5. Ieremia Tienang Tabai
Ieremia Tienang Tabai GCMG AO (modern orthography – Tabwai), born 16 December 1949, was the first Beretitenti(President) of the Republic of Kiribati. During his presidency he was described as being the most able leader of the Pacific island states.
He was born in Nonouti in 1949, and went to New Zealand to receive his education (St Andrew’s College in Christchurch and then going onto Victoria University in Wellington). He then returned to Kiribati and worked as an accountant. He was elected to the House of Assembly of the Gilbert Islands, representing Nonouti, in 1974.
Tabai returned to politics and was re-elected to the Kiribati parliament, again representing Nonouti, in 2007. He retained his seat in the 2011 and 2015-16 elections. He is aligned with the Boutokaan Te Koaua (Pillars of Truth) party.
He also serves as a secretary for Pacific Magazine.