George Fergusson (diplomat) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George Fergusson
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Governor of Bermuda | |
In office 23 May 2012 – 2 August 2016 |
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Monarch | Elizabeth II |
Premier | Paula Cox Craig Cannonier Michael Dunkley |
Preceded by | David Arkley (Acting) |
Succeeded by | Ginny Ferson (Acting) |
Governor of Pitcairn | |
In office 2 May 2006 – May 2010 |
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Preceded by | Richard Fell |
Succeeded by | Vicki Treadell |
Personal details | |
Born | Scotland, United Kingdom |
30 September 1955
Spouse | Margaret Wookey |
George Duncan Raukawa Fergusson was born on 30 September 1955. He is a British diplomat who has held important roles around the world. A diplomat is someone who represents their country in other nations, working to build good relationships.
George Fergusson served as the High Commissioner for the United Kingdom in New Zealand and Samoa. This role is similar to an ambassador. He also served as the Governor of the Pitcairn Islands from 2006 to 2010. Later, he became the Governor of Bermuda from 2012 to 2016.
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Early Life and Education
George Fergusson was born in 1955 in Scotland. His father, Bernard Fergusson, Baron Ballantrae, was also a well-known figure who served as the Governor-General of New Zealand from 1962 to 1967.
George Fergusson's middle name, "Raukawa," comes from the Māori language of New Zealand. This name shows a special connection his family has with New Zealand, as several of his ancestors held important leadership positions there, like Governors and Governors-General.
He attended Eton College, a famous school in England. After that, he studied at Magdalen College, Oxford, one of the oldest and most respected universities in the world. While at Oxford, he was involved in student life and even edited the student newspaper called The Tributary.
A Career in Diplomacy
George Fergusson began his career in government in 1978. He first worked for the Northern Ireland Office, which is a part of the British government dealing with Northern Ireland.
In 1988, he moved to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (now called the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office). This is the part of the British government that handles relationships with other countries. His first role there was as a diplomat in Dublin, the capital of Ireland.
Working Around the World
From 1991 to 1993, George Fergusson worked in London, focusing on countries in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe. He then moved to Seoul, the capital of South Korea, in 1994, where he worked on political and information matters.
In 1996, he returned to London. He became a leader in the department that dealt with Southern African countries. Later that same year, he became the head of the department focused on the Republic of Ireland.
In 1999, Fergusson took on the role of Consul-General in Boston, USA. A Consul-General helps citizens of their country who are living or traveling abroad. In 2003, he worked for the Cabinet Office, helping with foreign policy decisions.
Leading in New Zealand and Bermuda
In 2006, George Fergusson was appointed as the High Commissioner to New Zealand and Samoa. At the same time, he also became the Governor of the Pitcairn Islands. He held these important roles until May 2010.
In May 2012, George Fergusson became the Governor of Bermuda. The Governor is the representative of the British monarch (the King or Queen) in a British overseas territory. He served in this role until August 2016. During his time as Governor, he experienced an injury in London in 2012.
Family Life
George Fergusson is married to Margaret (née Wookey). They have three daughters.