Kessai Note

Kessai Note, born on August 7, 1950, is a prominent Marshallese politician who served as the President of the Marshall Islands from 2000 to 2008. His political journey began in 1979 when he was elected to the Nitijeļā alongside Litokwa Tomeing, marking the start of a long and influential career in Marshallese politics. Notably, he became the first commoner to ascend to the presidency, breaking the traditional mold of leadership that had been dominated by Iroijlaplap or chiefs.

Before his presidency, Note held several key positions, including Minister of Internal Affairs from 1985 to 1986 and Minister of Transportation and Communications from 1986 to 1987. He also served as Speaker of the Nitijeļā since 1988, showcasing his leadership skills and commitment to public service. In January 2004, he was re-elected as president by parliament, receiving twenty votes against nine for his opponent, Justin deBrum.

After losing his re-election bid in January 2008, where he garnered fifteen votes compared to Litokwa Tomeing's eighteen, Note continued to be active in politics. He served as the Minister of Justice from 2020 to 2022. His heritage is a blend of Japanese and Marshallese descent, with his paternal grandfather hailing from Niigata Prefecture, Japan, and settling in the Marshall Islands during the Japanese colonial era.

In recent years, Note has faced scrutiny, as reported in February 2023, when The Washington Post revealed that he was under investigation by the Marshall Islands' attorney general. Furthermore, in December 2023, the United States Department of State barred him from entering the US under the Global Magnitsky Act due to allegations of accepting bribes.