Governor-General of Belize facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Governor-General of Belize |
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Flag of the governor-general
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 Dame Froyla Tzalam since 27 May 2021 |
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| Style | Her Excellency |
| Residence | Government House, Belize (former) Belize House, Belmopan (since 1984) |
| Appointer | Monarch of Belize
on the advice of the prime minister
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| Term length | 7 years |
| Constituting instrument | Constitution of Belize |
| Formation | 21 September 1981 |
| First holder | Dame Elmira Minita Gordon |
| Salary | BZ$75,000 |
The governor-general of Belize is a very important person in Belize. They represent the King of Belize, who is currently King Charles III. The King appoints the governor-general based on what the prime minister of Belize suggests.
The governor-general has many duties. These include choosing ministers, judges, and ambassadors. They also approve new laws passed by the National Assembly. Another key role is calling for elections.
Generally, the governor-general follows the rules of the Westminster system. This means they stay politically neutral. They must act only on the advice of the prime minister. The governor-general also has a special ceremonial role. They host events at their official home, Belize House, in Belmopan. They also give awards to people who help their communities. When they travel, they represent Belize and its King.
Governors-general serve for a seven-year term. Since May 27, 2021, Dame Froyla Tzalam has been the governor-general. The position was created on September 21, 1981. This was when Belize became an independent country from the United Kingdom. Since then, three people have held this important job.
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How the Governor-General Is Chosen
The King of Belize officially appoints the governor-general. When a new governor-general is needed, the prime minister suggests a name to the King. The King usually agrees with this suggestion.
During a special ceremony, the new governor-general takes two important promises. These are the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath of Office. The chief justice of Belize oversees these promises.
What the Governor-General Does
The powers and duties of the governor-general come from the Constitution of Belize. These are explained in sections 30 to 35 of Part IV of the Constitution.
I plan to do my constitutional duties carefully. I also hope to do more than just my official tasks. This office has its own traditions, but like all places, it is run by people.
Official Duties and Powers
The governor-general is in charge of ending parliament sessions. They also call for new elections. After an election, the governor-general officially asks the leader of the winning party to form a government. They then appoint the prime minister and other ministers.
The prime minister must keep the governor-general fully updated. This includes information about how the government is running. The governor-general can also ask for details on any specific government matter.
The governor-general, on behalf of the King, approves laws. These are laws that the National Assembly of Belize has passed. This approval is called royal assent.
The governor-general acts on the advice of government ministers. They issue rules and announcements under existing laws. They also appoint state judges, ambassadors, and other senior government officials.
They are also responsible for setting up official investigations. These are called Royal Commissions of Inquiry. They also approve many other government decisions. This includes agreeing to treaties with other countries.
Sometimes, the governor-general can act without or against ministerial advice. These are called reserve powers. They include:
- Choosing a prime minister if no party wins a clear majority in an election.
- Removing the prime minister if they lose the support of parliament.
- Removing any minister who is breaking the law.
- Refusing to end the House of Representatives, even if the prime minister asks.
Ceremonial Duties
The governor-general's ceremonial duties are important. They open new parliament sessions with a special speech. They also welcome visiting leaders from other countries. And they receive official papers from foreign diplomats.
The governor-general attends military parades and special events. They present special flags and symbols to the Belize Defence Force and the Police Force.
They also give out awards at ceremonies. These awards honor people who have done great service for their community or shown bravery.
Special Benefits
Salary
The Governor-General (Conditions of Service) Act 1989 sets the salary and other benefits. This law was updated in 2021. It set a fixed seven-year term for the office. It also raised the governor-general's salary to BZ$75,000. This was the first salary increase since 1989.
Symbols
The governor-general has a special flag. It shows a lion on top of a royal crown. The word "Belize" is written below it. All of this is on a blue background. This flag is flown on buildings to show when the governor-general is there.
A special song, called a viceregal salute, is played for the governor-general. It starts with the first part of "God Save the King". Then it plays the chorus of Belize's National Anthem, "Land of the Free". This song is played when the governor-general arrives at or leaves most official events.
Official Homes
The governor-general lived at Government House, Belize until 1984. This was even after the capital moved to Belmopan in 1970. In 1984, the governor-general moved to Belize House in Belmopan. This building used to be the home of the British High Commission.
List of Governors-General
Here is a list of the people who have served as Governor-General of Belize. This includes everyone since Belize became independent in 1981.
Denotes Acting Governors-General
| No. | Portrait | Name (Birth–Death) |
Term of office | Monarch (Reign) |
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| Took office | Left office | Time in office | ||||
| 1 |  |
Dame Elmira Minita Gordon (1930–2021) |
21 September 1981 |
17 November 1993 |
12 years, 57 days | .jpg) Elizabeth II (1981–2022) |
| 2 | .jpeg) |
Sir Colville Young (b. 1932) |
17 November 1993 |
30 April 2021 |
27 years, 164 days | |
| – |  |
Stuart Leslie (b. ?) Acting Governor-General |
30 April 2021 |
27 May 2021 |
27 days | |
| 3 | |
Dame Froyla Tzalam (b. ?) |
27 May 2021 |
Incumbent | 4 years, 60 days | |
.jpg) Charles III (2022–present) |
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See also
In Spanish: Gobernador general de Belice para niños
