Cornelius A. Smith facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Most Honourable Sir Cornelius Smith ON GCMG
Smith in 2008
11th Governor-General of The Bahamas
In office 28 June 2019 – 31 August 2023
Monarch	Elizabeth II Charles III
Prime Minister	Hubert Minnis Philip Davis
Preceded by	Marguerite Pindling
Succeeded by	Cynthia A. Pratt
Personal details
Born	Cornelius Alvin Smith (1937-04-07) 7 April 1937 (age 88) North Long Island, Bahamas
Political party	Free National Movement
Spouse	Clara Elizabeth Knowles
Children	3
Alma mater	University of Miami

Sir Cornelius Alvin Smith (born April 7, 1937) is an important Bahamian politician and diplomat. He served as the 11th Governor-General of the Bahamas from 2019 to 2023. The Governor-General is the representative of the King or Queen of the United Kingdom in The Bahamas.

A Look at Sir Cornelius Smith's Career

Sir Cornelius Smith was one of the first people to join the Free National Movement political party. This happened in the early 1970s. He was elected to represent the Marco City area in Grand Bahama in 1982. He was re-elected three more times, showing that people trusted him.

His Roles as a Minister

Sir Cornelius held several important jobs in the government:

• He was the Minister of Education from 1992 to 1995. This means he was in charge of schools and learning.
• From 1995 to 1997, he was the Minister of Public Safety and Immigration. This role involved keeping people safe and managing who could enter the country.
• He served as the Minister of Tourism from 1997 to 2000. Tourism is very important for The Bahamas, and he helped promote it.
• From 2000 to 2002, he was the Minister of Transport and Local Government. This job involved looking after roads, transportation, and local community matters.

Serving as an Ambassador

Sir Cornelius also worked as an Ambassador for The Bahamas. An Ambassador represents their country in other nations.

• He was the Ambassador to the United States starting in 2007.
• He also represented The Bahamas at the Organization of American States.
• He was an Ambassador to many other countries, including Mexico, Colombia, and Panama.

Becoming Governor-General

In 2018, Sir Cornelius Smith became the Deputy Governor-General. This was a step towards his next big role. On June 17, 2019, it was announced that he would become the 11th Governor-General of The Bahamas. He officially took office on June 28, 2019. He followed Dame Marguerite Pindling in this important position.

In December 2019, Sir Cornelius received an award for his generous contributions to The Bahamas. He finished his term as Governor-General on August 31, 2023.

Sir Cornelius Smith's Early Life and Family

Cornelius Alvin Smith was born on April 7, 1937. His parents were Sylvanues and Susan Smith. He was born in North End, a place on Long Island, Bahamas.

His Education

He went to Glintons Public School on Long Island for his early education. Later, he studied at the Bahamas Teachers Training College in Nassau. He then went on to earn a master's degree in business from the University of Miami.

His Family Life

Sir Cornelius Smith is married to Clara Elizabeth Knowles. They have three children together.

See also

In Spanish: Cornelius A. Smith para niños