Kabua, Amata (1928-1996)

Marshall Islands politician, president 1979-96. He campaigned for separation from Micronesia from the early 1970s, and helped draft the new separatist constitution of 1979. He was elected executive president in 1979 and was re-elected four times between 1983-95. He steered the country to independence, which was achieved when the USA's United Nations trusteeship was terminated in December 1990, and sought to promote tourism and economic diversification.

Born on Jabor Island, Jaluit Atoll, Kabua worked as a schoolteacher before becoming active in politics. He was a member of the Marshall Islands Congress 1958-63 and was a senator representing the Marshall Islands in the Congress of Micronesia 1963-78.

On his death, in December 1996, he was succeeded as president by his cousin, Imata Kabua, who was head of the Kabua family and Iroijlaplap (paramount chief) of the Marshall Islands.