Amata Kabua [SEP] position held
Amata Kabua
Amata Kabua (November 17, 1928 – December 20, 1996) was the first president of the Marshall Islands from 1979 to 1996 (five consecutive terms).
Background.
Amata is often regarded as the last paramount chief "(iroijlaplap)" of the Marhall Islands, as he could claim inherited chief status from both the Eastern and Western chains of the islands. He was the son of the chiefess Tarjikit of the Eastern island chain and a Japanese administrator, and was adopted by chief Lojelañ of
. He is married to Anono Lieom Loeak and has three children and eight grandchildren.
Political career.
Loeak was first elected to the "Nitijela" in 1985 when he represented the Ailinglaplap Atoll. He served in the cabinet of President Amata Kabua as Minister of Justice from 1988 to 1992. He became Minister of Social Services in 1992 and held that post until 1996 when Kunio Lemari became acting president on the death of Kabua and Loeak became Minister of Education. He held the education portfolio for two years, continuing his