Marshall Island Government
President and Government Information
Her Excellency Hilda Heine
President of the Republic of the Marshall Islands
President Heine holds a doctorate in education from the University of Southern California, making her the first person from the Marshall Islands to earn a doctorate12. Prior to her presidency, she worked as a teacher and counselor at Marshall Islands High School and was active in women's rights advocacy through her organization, Women United Together Marshall Islands12. She has also served as Minister of Education and has been involved in international politics surrounding climate change
President Hilda C. Heine is the tenth President of the Republic of the Marshall Islands. President Heine has been representing Aur Atoll since her first appointment as Senator in 201112. She was the first woman to be chosen as President from 33 elected senators in the Marshall Islands Nitijela, serving in this capacity from 2016 to 2020 and re-elected in 2024
Kalani Kaneko serves as a Senator in the Republic of the Marshall Islands Legislature since 2016 and represents the Capital City of Majuro Atoll. He was recently appointed as the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade. He served 4 years (2020-2023) as the Chairman of the Heath, Education, and Social Affairs (HESA) Standing Committee. Minister Kaneko was assigned from 2016 to 2020 as the Minister of Health and Human Services. Prior to his political career, he served in the US Army in various capacities and duty locations. He held many leadership positions during his 20 years of service in both combat and combat support occupations. Minister Kaneko also serves as a board of director with the Marshall Islands Scholarships, Grants and Loans Board (MISGLB), Marshall Islands Social Security Board, Marshall Islands Holding Inc., and as a commissioner in Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education. He was recently appointed to chair the Secretary of the Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee for U.S. Outlying areas and Freely Associated States. Kaneko's civilian and military education includes Senior Leader Course, Advanced Leader Course, Warrior Leadership Development Course, Army Recruiter Course, Station Commander Course, Equal Opportunity Leader Course, Safety Officer Course, Unit Prevention Leader Course. He graduated from Moanalua High School in Honolulu, Hawaii. He also earned an Associate of Science in Marketing and Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Post University in Waterbury, Connecticut. Minister Kaneko is married to Lorraine Aron formerly of Kwajalein, Marshall Islands. They have two sons, Kalakini and Michael; one daughter, Lolani.
Honorable Kalani R. Kaneko
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Republic of the Marshall Islands
PRESIDENTIAL CABINET
Executive power lies with the President, who is Head of State and Head of Government, and the Presidential Cabinet. The President is elected by the Nitijela (Parliament). The President appoints cabinet ministers from amongst the Nitijela members to lead the government ministries with the approval of the Nitijela.
Her Excellency Hilda C. Heine, President
Honorable Bremity Lakjohn, Minister In-Assistance to the President and Environment
Honorable Kalani Kaneko, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Honorable David Paul, Minister of Finance, Banking and Postal Services
Honorable Wisely Zackhras, Minister of Justice, Immigration and Labor
Honorable Gerald M. Zackios, Minister of Education, Sports and Training
Honorable Ota Kisino, Minister of Health and Human Resources
Honorable Jess Gasper Jr., Minister of Culture and Internal Affairs
Honorable Tony Muller, Minister of Natural Resources and Commerce
Honorable Thomas Heine, Minister of Works, Infrastructure and Utilities
Honorable Hilton T. Kendall, Minister of Transportation, Communication and Information Technology
THE NITIJELA (NATIONAL PARLIAMENT)
Legislative power resides in the Nitijela, the lower house of the Marshall Islands bicameral parliament. It consists of 33 senators elected by 24 electoral districts by universal suffrage of all citizens above 18 years of age. The electoral districts correspond roughly to each atoll of the Marshall Islands. Four district centers—Majuro, Ebeye, Jaluit, and Wotje—serve as local governments with an elected council, a mayor, appointed local officials, and a local police force. Funding for the district centers comes in the form of grants from the national government and revenues raised locally. No legal restrictions exist against the formation of political parties, and two parties currently exist.
Nitijela Leadership:
Honorable Brenson S. Wase, Speaker of Nitijela
Honorable Isaac Zackras, Vice Speaker of Nitijela
Senators:
Ailinlaplap – Honorable Bruce Loeak, Vice Speaker of the Nitijela - Honorable Isaac Zachras
Ailuk - Honorable David Anitok
Arno - Honorable Mike Halferty, Honorable Gerald Zackios
Aur - President of the Republic of the Marshall Islands - Her Excellency Dr. Hilda C. Heine
Bikini, Kili, Ejit - Minister of Internal Affairs - Honorable Jess Gasper Jr.
