About
Office Of The Speaker
Speaker of Nitijela
Roles & Functions of the Office of the Speaker
Honorable Brenson S. Wase
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.
Current Speaker of Nitijela (2024 to Current)
Speaker of Nitijela
Honorable Brenson S. Wase
SPECIAL INTEREST/HOBBIES
Fishing, traveling, meeting people, working with young people, and likes all sports.
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
7th Speaker of Nitijela (2016 to 2023)
Speaker of Nitijela
Honorable Kenneth A. Kedi
SPECIAL INTEREST/HOBBIES
PERSONAL
- Available soon
EDUCATION
- Available soon
SERVICE RECORD
- Available soon
6th Speaker of Nitijela (2012 to 2015)
Speaker of Nitijela
Honorable Donald F. Capelle
SPECIAL INTEREST/HOBBIES
Farming; especially planting of coconut trees & other eatable crops Fishing; Reading.
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
- 1995-1999 - Minsiter of Internal Affairs
- 1986 to 1989 - Chairman, Foreign Investment Advisory Board
- 1985 to 2004 - Member, National Board of Education
5th Speaker of Nitijela (2010 to 2011)
Speaker of Nitijela
Honorable Alvin T Jacklick
SPECIAL INTEREST/HOBBIES
Available soon
PERSONAL
- Date of Birth: August 3, 1949
- Place of Birth: Kwajalein Atoll, Republic of the Marshall Islands
- Marital Status: Available soon
- Spouse:
- Children: Available soon
- Nationality: Marshallese
- Church Affiliation: Available soon
- Language: English, Marshallese & Chuukese
- CONSTITUENCY: Kwajalein Atoll
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
SERVICE RECORD
- Present - Elected Senator to Nitijela from Kwajalein Atoll
- 2012 to 2015 - Re-elected Senator to Nitijela from Jaluit Atoll
- 2009 to 2012 - Elected Speaker of Nitijela of RMI
- 2005 to 2008 - Re-elected Senator to Nitijela from Jaluit Atoll - Minister of Health
- 2000 to 2004 - Re-elected Senator to Nitijela from Jaluit Atoll - Minister of Foreign Affairs
- 1996 to 1999 - Re-elected Senator to Nitijela from Jaluit Atoll
- 1992 to 1995 - Elected Senator to Nitijela from Jaluit Atoll
- - Elected Member of the 3rd Constitutional Convention from Kwajalein Atoll
- 1982 to 1992 - Elected Mayor of Kwajalein Atoll
4th Speaker of Nitijela (2008 to 2009)
Speaker of Nitijela
Late Honorable and Iroijlaplap Jurelang Zedkaia
PERSONAL
- Date of Birth: July 13, 1950
- Place of Birth: Majuro Atoll, Republic of the Marshall Islands
- Marital Status: Available soon
- Spouse: Hannah T Jurelang
- Children: 7 children
- Nationality: Marshallese
- Church Affiliation: Available soon
- Language: English &Marshallese
- CONSTITUENCY: Majuro Atoll
EDUCATION
- 1967 to 1969 - Diploma at Calvary Bible Institute, RMI
- 1966 to 1967 - 1 year at Marshall Islands High School
- 1957 to 1967 - Certificate of Completion at Assumption Elementary School
SERVICE RECORD
- 2012 to 2015 - Relected Senator to Nitijela from Majuro Atoll
- 2009 to 2011 - Elected President of the RMI
- 2008 to 2009 - Elected Speaker of Nitijela
- 2000 to 2007 - Re-elected Senator to Nitijela from Majuro Atoll
- ???? to 1999 - Elected Vice Speaker of Nitijela
- 1993 to 1994 - Elected member of the Third Constitutional Convention in 1994 from Majuro Atoll
- ???? to 1992 - Elected Senator to Nitijela from Majuro Atoll
- ???? to 1990 - Elected member of the Second Constitutional Convention in 1990 from Majuro Atoll
- ???? to ???? - Elected & Appointed Executive Councilmember of Majuro Atoll Local Government
- 15 year service at the Pharmacy in the Health Services.
APPOINTMENTS TO COMMITTEES:
- 2012 to 2015 - Nitijela Standing Committee on Health Education & Social Affairs (HESA)
- - Nitijela Standing Committee on Ways and Means (W&M)
SPECIAL INTEREST/HOBBIES
- Fishing, bowling & singing
3rd Speaker of Nitijela (2000 to 2007)
Speaker of Nitijela
Late Honorable and Iroij Litokwa Tomeing
PERSONAL
- Date of Birth: October 14, 1939
- Place of Birth: Wotje Atoll, Republic of the Marshall Islands
- Marital Status: Married
- Spouse: Arlin PhillipTomeing
- Children: 7 children
- Nationality: Marshallese
- Church Affiliation: Unknown
- Language: English & Marshallese
- CONSTITUENCY: Wotje Atoll
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
SERVICE RECORD
- Present - Re-elected Senator to Nitijela from Wotje Atoll
- 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
- 1996 to 1998 - Appointed Minister in Assistance to the President
- 1992 to 1995 - Elected Vice Speaker of the Nitijela of the RMI
- 1977 to 1979 - Member at Large Representative from Ralik Chain to the 1st Constitution Convention
- - Elected Delegate from Ebon, Namdrik, Kili and Jaluit to the Micronesian Constitutional Convention at Spain
- 1974 to 1978 - Elected Delegate from Ebon, Namdrik, Kili and Jaluit to the Marshall Islands District Legislature
- 1970 to 1974 - Media & Curriculum Specialist in the Dept. of Education
- 1968 to 1973 - Teacher of Wotja Elementary School
- 1965 to 1968 - Teacher of Rita Elementary School on Majuro
- 1961 to 1964 - Principal/Teacher of Ebon Elementary School
SPECIAL INTEREST/HOBBIES
- Avocation; fishing; gardening; community services and organizer.
2nd Speaker of Nitijela (1988 to 1999)
Speaker of Nitijela
Honorable 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
EDUCATION
- Available soon
SERVICE RECORD
- Present - Re-elected Senator to Nitijela from Jabot Island
- 2012 to 2015 - Re-elected Senator to Nitijela from Jabot Island
- 2008 to 2011 - Re-elected Senator to Nitijela from Jabot Island
- 2004 to 2007 - Re-ected President of the Republic of the Marshall Islands
- 2000 to 2003 - Elected the 3rd President of the Republic of the Marshall Islands
- 1988 to 1999 - Elected Speaker of Nitijela
- 1986 to 1987 - Appointed Minister of Transportation & Communication
- 1985 to 1986 - Appointed Minister of Internal Affairs
- 1979 to 1985 - Appointed Minister of Resources and Development
- 1977 to 1979 - Elected delegate to the Marshall Islands 1s Constitutional
- Convention & First elected Senator to Nitijela from Jabot Island.
SPECIAL INTEREST/HOBBIES
- Available soon
1st Speaker of Nitijela (1979 to 1987)
Speaker of Nitijela
Late Honorable 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
- 1945 to 1946 - United Nation Navy Interpretor School, USA
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