Cornelius A. Smith facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Most Honourable
Sir Cornelius Smith
ON GCMG
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Smith in 2008
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| 11th Governor-General of The Bahamas | |
| In office 28 June 2019 – 31 August 2023 |
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| 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
7 April 1937 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 7 April 1937) is an important politician and diplomat from The Bahamas. 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 in a country like The Bahamas.
A Life in Public Service
Sir Cornelius Smith was one of the first people to join the Free National Movement political party in the early 1970s. This party helps to govern The Bahamas. He was elected to represent the Marco City area in Grand Bahama in 1982. He was re-elected three more times, showing people trusted him.
He held many important jobs in the government:
- From 1992 to 1995, he was the Minister of Education. This means he was in charge of schools and learning.
- From 1995 to 1997, he was the Minister of Public Safety and Immigration. He helped keep people safe and managed who could enter the country.
- From 1997 to 2000, he was the Minister of Tourism. He worked to attract visitors to The Bahamas.
- From 2000 to 2002, he was the Minister of Transport and Local Government. He helped manage roads, airports, and local communities.
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 in many other countries, including Mexico, Malaysia, and several in Central and South America.
In 2018, he became the Deputy Governor-General. This meant he helped the Governor-General. On 17 June 2019, it was announced he would become the 11th Governor-General. He officially started this role on 28 June 2019. He took over from Dame Marguerite Pindling.
In December 2019, Sir Cornelius received an award for his generous help to the people of The Bahamas. He finished his time as Governor-General on 31 August 2023.
His Early Life and Family
Cornelius Alvin Smith was born on 7 April 1937. His parents were Sylvanues and Susan Smith. He grew up in North End, Long Island, The Bahamas.
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 earned a master's degree in business from the University of Miami in the United States.
Sir Cornelius Smith is married to Clara Elizabeth Knowles. They have three children together.