Ebon - Honorable Marie Davis Milne
Enewetak - Honorable Jack J. Adding
Jabot -Honorable Kessai H. Note
Jaluit - Honorable Sonny Milne
Kili – Senator Eldon Note
Kwajalein - Honorable Drile K. Kabua, Honorable Kitlang Kabua, Minister of Finance - Honorable David Paul
Lae - Minister of Public Works - Honorable Thomas Heine
Arno - Minister of Education - Honorable Gerald M. Zackios
Likiep - Honorable Wallace Peter
Majuro - Honorable Stephen W. Phillip, Honorable David Kramer, Minister of Resources & Development - Honorable Tony Muller, Minister of Foreign Affairs - Honorable Kalani Kaneko, Speaker of the Nitijela - Honorable Brenson S. Wase
Maloelap – Honorable Bruce Bilimon
Mejit – Honorable Dennis Momotaro
Mili - Honorable Wilbur Heine
Namu - Honorable Tony Aiseia
Namdrik – Minister of Justice - Honorable Wisely Zackhras
Rongelap - Minister of Transportation & Communication - Honorable Hilton T. Kendall
Utrik - Honorable Hiroshi Yamamura
Ujae - Minister in Assistance to the President - Honorable Minister Bremity Lakjohn
Ujelang - Honorable Jack J. Ading
Wotje - Minister of Health - Honorable Ota Kisino
Wotho - Honorable David Kabua
For more information, click on the Nitijela’s website here: https://www.rmiparliament.org
THE HOUSE OF IROIJ
The House of Iroij is the upper house of the Marshall Islands bicameral parliament. The House is comprised of 12 tribal chiefs who advise the Presidential Cabinet and review legislation affecting customary law or any traditional practice, including land tenure.
Council of Iroij Leadership:
Iroij Lanny Kabua, Chairman
Iroij Farrend Zackios, Vice Chairman
Members:
Iroijlaplap Michael Kabua
Leroij Esther Zedkeia
Iroij Lejje Loeak
Iroij Ritok Loeak
Iroij Manwel Joklur
Iroij Mixon Jerbal
Leroij Nella Chutaro
Iroij Atson S. Johanes
Owner Kathrine deBrum
GOVERNMENT HISTORY
Germany purchased the Marshall Islands from Spain in 1899. Japan seized the Islands in 1914, governing them under a League of Nations mandate until the U.S. Navy occupied them in 1945. In 1947, the islands became part of the U.S. Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands under United Nations trusteeship. The Constitution of the Marshall Islands entered into force on May 1, 1979, at which time the parliament chose Amata Kabua to be the country’s first President. In 1983, the Marshall Islands signed a Compact of Free Association with the United States, which entered into force in 1986. Under the Compact, the country is fully sovereign in domestic and foreign affairs, but gives responsibility for defense to the United States.
GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATION
The government of the Marshall Islands operates under a mixed parliamentary- presidential system, which includes a ead of state—the President, who is also the head of government—and a bicameral parliament—the Council of Iroij (the upper house) and the Nitijela (the elected lower house).
Executive: Executive power lies with the President, who is elected by the Nitijela, and the Presidential Cabinet. The President appoints cabinet ministers to leading positions in the government departments with the approval of the Nitijela.
Legislative: Legislative power resides in the Nitijela, which consists of 33 senators elected by 24 electoral districts by universal suffrage of all citizens above 18 years of age. The electoral districts correspond roughly to each atoll of the Marshall Islands. Although no legal restrictions exist against the formation of political parties, no formal parties exist. Two ad hoc parties have existed since the mid 1990s.
Council of Iroij: The Council of Iroij is comprised of 12 tribal chiefs who advise the Presidential Cabinet and review legislation affecting customary law or any traditional practice, including land tenure.
