Gibson Kanai
Gibson Kanai | |
|---|---|
| Speaker of the House of Delegates of Palau | |
| Assumed office 16 January 2025 | |
| Preceded by | Sabino Anastacio |
| Floor Leader of the House of Delegates of Palau | |
| In office 15 January 2009 – 16 January 2025 | |
| Succeeded by | Warren Umetaro |
| Personal details | |
| Spouse | Elsie Uherbelau |
Gibson Kanai is a Palauan politician who has served as speaker of the House of Delegates of Palau since January 2025.
Career
Kanai is from Ngaraard and served as Speaker of the Ngaraard State Legislature.[1][2] He was elected to the House of Delegates of Palau in the 2008 Palauan general election and subsequently assumed the role of floor leader.[2]
Kanai represented Palau in the Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA) and served as one of the vice presidents of the organization.[3] He also chaired the committee during the 2010 APA session in Palau.[4]
He was reelected as a delegate in the 2024 Palauan general election and became the speaker of the House of Delegates of Palau.[5] In July 2025, Kanai co-signed a letter with Senate President Hokkons Baules stating that the National Congress would not accept a United States proposal for Palau to host third country asylum seekers.[6]
Personal life
He is married to Elsie Kanai (née Uherbelau).[1]
References
- ^ a b ""Spotlight on OEK" Interview Series: Vol.1 Hon. Speaker Gibson Kanai". Embassy of Japan in the Republic of Palau. 19 May 2025. Archived from the original on 15 August 2025. Retrieved 15 August 2025.
- ^ a b Haglelgam, John R. (Spring 2010). "Micronesia in Review: Issues and Events, 1 July 2008 to 30 June 2009". The Contemporary Pacific. 22 (1). et al. University of Hawaiʻi Press. Archived from the original on 15 August 2025. Retrieved 15 August 2025.
- ^ "Palau hosts Asian Parliamentary Assembly meeting". Marianas Variety News & Views. 15 March 2010. Archived from the original on 15 August 2025. Retrieved 15 August 2025.
- ^ Staff, Variety News (17 March 2010). "APA subcommittees convene in Palau". Marianas Variety News & Views. Archived from the original on 15 August 2025. Retrieved 15 August 2025.
- ^ Reklai, Leilani (13 December 2024). "New Faces, New Roles". Island Times. Archived from the original on 15 August 2025. Retrieved 15 August 2025.
- ^ Needham, Kirsty (28 July 2025). "Palau lawmakers reject US request to accept third country refugees". Reuters. Archived from the original on 16 August 2025. Retrieved 16 August 2025.