Kiribati Grand Order

The Kiribati Grand Order (KGO;[1] Gilbertese: Ana Tokabeti Kiribati, post-nominals A.T.K.) is the highest honour of Kiribati.[2] The order was founded in 1989 under President Ieremia Tabai by the Presidential Act of 1 June 1989 (Kiribati National Honours and Awards Act 1989) which established the Kiribati honours system.[3][2][4]

Kiribati Grand Order
Ana Tokabeti Kiribati
Awarded by  Kiribati
TypeOrder
Established1 June 1989 (1 June 1989)
CountryKiribati
RibbonBlue with yellow edges and a red central stripe with white edges
CriteriaFormer presidents of Kiribati who have served at least two full terms; others deemed deserving
StatusCurrently constituted
FounderIeremia Tabai
ClassesSingle-class
Post-nominalsA.T.K.
Statistics
First induction1992
Precedence
Next (higher)None
Next (lower)Kiribati National Order

Ribbon bar of the Kiribati Grand Order

The reverse side bears the coat of arms of Kiribati and the obverse has the frigatebird.

The order can be conferred upon "former Beretitenti [presidents of Kiribati] who have served a minimum of two full presidential terms. It may also be bestowed or conferred upon such other persons who in the opinion of the [Kiribati National Honours and Awards] Commission deserve to be bestowed or conferred with such Order."[1] Past recipients include Ieremia Tabai, three-time president of Kiribati (the first inductee, 1992),[2][5] and John Hilary Smith, former Governor of the Gilbert Islands before it became Kiribati (2009).[6] Nominations to the order are made on 12 July, the national day of Kiribati.[7] The Kiribati National Honours and Awards Commission conducts the selection of candidates but the conferment of the order is a prerogative of the president of Kiribati, who may also revoke membership in the order.[4]

The Kiribati Grand Order is classified as one of four civil awards in the Kiribati honours system, the remaining two being reserved for members of the disciplined forces. Ranking immediately below the Kiribati Grand Order in the civil category is the Kiribati National Order.[1]

The insignia of the order is a gilt medal that is 3.2 centimetres (1.3 in) in diameter. The medal is suspended from a straight bar that is attached to the ribbon.[2] The ribbon is blue and has yellow edges and a red central stripe with white edges.[8] The obverse side of the medal features the name of the order inscribed in Gilbertese, ANA TOKABETI KIRIBATI, and a male frigatebird on a branch whose inflated throat pouch is enamelled in red. The same frigatebird, in flight, is featured in the coat of arms of Kiribati, which is replicated in full on the reverse side of the medal. The outer edges of the medal on the obverse side feature a pattern of alternating points of a compass rose and ocean waves.[2]

In 2022 the office of the president of Kiribati announced a competition to re-name and re-design all of Kiribati's honours including the Kiribati Grand Order.[7]

See also

References
  1. "Criteria for Honours and Awards Medal for" (PDF). Office of te Beretitenti. Retrieved 28 July 2022.
  2. Halleux, Emmanuel (November–December 2009). "Kiribati Grand Order Ana Tokabeti Kiribati" (PDF). Journal of the Orders and Medals Society of America. 60 (6): 35. ISSN 0025-6633. Retrieved 28 July 2022.
  3. "Grand Order of Kiribati". Medalbook. Retrieved 28 July 2022.
  4. "An Act to Provide for the Establishment of Kiribati National Honours and Awards and for Connected Purposes" (RTF). Pacific Islands Legal Information Institute, University of the South Pacific School of Law. 1 June 1989.
  5. "Kiribati" (PDF). Pacific Island History Poster Profiles. Queensland University of Technology. p. 13. Retrieved 28 July 2022 – via QUT ePrints.
  6. Hayes, Lee (15 September 2014). "John Hilary Smith (1928-): Papers 1906-1979: Biographical Note". Rare Books & Manuscripts, University Library, University of Adelaide. Retrieved 28 July 2022.
  7. Biita, T. (5 March 2022). "Kauaaba iaon bitakin ke karioan aran ao tein meetera ake e angaanga te Tautaeka" (in Gilbertese and English). Office of te Beretitenti. Retrieved 28 July 2022.
  8. "Republic of Kiribati: Grand Order". Medals of the World. 26 September 2013. Retrieved 28 July 2022.


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