POLITICAL RIGHTS AND CIVIL LIBERTIES
Freedom of Speech and the Press: The government respects freedom of speech and the press. A privately owned weekly newspaper, the Marshall Islands Journal, publishes in both English and the Marshallese languages. There are several radio stations (one is state-owned) which give voice to a range of views. Cable television broadcasts local news as well as U.S. programs.
Judicial Independence: The Judiciary is independent, and the rule of law is well established. The government respects the right to a fair trial. Both the national and local police honor legal civil rights protections in performing their duties. There are no restrictions on religious observance in this predominantly Christian country.
CONSTITUTION (PREAMBLE)
“We, the people of the Marshall Islands, trusting in God, the Giver of our life, liberty, identity and our inherent rights do hereby exercise these rights and establish for ourselves and generations to come this Constitution, setting forth the legitimate legal framework for the governance of the Marshall Islands.
We have reason to be proud of our forefathers who boldly ventured across the unknown waters of the vast Pacific Ocean many centuries ago, ably responding to the constant challenges of maintaining a bare existence on these tiny islands in their noble quest to build their own distinctive society.
This society has survived, and has withstood the test of time, the impact of other cultures, the devastation of war, and the high price paid for the purposes of international peace and security. All we have and are today as a people, we have received as a sacred heritage which we pledge ourselves to maintain, valuing nothing more dearly than our rightful home on these islands.
With this Constitution, we affirm our desire and right to live in peace and harmony, subscribing to the principles of democracy, sharing the aspirations of all other peoples for a free and peaceful world, and striving to do all we can to assist in achieving this goal.
We extend to other peoples what we profoundly seek from them: peace, friendship, mutual understanding, and respect for our individual idealism and our common humanity.”
Download the entire here: Constitution (English) or Constitution (Marshallese)
Republic of the Marshall Islands Flag
Significance: The deep blue background represents the Pacific Ocean. The white and orange bands represent the Ratak (Sunrise) and Ralik (Sunset) chains, respectively. The customary symbolism of orange as the color of bravery and white as the color of peace are also recognized. The star represents the cross of Christianity, with each of the 24 points signifying a municipal district of the RMI. The four main points represent the major centers of Majuro, Ebeye, Jaluit and Wotje. The official flag is at an aspect ratio of 2:1.
Republic of the Marshall Islands Seal
Description: The outstanding feature of the Seal is the stylized Angel of Peace centered with outstretched wings.
Around the Angel, from the top and moving clockwise: 24 point star representing the 21 municipalities of the Republic. The four longer rays represent the 4 sub-centers of Majuro (the capital), Jaluit, Wotje, and Kwajalein Atolls.
On either side of the star are the rays which are on the flag. Each ray is of two colors, one, orange representing bravery, and the other, white representing peace. The two-colored rays also represent the two chains of atolls, the Ratak (Sunrise) and the Ralik (Sunset).
Next is a stylized fishing net, fish being the main staple of the diet of the Marshallese people.
Next, a stylized sailing canoe, outrigger type, sails on the ocean (covering the bottom 1/3 of the seal).
Under the stick chart is the word "SEAL."
An island with stylized palm trees (coconut) is next. All of the Marshall Islands are low lying atolls.
Above the right wing of the Angel is a "pounder", made out of a giant clam shell, and treasured by every family. This pounder is used to pound pandanus leaves, which are used for making mats, sails, and, traditionally, clothing. The pounder was a symbol of prosperity.
Around the outer edges are the words "Republic of the Marshall Islands" and at the bottom, "Jepilpilin Ke ejukaan."
The rim of the seal is a link chain representing that the islands are all linked together, half of the chain representing the Ralik group and the other half the Ratak.
Protection of the Seal: A person who uses the seal or a representation of it, or anything that so resembles the seal as to be calculated to deceive or advertise or promote any commercial purposes, or for any purpose whatsoever without the permission of the Cabinet, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall, upon conviction, be subject to a fine of not less than $500 and no more than $2,500, a term of imprisonment of not less that 6 months nor more than one year or both. Each individual use of the seal shall be considered a separate offense.
RMI NATIONAL ANTHEM
"Forever Marshall Islands" (music and lyrics by President Amata Kabua)
Marshallese
Ae-lon eo ao ion lo---me-to; Einwot wut ko loti ion dren e-lae; Kin me-ram in Me-kar jen ijo---i-lan; Erreo an romak ioir kin me---ram---in mour; Iltan pein A---nij ewel-eo---sim woj; Kejolit kij kin ijin ji-kir e-mol; Ijja-min I-lok jen in ao-le-mo ran; Anij an ro je-mem wo-nak-ke im kej ram-mon Ae-lin kein am.
