Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda
Flag of the governor-general
Emblem
Incumbent Rodney Williams since 14 August 2014
Viceroy
Style	His Excellency
Abbreviation	GG
Residence	Government House
Appointer	Monarch of Antigua and Barbuda on the advice of the prime minister
Term length	At His Majesty's pleasure
Precursor	Governor of Antigua
Formation	1 November 1981
First holder	Sir Wilfred Jacobs
Deputy	Deputy Governor-General
Salary	108,630 XCD annually
Website	https://gg.gov.ag/

The governor-general of Antigua and Barbuda is a very important person. They represent the monarch of Antigua and Barbuda, who is currently Charles III. The prime minister suggests who should be the governor-general. Then, the monarch officially appoints them.

The governor-general has many duties. They help appoint government ministers, senators, judges, and ambassadors. They also give royal assent to new laws. This means they officially approve laws passed by Parliament. They also help start elections. The governor-general is also the leader of the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force. This role is usually for as long as the monarch wishes. However, in real life, a new governor-general is often chosen when a new political party wins an election.

Besides their official duties, the governor-general does many community and special events. They give a speech at the opening of Parliament. They also welcome ambassadors from other countries. They hand out awards and represent the country at important events. The governor-general follows a system called the Westminster system. This means they stay politically neutral. They always act on the advice of the prime minister. A team of staff helps the governor-general with their work.

The role of governor-general came from the older position of governor of Antigua. This role started way back in 1632. Over the years, the title changed many times. This happened as Antigua and Barbuda joined different groups of islands or colonies. Sometimes the title was lieutenant governor or administrator. At one point, the governor of Antigua was in charge of all the British Leeward Islands.

The position of governor-general began when Antigua and Barbuda became an independent country. This happened on November 1, 1981. Since then, four people have served in this role. All of them have been from Antigua. Three of them have been men. Most governors-general were either former politicians or experts in different fields. Many people in Antigua and Barbuda want to move away from their colonial past. Because of this, the governor-general is often seen as the country's actual leader. Some people even suggest that this role could replace the monarch if the country becomes a republic.

History of the Governor-General Role

Before the governor-general position, Antigua and Barbuda had a governor. This role started in 1632. In 1671, a lieutenant governor took over when the British Leeward Islands were formed. From 1747 to 1816, the Leeward governor directly managed the islands.

The Governor of Antigua role returned in 1816. In 1833, the Governor of Antigua also became the Governor of the Leeward Islands. These roles combined in 1872. In 1936, an administrator took over the job. When Antigua became an Associated State of Antigua in 1967, the governorship was brought back.

Since the governor-general role began, the prime minister usually suggests who should be appointed. This happens soon after the prime minister takes office. One time, Louise Lake-Tack was appointed three years after the prime minister took office. She was later removed from her position. This happened because the government felt she was not working well with them. Since then, the governor-general usually uses their powers only when advised by the government.

How the Governor-General is Appointed

Any citizen of Antigua and Barbuda can become governor-general. The monarch appoints them to the role. There is no set time limit for how long a governor-general serves. They serve for as long as the monarch wishes. This means the monarch can remove them at any time.

If the position becomes empty, only the monarch can fill it. For example, in 2007, the position was empty after Sir James Carlisle finished his term. In 2014, the government asked the monarch to remove Louise Lake-Tack. This was because she was seen as "uncooperative."

Rodney Williams swearing in Dean Jonas as ambassador-at-large

What the Governor-General Does

The governor-general has many duties under the Constitution of Antigua and Barbuda. They use the executive power for the monarch. All executive powers belong to the monarch.

Role in Parliament

The governor-general appoints all members of the Senate. Ten of these appointments are suggested by the prime minister. One must be a Barbuda resident, also suggested by the prime minister. One is suggested by the Barbuda Council. Four are suggested by the leader of the opposition. The governor-general can choose one person on their own.

The governor-general can also say a Senate seat is empty. This happens if the person who suggested them advises it. Or, if the Barbuda resident senator no longer lives in Barbuda.

All new laws passed by Parliament need the governor-general's approval. This is called royal assent. The governor-general can only refuse to approve a law if it is against the constitution. The governor-general can also pause Parliament's meetings. This is done by a special announcement. After talking with the prime minister, the governor-general can also end Parliament.

Parliament can also be ended if a vote shows that the prime minister no longer has support. If this happens, and the prime minister does not resign or ask to end Parliament, the governor-general can end it. If Parliament is ended, the governor-general can pause the previous Parliament in an emergency. This is done with the prime minister's advice. The governor-general chooses the date for a new general election. This must be within three months after Parliament ends. After a general election, the governor-general must appoint the seventeen senators quickly.

The governor-general also decides the boundaries for voting areas. These are called parliamentary constituencies. At least one of these areas must be in Barbuda. The governor-general also appoints members to the Constituencies Boundaries Commission. This is done with advice from the prime minister and the leader of the opposition. The governor-general can also appoint the Supervisor of Elections. This is done through a notice in the official newspaper.

Role in the Executive Branch

The governor-general appoints the prime minister. The prime minister must be a member of Parliament. They must also have the support of most members in the House of Representatives. This is usually the leader of the winning political party. All other government ministers are also appointed by the governor-general. This is done with the prime minister's advice.

New government departments can be created by laws. Or, if allowed, by the governor-general with the prime minister's advice. The governor-general can also give ministers specific responsibilities. These are called portfolios. The governor-general can also appoint parliamentary secretaries and attorneys-general. They also appoint some members of a committee that advises on mercy for criminals.

The governor-general can grant pardons to criminals. They can also delay punishments or order less severe ones. The governor-general also appoints the director of public prosecutions. This is done with advice from a legal commission. They also appoint other government officials.

List of Governors-General

Here is a list of the people who have served as governor-general of Antigua and Barbuda. This list starts from when the country became independent in 1981.

     Denotes acting governors-general

No.	Portrait	Name (Birth–Death)	Term of office			Monarch (Reign)
			Took office	Left office	Time in office
1		Sir Wilfred Jacobs (1919–1995)	1 November 1981	10 June 1993	11 years, 221 days	Elizabeth II (1981–2022)
2		Sir James Carlisle (b. 1937)	10 June 1993	30 June 2007	14 years, 20 days
Vacant (30 June – 17 July 2007)
3		Dame Louise Lake-Tack (b. 1944)	17 July 2007	14 August 2014	7 years, 28 days
4		Sir Rodney Williams (b. 1947)	14 August 2014	Incumbent	10 years, 302 days
						Charles III (2022–present)

See also

In Spanish: Gobernador general de Antigua y Barbuda para niños

• Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda
• List of colonial governors and administrators of Antigua