Hammer DeRoburt

Hammer DeRoburt led negotiations with the Australian government, the British Phosphate Commissioners, and New Zealand for control of Nauru's phosphate industry. The resulting agreement granted Nauru ownership of the phosphate operations and a significant increase in royalties, providing the nation with substantial revenue.

President DeRoburt established the Nauru Phosphate Royalties Trust to manage the country's phosphate income for long-term investment and future sustainability. The trust invested in overseas real estate and other assets, aiming to secure Nauru's economy after phosphate depletion.

Hammer DeRoburt became the first President of Nauru upon its independence from Australia. He led the country through its early years as a sovereign nation, overseeing the management of its phosphate wealth, which was the island's primary economic resource.

Hammer DeRoburt was re-elected President of Nauru several times, dominating the country's politics for much of its early independence. His long tenure was marked by both stability and criticism over his centralized control of the phosphate wealth and political opposition.

Hammer DeRoburt was removed from the presidency by a vote of no confidence in the Parliament of Nauru. This followed years of economic mismanagement and declining phosphate revenues, leading to political instability and the rise of new leaders like Bernard Dowiyogo.