English
My island lies o'er the o-cean; Like a wreath of flowers upon the sea; With a light of Mekar from far a-bove; Shining with the brilliance of rays of life;. Our Fa-ther's wondrous cre-a-tion; Bequeathed to us, our Motherland; I'll never leave my dear home sweet home; God of our forefathers protect and bless forever Marshall Islands.
RMI & U.S. Relationship
The bilateral relationship between the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the United States of America is based on a unique and historical friendship. As nations with common commitments to world peace and security, the Marshall Islands and the U.S. initiated a strategic relationship in the aftermath of World War II. This partnership has evolved from the Trusteeship and the Cold War period of nuclear weapons testing to a modern relationship based on a shared commitment to preserve democratic principles.
World War II
The U.S. and the Marshall Islands first became allies during World War II. During the War, many Marshallese served as scouts helping the U.S. troops. Up to this day, the RMI is still a strong ally of the US, often voting along with the US on numerous issues at the United Nations, even when its other allies don’t. For many years, the islands were governed by the U.S. Navy. Later, this function was transferred to the U.S. Department of Interior.
Trust Territory
Following the WWII, the United Nations entrusted the U.S. Government with administering the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands (TTPI). The Strategic Trusteeship extended across six districts: the Marianas, Palau, Yap, Kosrae, Truk, Pohnpei, and the Marshall Islands. Collectively, they were governed by a High Commissioner and the Congress of Micronesia.
The U.S. Nuclear Weapons Testing Program
Because of its geographical isolation from world powers and metropolitan areas, the U.S. Government used its strategic Trust Territory to conduct atomic and thermonuclear weapons tests. From 1946 -1958, the U.S. tested 67 weapons on the land, in the air, and in the ocean areas surrounding the Marshall Islands. Forty three (43) of those tests were conducted on Enewetak Atoll which to this day houses tons of nuclear waste materials in a concrete encased tomb. The world’s first atomic bomb was tested at Bikini atoll on March 1, 1954. It was 1000 times more powerful than each of the bombs dropped at Hiroshima and Nagasaki during WWII, and resulted in whole islands dissipating or disappearing completely from the lagoon. Decades later, the Marshallese people still confront medical problems, environmental contamination, displacement, and social upheaval.
The Compact of Free Association
The Compact of Free Association between the RMI and the US was signed and entered into force in 1986. This Agreement establishes and governs the relationship of free association between the two countries. The Compact provides economic assistance and US defense of the islands in exchange for continued US defense rights over the islands. The US Army operates a military installation on Kwajalein Atoll which is vital to the US Missile Defense Program. Under the Compact agreement, citizens of the RMI can live and work in the US visa free, and serve in the US Military. Today Marshallese citizens living in the US are responsible, contributing members of their local communities and the RMI has one of the highest percentage (per capita) of citizens volunteering in the US Armed Forces.
The RMI and the US have a long history of being allies and friends. As with any friendship, it will continue as long as there is mutual respect and understanding. What started out as a strategic alliance is now a true and lasting relationship based on mutual respect for democratic principles and fundamental human rights.
