2012 Event With over 42% of the vote, the island nation of Kiribati re-elects President Anote Tong to a third and final term 1979 Event Kiribati (formerly Gilbert Islands) declares independence from U.K. 1976 Event Britain gives Gilbert Island (Kiribati) self rule 1950 Birthday Ieremia Tabai, President of Kiribati, Gilbert Islands, 1979-91
