HILARY HOSIA
Career public servant Amatlain Elizabeth Kabua was awarded “The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star” following a conferral ceremony at the Marshall Islands Resort last Wednesday.
The prestigious honor is conferred by imperial decree of Japan Emperor Naruhito and was awarded through Japan Ambassador to RMI Soma Hirohisa. The ceremony marks the highest award given to a Marshallese.
Amatlain served with distinction as the RMI Ambassador to Japan from November 1997 to June 2005.
Amatlain was recognized for her “signifiant contribution in strengthening the relations and fostering friendship between Japan and the RMI,” a press release shared by the Japanese Embassy in Majuro stated.
The daughter of the nation’s founding father Paramount Chief and first President Amata Kabua reminded the crowd the importance of being public servants. “The titles don’t matter, we are public servants,” she said to a room full of diplomatic partners, members of Nitijela and family members and friends.
In a gesture of humility, Amatlain shared her limelight on the podium by recognizing retired Ambassador Neijon Edwards who was in attendance and presided over the prayers for the event.
Amatlain referred to Neijon as her role model and the person she looked up to in her early days as public servant.