Fellow Tritons,

Minister Tony de Brum, our dear friend and fellow Micronesian in the struggle for island sustainability, has passed away at the age of 72. He was one of the most remarkable individuals I have ever met. His fame and presence in the struggle against climate change came from his portfolio as Foreign Minister for the Republic Marshall Islands and his leadership in the Paris Climate Change Conference in 2015.

He was a master politician who won and lost with equal grace and skill. He was an international figure who could use words and his authentic Marshallese presence to exponentially enhance the standing and influence of his Marshallese nation. He was a fellow islander who understood the connections amongst all of us who lived and worked in this part of the world. He even acknowledged the leadership role of the University of Guam in developing Micronesian leaders.

He mentored, he encouraged, he informed and he assisted. He had this relationship with many young people throughout the region including many from Guam. We will miss his presence, but we will remember his contributions. Please take a look at his keynote presentation from the 2016 Center for Island Sustainability Conference. I am sure we will learn again just by listening to him one more time.



Kommol Tata yan Si Yu’os Ma’ase’ our friend,




Robert A Underwood