Government of the Federated States of Micronesia

President Mori Issues Proclamation on the Passing of Chief Justice Amaraich

Palikir, Pohnpei (FSM Information Services): February 5, 2010 – President Mori has signed a Proclamation to officially announce the passing of the Honorable Andon L. Amaraich, the second Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Federated States of Micronesia. In the Proclamation, the President recounts the achievements of the late Chief Justice and proclaims a national mourning period in his honor.

The Proclamation states:

“Chief Justice Amaraich’s wholehearted foresight and invaluable role in the Nation began even before her creation. In 1965, Chief Justice Amaraich began his forty years of service for the people of Micronesia when he was elected to the Congress of Micronesia where he served as Chairman of the Committee on Judiciary and Governmental Operations. He also served as a member of the Micronesian Political Status Negotiations for four years and was Chairman of the Micronesian delegation to the United Nations Law of the Sea Conference. In 1976, he served as the Chairman of the Commission on Future Political Status and Transition and was Chief Negotiator for the FSM in the negotiation of the first Compact of Free Association with the United States. In 1979, upon the emergence of the Federated States of Micronesia, he served as the first Secretary of the Department of External Affairs, where he was instrumental in establishing the FSM overseas missions in Tokyo, Guam, Honolulu, Fiji and Washington D.C. In 1992, he was appointed as an Associate Justice to the Supreme Court of the Federated States of Micronesia. In 1994, he was appointed as the first Micronesian Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Federated States of Micronesia where he determinedly and tirelessly served until his unfortunate passing.

This Proclamation bears the heartfelt condolences of the people of the entire Nation to the family, relatives and friends of the late Andon L. Amaraich as we all join in these despairing moments of grief. His contribution and guidance during his long tenure in the public service has earned him the respect of his colleagues and the people of the Federated States of Micronesia. He will be remembered as one of the ideal leaders who envisioned independence and sovereignty for the Micronesian islands. Leaders and citizens alike will forever remember Chief Justice Amaraich’s tremendous accomplishments to this Nation.”

The President has set the national mourning period to last four consecutive days, commencing on February 6, 2010 and ending on February 9, 2010, during which time the National flag of the Federated States of Micronesia shall join the people of the Nation to mourn the departing leader by being displayed at half-mast.