FSM Information Services
Press Release
In Memoriam: The Honorable Jacob Nena
PALIKIR, Pohnpei—On July 7th, 2022, the Government of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) announced that the Honorable Jacob Nena, former President of the FSM, passed away. The former President was in Sacramento, California, at the time of his passing.
Born on October 10th, 1941, in Lelu, Kosrae, President Nena attended the College of Guam between 1964 to 1968 where he graduated with a BA degree in Political Science and minors in English and Economics. In 1972, President Nena graduated with an MA degree in Public Administration and Business Management at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
President Nena served as the Deputy District Administrator for Kosrae from 1970 to 1977 and became the first elected Governor for Kosrae State in 1979. President Nena was a member of the Micronesian Political Status and Transition Commission from 1979 to 1981.
In his years as a Senator, President Nena served in the 5th Congress of the FSM and the 6th Congress of the FSM. In the 5th Congress of the FSM, President Nena served on the Health, Education, & Social Affairs Committee, the Judiciary & Governmental Operations Committee, and the External Affairs Committee. In the 6th Congress of the FSM, President Nena served on the Health, Education, & Social Affairs Committee (as Chair), the Resources & Development Committee, and the External Affairs Committee.
Jacob Nena became the fourth Vice President of the FSM from 1991 to 1996, and Acting President from late 1996 to May 1997. On May 8th, 1997, Jacob Nena became the fourth President of the FSM.
The FSM National Government recognizes that President Nena dedicated his life to the service of this Nation with unquestionable leadership and integrity. President Nena was committed to a free and sovereign Micronesia, and dedicated the whole of his life to building the Nation’s prosperity.
President Nena exemplified, in his personal and professional life, the FSM’s foreign policy of being a friend to all and an enemy to none, and extending to all peoples and nations peace, friendship, cooperation, and love in our common humanity.
His Excellency David W. Panuelo, President of the FSM, has proclaimed a national mourning period in honor of the late former President Jacob Nena. The President’s proclamation may be found here: https://gov.fm/files/PRESIDENTIAL_PROCLAMATION_for_Late_President_Jacob_Nena_signed.pdf
