Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, RMI

1992 to 2002 - Secretary of Health & Environment, Ministry of Health and

1986 to 1992 - Secretary of Resources & Development, Ministry of Resources &

1983 to 1986 - Chief Clerk of Nitijela (Parliament), Legislative Branch, RMI

1980 to 1983 - Assistant Legislative Counsel, Legislative Office for the Nitijela, RMI

1978 to 1980 - Translator/Interpreter, Nitijela, Legislative Branch, RMI

1975 to 1977 - Legal Counsel, Micronesia Legal Service Corporation (MLSC)

1974 to 1975 - Teacher at the Marshall Islands High School (MIHS)

APPOINTMENT TO BOARDS:

2012 to 2015 - Member & Chairman, Board of Governors, Pacific Islands Development Bank (PIDB)

2004 to 2007 - Vice Chairman, Board of Director, Micronesian Legal Service Corporation

1990 to 2004 - Chairman of the Board of Directors, Marshall Islands Development Bank

2002 to 2004 - Chairman of the Board of Directors, Marshall Islands Marine Resources Authority

2000 to 2003 - Chairman, Board of Directors, Marshall Islands Environmental Protection Agency

1995 to 1998 - Chairman, Assumption School Board

1987 to 1990 - Chairman of the Marshall Islands Scholarship and Loan Board

1986 to 1989 - Chairman, Foreign Investment Advisory Board

1985 to 2004 - Member, National Board of Education

SECIAL INTEREST/HOBBIES

Farming; especially planting of coconut trees & other eatable crops

Fishing;

Reading.

Current Speaker of Nitijela (2024 to Current)

7th Speaker of Nitijela (2016 to 2023)

6th Speaker of Nitijela (2012 to 2015)

5th Speaker of Nitijela (2010 to 2011)

4th Speaker of Nitijela (2008 to 2009)

3rd Speaker of Nitijela (2000 to 2007)

2nd Speaker of Nitijela (1988 to 1999)

1st Speaker of Nitijela (1979 to 1987)