Statement of Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Insular Areas, Tony Babauta, on the passing of His Excellency Banny deBrum Republic of the Marshall Islands Ambassador to the United States

March 18, 2011
For more information please contact:
Rebecca Zepeda (202) 208-6974
Rebecca_zepeda@ios.doi.gov

Washington, D.C. - The Department of the Interior’s Assistant Secretary for Insular Areas, Tony Babauta issued the following statement on the passing of His Excellency Banny deBrum:

“I am deeply saddened by the news of the untimely passing of Ambassador Banny deBrum.  I am certain that during this difficult time, our communities are praying for his wife, Honor, his two daughters, Yumi and Marlynn, son-in-law Ishamu, and his grandchildren.  Ambassador deBrum humbly, honorably and ably served his country as its representative to the United States of America for the past twenty-four years.  Over the past decade, Ambassador deBrum had become a very dear friend of mine.  I valued his counsel and perspective on issues for which he fought so tenaciously on behalf of the people of the Marshall Islands.  Banny will forever be remembered for his radiant and infectious personality, reflecting the true spirit of Pacific Island people.  I was proud to call him brother and his passing will be a great loss to us all.”

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