Ionatana Ionatana
Encyclopedia
Ionatana Ionatana, CVO
, OBE
(1938? - December 8, 2000), was a political figure from the Pacific nation of Tuvalu
. He was the fifth Prime Minister
of Tuvalu
from April 27, 1999, to December 8, 2000.
from Tuvalu's independence in 1978 until his death. He held many portfolios during his political career, including government secretary, Minister of Education, and Minister of Works and Communications. Ionatana was somewhat noted for his republican
leanings.
as Prime Minister of Tuvalu. Among the prominent issues of his period of office, he oversaw Tuvalu's entry into the United Nations
on September 5, 2000.
Royal Victorian Order
The Royal Victorian Order is a dynastic order of knighthood and a house order of chivalry recognising distinguished personal service to the order's Sovereign, the reigning monarch of the Commonwealth realms, any members of her family, or any of her viceroys...
, OBE
Order of the British Empire
The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is an order of chivalry established on 4 June 1917 by George V of the United Kingdom. The Order comprises five classes in civil and military divisions...
(1938? - December 8, 2000), was a political figure from the Pacific nation of Tuvalu
Tuvalu
Tuvalu , formerly known as the Ellice Islands, is a Polynesian island nation located in the Pacific Ocean, midway between Hawaii and Australia. Its nearest neighbours are Kiribati, Nauru, Samoa and Fiji. It comprises four reef islands and five true atolls...
. He was the fifth Prime Minister
Prime Minister of Tuvalu
The Prime Minister of Tuvalu is the head of government of Tuvalu. According to Tuvalu's constitution, the Prime Minister must always be a member of Parliament, and is elected by Parliament in a secret ballot. Because there are no political parties in Tuvalu, any member of Parliament can be...
of Tuvalu
Tuvalu
Tuvalu , formerly known as the Ellice Islands, is a Polynesian island nation located in the Pacific Ocean, midway between Hawaii and Australia. Its nearest neighbours are Kiribati, Nauru, Samoa and Fiji. It comprises four reef islands and five true atolls...
from April 27, 1999, to December 8, 2000.
Background
Ionatana served in the country's ParliamentParliament of Tuvalu
The Parliament of Tuvalu is the unicameral national legislature in Tuvalu.-History and political culture:...
from Tuvalu's independence in 1978 until his death. He held many portfolios during his political career, including government secretary, Minister of Education, and Minister of Works and Communications. Ionatana was somewhat noted for his republican
Republicanism
Republicanism is the ideology of governing a nation as a republic, where the head of state is appointed by means other than heredity, often elections. The exact meaning of republicanism varies depending on the cultural and historical context...
leanings.
Prime Minister of Tuvalu
In 1999 Ionatana succeeded Bikenibeu PaeniuBikenibeu Paeniu
The Rt Hon Bikenibeu Paeniu is a politician from Tuvalu. He has served twice as the third Prime Minister of Tuvalu.-Political career:...
as Prime Minister of Tuvalu. Among the prominent issues of his period of office, he oversaw Tuvalu's entry into the United Nations
United Nations
The United Nations is an international organization whose stated aims are facilitating cooperation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress, human rights, and achievement of world peace...
on September 5, 2000.