Rolse & 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
Honorable Speaker Kenneth A. Kedi
PERSONAL
Available soon
CONSTITUENCY:
6th Speaker of Nitijela (2012 to 2015)
Honorable Speaker Donald F Capelle
CONSTITUENCY: Likiep Atoll
5th Speaker of Nitijela (2010 to 2011)
Honorable Speaker Alvin T Jacklick
EDUCATION
1974 to 1977 - Bachelor of Arts & Political Science at University of Washington, USA
1970 to 1974 - Diploma at Mizpah High School, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM)
1966 to 1970 - Certificate at Ebeye Christian Elementary School, RMI
1950 to 1954 - Catholic Elementary School, Likiep & Jaluit Atoll, RMI
4th Speaker of Nitijela (2008 to 2009)
Late Honorable Speaker Iroijlaplap Jurelang Zedkaia
1967 to 1969 - Diploma at Calvary Bible Institute, RMI
3rd Speaker of Nitijela (2000 to 2007)
Honorable Speaker Iroijlaplap Litokwa Tomeing
Children: 7 children
Nationality: Marshallese
Church Affiliation: Unknown
EDUCATION
1970 to 1972 - University of Hawaii, USA
1975 to 1961 - PIC High School, Pohnpei, FSM
1954 to 1957 - Intermediate School
1950 to 1954 - Catholic Elementary School, Likiep & Jaluit Atoll, RMI
2012 to 2015 - Re-ected Senator to Nitijela from Wotje Atoll
2008 to 2009 - Elected President of the RMI
- Served as Chancellor of the University of the South Pacific
2000 to 2008 - Elected Speaker of the Nitijela of the RMI
2nd Speaker of Nitijela (1988 to 1999)
Honorable Speaker Kessai H Note
PERSONAL
Date of Birth: August 7, 1950
Place of Birth: Airok Alinglaplap Atoll, Republic of the Marshall Islands
Marital Status: Married
Spouse: Mary Neimoj Yamamura Note
Children: 6 children
Nationality: Marshallese
Church Affiliation: Available soon
Language: English & Marshallese
CONSTITUENCY: Jabot Island
Available soon
Present - Re-elected Senator to Nitijela from Jabot Island
1st Speaker of Nitijela (1979 to 1987)
Late Honorable Speaker Atlan Anien
PERSONAL
Date of Birth: January 17, 1920
Place of Birth: Namu Namu Atoll, RMI
Marital Status: Married
Spouse: Risa Anien
Children: 2 children
Nationality: Marshallese
Church Affiliation: Protestant
Language: English & Marshallese
CONSTITUENCY: Namu Atoll
EDUCATION
1946 to 1960 - University of Hawaii, USA
1945 to 1946 - United Nation Navy Interpretor School, USA
1929 to 1935 - Jaluit Protestant Mission Elementary School, RMI
SERVICE RECORD
1969 to 1987 - 1st Elected Speaker of the Nitijela of RMI
1977 to 1978 - Elected Delegate to the 1st Constitutional Convention from Namu Atoll
1965 to 1969 - Elected Representative to the Congress of Micronesia
1960 to 1969 - Appointed Secretary, Congress of Marshall Islands
1957 to 1958 - Elected Speaker of House of Assembly
1953 to 1957 - Micronesian Self Government Conference
1953 to 1955 - Appointed Secretary, DUD Council
1950 to 1952 - Appointed Secretary, House of Assembly
1950 to 1955 - Superintendent of Elementary Education
1946 to 1949 - Elementary School Teacher
SPECIAL INTEREST/HOBBIES
Not Available