Thomas Remengesau Jr. | |
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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. 28 February 1956 Koror, Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands (now Palau) |
Political party | Independent |
Spouse | Debbie Remengesau |
Children | 4 (including TJ Imrur) |
Parent(s) | 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[1]) is a Palauan politician. In 2013, he was elected the ninth president of Palau and was re-elected to that office in 2016. Previously he served as the seventh president of the island nation from 2001 to 2009. He served as a Senator in the Palau National Congress between his two administrations.[2] In sum, Remengesau was elected Vice-President of Palau in 1992 and 1996, then president in 2000, 2004, 2012 and 2016.
Intending to make Palau less dependent upon United States aid, Remengesau has promoted the expansion and growth of tourism in Palau with the slogan "Preserve the Best and Improve the Rest". The "best" refers to Palau's especially bountiful and diverse marine water resources surrounding the islands, and, as a venue of underwater attractions, its reputation among the very top in the world. In foreign affairs, Remengesau has actively advanced Palau's presence in the United Nations, elevating Palau to leadership among the international community through such environmental initiatives as the Micronesian Challenge. He is also a leader among South Pacific nations in advocating awareness of global warming and its effects in the South Pacific Region.