2023 Richest People in Palau — Amidst the azure waters of the Pacific lies Palau, a nation of astounding natural beauty and cultural richness. As the year 2023 unfolds, we embark on a journey into the economic landscape of Palau, unveiling the individuals who have secured their places as the top 10 richest people in Palau for this year.
Against the backdrop of lush landscapes and vibrant marine life, these exceptional individuals have emerged as economic trailblazers, leaving their indelible mark on Palau’s financial trajectory. Join us as we illuminate the lives and fortunes of the distinguished figures who define the 2023 richest people in Palau.
Here are the 2021 Top 10 Richest People from Palau and How they Made their wealth
1. Surangel S. Whipps Jr.
Surangel S. Whipps Jr. is a Palauan businessman and politician, who has served as the president of Palau since 2021. He served as senator from 2008 to 2016. He is from Ngatpang state, Republic of Palau. Whipps assumed office as the President of Palau on 21 January 2021.
Whipps is a successful businessman and he is considered as the 2023 richest man in Palau
2. Thomas Esang Remengesau Jr.
Thomas Esang “Tommy” Remengesau Jr. is a Palauan politician who has been the ninth President of Palau since 2013. He originally served as the seventh president from 2001 to 2009.
He also served as a Senator in the Palau National Congress between his two administrations. He was elected as Vice-President of Palau in 1992 and 1996, then as President in 2000, 2004, 2012, and 2016.
Wishing to make Palau less dependent upon United States aid, he promoted the expansion and growth of the tourist industry through his policy and slogan of Preserve the Best and Improve the Rest.
The “best” refers to Palau’s especially gifted and diverse underwater resource in the Micronesian region, and its reputation of being considered among the top in underwater attractions of the world. In Palau’s foreign affairs, Remengesau had been active in maintaining Palau’s presence in the United Nations.
During his administration Palau elevated to become known as an unheralded leader amongst the international community through environmental initiatives, such as the Micronesian Challenge and its cooperation with South Pacific Nations in advocating awareness of global warming and its effects in the South Pacific Region.
3. Johnson Toribiong
Johnson Toribiong is a Palauan attorney and politician. Toribiong became the President of Palau, following his victory in the November 2008 election. The electorate rejected him in the November 2012 election.
Toribiong was a candidate for President of Palau during the November 2008 presidential election. His running mate for Vice President was Kerai Mariur, a Delegate in the Palau National Congress. Toribiong was opposed by Elias Camsek Chin, the outgoing Palauan Vice President.
Toribiong led the early, unofficial vote tally with 1,629 votes to Chin’s 1,499.The lead ultimately held and Toribiong defeated Chin in the election.Toribiong was sworn into office as President of Palau on January 15, 2009.
4. Sandra Sumang Pierantozzi
Sandra Sumang Pierantozzi is a Palauan politician. She served as the country’s Vice-President from 19 January 2001 to 1 January 2005.
Pierantozzi was defeated by Camsek Chin in the 2 November 2004 vice-presidential election, winning only 28.9% of the vote. Pierantozzi was born in Palau and holds degrees from San Diego State University, the University of Hawaii and Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska.
In Palau she has been Minister of Finance, Senator, Vice President and Minister of Health, Minister of State, and is currently serving as Senator for the last 6 months of the vacant seat left by the late Senator Kathy Kesolei. Senator Kesolei died in October 2015. Special election in which Sandra Pierantozzi won was held in December 2015.
5. Elias Camsek Chin
Elias Camsek Chin is a Palauan politician. He served as the Vice President of Palau from 1 January 2005 to 15 January 2009. He was elected as the president of the Senate of Palau from 16 January 2013 to 19 January 2017.
6. Hersey Kyota
Hersey Kyota is a Palauan politician and diplomat who has served as the ambassador of Palau to the United States since 1997.
He is the current Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Washington, D.C., as the longest-serving ambassador to the United States.
Prior to his appointment as ambassador, Kyota was the chief clerk for the House of Delegates in the Palau National Congress, and director of the House Legal Counsels’ Office in Palau.
From 1990 to 1996, he served a senator in the Palau National Congress, and sat on the Board of Directors for the Association of Pacific Island Legislatures from 1992 to 1996. He has occasionally represented Palau in the United Nations. Kyota received his bachelor’s degree and master of arts degree from International University in San Diego.
7. Raynold B. Oilouch
Raynold B. Oilouch is a Palauan politician who has served as the Vice President of Palau since 19 January 2017, elected in the 2016 elections.
Before his term as Vice President, he served as Senator in the Senate of Palau from Ngchesar. Oilouch has a Bachelor’s Degrees of both social sciences and economics from Australia. He has also been practicing law in Palau since 1998.
8. Antonio Bells
Antonio Bells is a Palauan politician who served as the Vice President of Palau and Minister of Justice between 17 January 2013 and 19 January 2017.
He is a former delegate to the House of Delegates of Palau from the state of Ngaraard. He served twice as the speaker of the House of Delegates in the 2000s.
9. Kerai Mariur
Kerai Mariur was the Vice President of Palau. His qualifications include a Major Degree in Business Administration and Higher Accounting received from Cannon’s International Business College Honolulu United States.
Serving in the Palau National Congress as a four-term member of the House of Delegates, Mariur has played a key role in the Economic and Environmental legislature of the Republic of Palau.
His appointments during his term in congress include Chairmanship of the Standing Committee on Youth & Cultural Affairs, Judiciary and Governmental Affairs, Environment and Ecology, and the Ways and Means of Financial Matters.
Johnson Toribiong selected Mariur to be his nominee for Vice President in the 2008 Palauan election. After winning the election, they were inaugurated on 15 January 2009. Mariur also became Minister of Administration and Finance.
Conclusion: Palau’s Elite of 2023: A Flourishing Tapestry of Wealth
In the tapestry of Palau’s economic landscape, the year 2023 showcases the ascent of the top 10 richest individuals, underscoring their vital role in steering the nation’s prosperity. These luminaries represent the fusion of ambition, innovation, and dedication to progress that Palau embodies. As the year unfolds, their remarkable achievements reverberate throughout Palau’s thriving economy, painting a vivid picture of affluence and vision. The 2023 richest people in Palau stand as pillars of success in this idyllic Pacific nation, showcasing the dynamic potential that defines its future.
