President Baron Waqa has thanked staff and the people of Nauru for their commitment and contribution to the nation during his six-year term in office as the country’s leader.
In his final address the televised to the nation from the Office of the President, Mr Waqa said over the six years he witnessed the good working relationship the people, government and country partnered in to strengthen and build Nauru, and that he will vacate the office of the president content and happy for the privilege of serving Nauru and its people.
He acknowledged the election results over the weekend and the new faces to parliament and wished them well in their work.
He also gave thanks for God’s guidance in his duties as president. Nauru is blessed he said, and when a new leader comes in, Nauru will continue to prosper and be blessed as we hold steadfast in the motto, God’s Will First.
Speaking to local media afterwards Mr Waqa said there have been many achievements and highlights in the past six years but noted that the redevelopment of the port is the paramount project as well as the intergenerational trust fund and investment in seabed mining, which will set Nauru forward financially.
The president underscored the milestone achievement of Nauru’s 50th anniversary of independence and said will cherish the memory of raising the national flag at this historic occasion.
The president hopes that what he and his government have established will be continued and built on for Nauru.
Parliament is convening today, Tuesday 27 August for the election of a new speaker, followed by the election of president who will then name the Cabinet.