Download the entire Compact here: Compact of Free Association
Download the Subsidiary Agreements here: Subsidiary Agreements
LISTING OF ALL COUNTRIES WHICH HAVE ESTABLISHED DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS WITH THE REPUBLIC OF THE MARSHALL ISLANDS
(As of 13 February 2019)
1. United States of America* October 21, 1986
2. Federated States of Micronesia February 26, 1987
3. Australia July 8, 1987
4. Israel (State of Israel)** September 16, 1987
5. Fiji (Republic of Fiji) January 22, 1988
6. Kiribati ( Republic of Kiribati) June 4, 1988
7. New Zealand June 17, 1988
8. Philippines** September 15, 1988
9. Papua New Guinea September 21, 1988
10. Japan* December 09, 1988
11. Chile January 25, 1990
12. Solomon Islands May 23, 1990
13. Vanuatu August 01, 1990
14. Tuvalu September 14, 1990
15. Samoa October 22, 1990
16. Nauru (Republic of Nauru) February 22, 1991
17. Republic of Korea ( South Korea) March 16, 1991
18. Germany (Federal Republic of Germany) September 23, 1991
19. Peru November 14, 1991
20. Cyprus ( Republic of Cyprus) November 17, 1991
21. Maldives December 16, 1991
22. Poland December 17, 1991
23. Spain December 17, 1991
24. United Kingdom of Great Britain February 02, 1992
and Northern Ireland**
25. Sweden February 12, 1992
26. Greece February 14, 1992
27. Egypt ( Arab Republic of Egypt) May 02, 1992
28. Vietnam June 01, 1992
29. Costa Rica June 15, 1992
30. Colombia August 05, 1992
31. Russian Federation** August 06, 1992
32. Singapore August 28, 1992
33. Denmark September 17, 1992
34. Norway (Kingdom of Norway) October 16, 1992
35. Slovenia ( Republic of Slovenia) October 19, 1992
36. Saint Lucia 1992
37. Malaysia June 04, 1993
38. Iceland (Republic of Iceland) January 25, 1993
39. Finland (Republic of Finland) January 26, 1993
40. Mexico ( United Mexican States) January 28, 1993
41. St. Vincent & The Grenadines January 28, 1993
42. Seychelles February 02, 1993
43. France February 19, 1993
44. Austria March 01, 1993
45. Netherlands March 02, 1993
46. Barbados March 23, 1993
47. Argentina April 23, 1993
48. Belize April 30, 1993
49. Indonesia May 21, 1993
50. Luxembourg July 20, 1993
51. Italy September 24, 1993
52. Thailand (Kingdom of) October 29, 1993
53. Malta February 08, 1994
54. The Holy See December 30, 1994
55. Portugal ** February 10, 1995
56. Andorra February 23, 1995
57. Kuwait September 27, 1995
58. Ukraine December 22, 1995
59. Cape Verde December 01, 1995
60. Brunei Darussalam January 17, 1996
61. South Africa January 27, 1996
62. Romania January 29, 1996
63. Belgium May 29, 1996
64. Turkmenistan October 8, 1996
65. Republic of Mauritius October 23, 1996
66. India February 02, 1997
67. Canada August 14, 1997
68. Palau** August 01, 1998
69. ROC Taiwan * November 20, 1998
70. Slovakia January 29, 1999
71. Order of Malta May 3, 2002
72. Swiss Federation January 22, 2003
73. Macedonia February 27, 2003
74. Republic of Turkey** April 11, 2008
75.Czech Republic ** April 30, 2009
76. Oriental Republic of Uruguay December 2, 2009
77. Azerbaijan February 18, 2010
78. Georgia February 18, 2010
79. Tajikistan February 18, 2010
80. UAE ( United Arab Emirates) June 03, 2010
81. Federative Republic of Brazil July 27, 2010
82. Kingdom of Morocco September 13, 2010
83. Estonia (Republic of) July 12 2013
84. Cook Islands September 03, 2013
85. Kosovo October 27, 2013
86. Mongolia May 23, 2015
87. Cuba September 28, 2015
88. Principality of Monaco September 29, 2015
89. Kyrgyz Republic December 22, 2016
90. Cambodia January 20, 2017
91. Myanmar April 21, 2017
92. Guatemala July 20, 2017
93. El Salvador September 22, 2017
94. Saint Kitts and Nevis December 18, 2018
95. Republic of Kazakhstan February 12, 2019
96. Eswatini April 15, 2019
97. Nicaragua June 13, 2019
98. Bosnia and Herzegovina September 23, 2019
99. Dominican Republic September 23, 2019
100. Croatia September 24, 2019
101. Ecuador September 24, 2019
102. Honduras September 24, 2019
103. Liechtenstein September 24, 2019
104. Lithuania September 24, 2019
105. Timor-Leste September 25, 2019
106. Algeria September 26, 2019
107. Lebanon September 26, 2019
108. Paraguay September 26, 2019
109. Hungary September 27, 2019
* Embassy located in Majuro
** Consulate located in Majuro
(RMI became a UN member on 17 September 1991)