Gerald sworn in for DC duty

High Court Chief Justice Carl Ingram (left) administered the oath of office for Ambassador Gerald Zackios as Likiep Mayor Nika Wase held the Bible. Photo: Denise deBrum-Reiher.
High Court Chief Justice Carl Ingram (left) administered the oath of office for Ambassador Gerald Zackios as Likiep Mayor Nika Wase held the Bible. Photo: Denise deBrum-Reiher.

Ambassador-designate Gerald Zackios was officially sworn-in Monday as RMI’s ambassador to the United States.

The oath of office, administered by Chief Justice Carl Ingram, took place following the recent acceptance of Ambassador-designate’s Agrément by the United States.

The nomination of Zackios was approved by the Nitijela during its first Constitutional Regular Session this year. Witnessing the swearing in were President Hilda Heine, members of the Cabinet, Speaker Kenneth Kedi, members of the Public Service Commission, and other senior government officials, family members, and friends. President Heine congratulated Zackios and called on him to add value to the on-going efforts of the government relating to nuclear issues, climate change, post-2023, and other priorities of the government.

Zackios previously served as the Regional Director for the SPC North Pacific Office (2013-2016), Vice Speaker of Nitjela (2010-2012), Chairman of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade (2010-2012), Chairman of the Nitijela Standing Committee on Public Accounts (2008-2010), Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade (2001-2007), Minister-in-Assistance to the President (2000-2001), and Attorney General of the Marshall Islands (1996-1999). He was the Chief Negotiator during the renegotiation of the Compact of Free Association between the Marshall Islands and the United States (2001-2004).

Read more about this in the June 24, 2016 edition of the Marshall Islands Journal.