Governor Charles Chieng dies and Lt. Gov. Francis Itimai succeeds him. Chieng’s death date is given as about 22 May or as 28 May.

What happened

Chieng had served since 1994 in national and state government, including as Speaker of the Yap Legislature, before becoming governor in 2023. President Simina declared a national period of mourning and called him “a dear friend.” The government’s 28 May release says only that he died “last week,” so the exact date is uncertain.