Early Life
Remengesau was born in Koror, Palau. His father, Thomas Remengesau Sr., held various important roles in Palau, including District Administrator and Vice President. His mother, Ferista Esang Remengesau, also served as First Lady of Palau. Remengesau studied at Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Michigan, USA, and graduated from there.
Political Career
Early Political Roles and Presidential Terms
Thomas Esang "Tommy" Remengesau Jr. embarked on his political career at a young age. At just 28, he targeted the youth voting bloc in Palau and emerged as a prominent advocate for the nation's youth. In 1984, he clinched a historic victory, becoming Palau's youngest senator. His election was a testament to his grassroots campaign and widespread support from the youth.
He later ascended to the role of Vice-President of Palau in 1992 and successfully served two terms in this position. Additionally, he held the important portfolio of Minister of Administration. In the year 2000, with the endorsement of outgoing President Kuniwo Nakamura, he secured the presidential election, defeating his opponent by a margin of 52% to 46%.
First Presidential Term (2001-2004)
His first presidency officially started in January, 2001. Remengesau aimed, according to his statement to the UN in 2002, to reduce Palau's reliance on external aid and establish self-sufficiency with the slogan "Preserve the Best and Improve the Rest." This means preserving the rich marine resources around Palau, known for its top-tier underwater attractions. In international affairs, he elevated Palau's status, strengthening relations with Taiwan, established in 1999. Remengesau appointed first Palauan Ambassador to Taiwan, Johnson Toribiong - he held that position from October 2001 to December 2008. He was a strong advocate for addressing global warming in the South Pacific; in 2003, his government passed the Palau Protected Areas Network Act, establishing the system to support governmental efforts in protecting natural resources.
Remengesau's triumph in the 2004 re-election was even more decisive, with a victory margin of 6,494 votes (66.5%) to 3,268 (33.5%) of the opponent, Polycarp Basilius.
DePaiva Family Tragedy
The incident happened in December, 2003, in Airai state, which a family of adventist pastor, Ruimar Duarte DePaiva, except for a survived daughter Melissa, was killed. After Justin's arrest and sentence (three life sentences), Remengesau expressed apologies to Melissa and stated that were a "shocking tragedy, a heinous crime that has never been experienced in the republic before".
Second Presidential Term (2004-2008)
On the second term Remengesau concetrated on domestic and environmental policies. In 2005, he co-founded the Global Island Partnership (GLISPA) alongside the President of Seychelles, an initiative that has since catalyzed more than $130 million for conservation and livelihood support on islands. Next, in 2006, at the eighth Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, Remengesau announced Micronesia Challenge - a new environmental governance agreement among five states and territories of Micronesia region:
Return to the Senate
After completing his presidential term, Remengesau announced his candidacy for a senatorial seat in the Palauan Senate, in 2008. Despite his extensive political experience, he came in 11th place in the election.
Charges and Verdict
Following his presidency, legal issues arose concerning property disclosure. While these charges primarily revolved around technical aspects related to the filing of personal assets under the Code of Ethics law, they led to an investigation and legal proceedings. Remengesau emerged from this trial with insights into the importance of asset disclosure for public officials.
Third Presidential Term (2013-2017)
In 2013, Remengesau assumed office for his second term as President, winning the Palauan election of 2012. In October 2015, he signed the Palau National Marine Sanctuary into law, setting a prohibition for commercial fishing for 80% of the country's territorial waters. The same year, Remengesau announced a reduction of the number of charter flights between Palau and China. The action was pitched as protecting Palau's infrastructure, and environment abric from an unsustainable tourism surge.
His commitment to environmental initiatives garnered significant recognition. He received prestigious awards such as the Pacific Champion Award and the United Nations' Champion of the Earth title in 2013, as well as the Inspiring Conservation Award and the IGFA Conservation Award in 2014. In 2016, he continued his mission, earning the Peter Benchley Ocean Award for Excellence in National Stewardship.
For his efforts in raising awareness about the vulnerability of Palau to sea-level rise, Remengesau made an appearance in the 2016 documentary film "Before the Flood."
In the November 2016 election, he faced a formidable challenge from his brother-in-law, Senator Surangel Whipps Jr., in his bid for a fourth presidential term. Despite a competitive race, Remengesau secured victory with 5109 votes compared to Whipps' 4854.
