 Former President Nakayama dies in HawaiiPalikir, POHNPEI (FSM Information Services): April 2, 2007 - The Government of the Federated States of Micronesia, with great sadness, announces that former President Tosiwo Nakayama passed away at the Hawaii Medical Center West in Honolulu on March 29, 2007. The late President Nakayama was the First President of the FSM. Nakayama had spent a life-time of public service in various prominent positions and roles during the United Nation's Administration of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. These positions and responsibilities included key roles in the Congress of Micronesia and the interim Congress of the Federated States of Micronesia. Nakayama's leadership, commitment and guidance during the nation's early efforts towards self-government earned him the respect of his colleagues and the people of the Federated States of Micronesia. He is one of the nation's highly revered and deeply respected Founding Fathers. In May 1979, Nakayama became the nation's first President after the FSM gained its independence as a sovereign nation and continued this tenure for a second-term. President Nakayama is from Chuuk and is survived by his children and grandchildren. He was 75. The FSM Government is currently in touch with the Nakayama family for coordination of funeral arrangements. |