Governor-General of Grenada facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Governor-General of Grenada |
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Coat of arms of Grenada
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| Viceroy | |
| Style | Her Excellency |
| Residence | Governor-General’s House, Point Salines, St. George's |
| Appointer | Monarch of Grenada
on the advice of the prime minister
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| Term length | At His Majesty's pleasure |
| Constituting instrument | Constitution of Grenada |
| Formation | 7 February 1974 |
| First holder | Sir Leo de Gale |
| Salary | EC$ 148,539 annually |
| Website | Office of the Governor-General |
The Governor-General of Grenada is a very important person in Grenada. They represent the King or Queen of Grenada, who is currently King Charles III. The Governor-General is chosen by the King based on advice from Grenada's Prime Minister.
This role involves many duties. The Governor-General appoints government ministers, judges, and ambassadors. They also give Royal Assent to new laws. This means they officially approve laws passed by the Grenadian Parliament. They also announce when elections will happen.
The Governor-General usually stays politically neutral. They follow the rules of the Westminster system, which is how many countries like Grenada run their government. This means they always act on the advice of the Prime Minister.
The Governor-General also has a special ceremonial role. They host events at their official home in St. George's. They also give awards to people and groups who help Grenada and their communities. When the Governor-General travels, they represent Grenada and its King.
Governors-General serve "at the monarch's pleasure". This means they serve as long as the King wishes. Since May 7, 2013, Dame Cécile La Grenade has been the Governor-General.
The position of Governor-General started on February 7, 1974. This was when Grenada became an independent country from the United Kingdom. Since then, six people have served as Governor-General.
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How the Governor-General is Chosen
The King of Grenada formally appoints the Governor-General. When a new Governor-General is needed, the Prime Minister suggests a name to the King. The King usually accepts this suggestion. During a special ceremony, the new Governor-General takes an oath. This oath promises loyalty and that they will do their job well.
What the Governor-General Does
Grenada shares its King with 14 other countries in the Commonwealth of Nations. Since the King lives mostly outside Grenada, the Governor-General's main job is to do the King's duties in Grenada. They act on behalf of the King but are not involved in the daily running of the government.
The powers and roles of the Governor-General come from Sections 19 to 22 of Grenada's constitution. These sections explain what the Governor-General can do.
Constitutional Duties
The Governor-General is responsible for starting, pausing, and ending parliamentary sessions. They also announce new elections. After an election, the Governor-General officially asks the leader of the winning political party to form a government. They then appoint the Prime Minister and other ministers.
On behalf of the King, the Governor-General gives royal assent to laws. This makes them official laws of Grenada.
The Governor-General also appoints judges, ministers, and ambassadors to other countries. They also appoint other senior government officials.
Sometimes, the Governor-General can make decisions without or against the advice of ministers. These are called "reserve powers." They include:
- Choosing a Prime Minister if no party wins a clear majority in an election.
- Removing a Prime Minister who has lost the support of the parliament.
- Removing any minister who is acting against the law.
- Refusing a Prime Minister's request to dissolve the House of Representatives.
Ceremonial Duties
The Governor-General's ceremonial duties include opening new sessions of parliament. They do this by giving a "Speech from the Throne." They also welcome leaders from other countries and receive official documents from foreign diplomats.
The Governor-General is also in charge of Grenada's two national awards: the Order of Grenada and the Order of the National Hero. They appoint people to receive these awards. These awards are given out by the Governor-General at their official home in St. George's. In 2023, Governor-General Dame Cecile La Grenade held an award ceremony outside her home for the first time ever. She traveled to Petite Martinique for this special event.
Community Involvement
The Governor-General leads the community in a non-political way. They support many charities, service groups, sports clubs, and cultural organizations. They attend events all over the country. The Governor-General is a patron of groups like the Grenada Red Cross Society and the Grenada Yacht Club. They also lead the Grenada Council of the Order of Saint John.
The Governor-General also helps bring Grenadians together. In this role, they:
- Attend charity, social, and community events.
- Accept invitations to support many national and local organizations.
- Visit and give speeches at non-government organizations.
Special Privileges
Salary
The Governor-General receives an annual salary of EC$ 148,539.
Symbols
The Governor-General has a special flag. It shows a lion and a crown on a blue background, with "Grenada" written below. This flag is flown on buildings and other places to show when the Governor-General is present.
Official Home
Government House in St. George's used to be the official home of the Governor-General. However, it was destroyed by Hurricane Ivan in 2004. Since then, the Governor-General has lived in a residence in Point Salines, which is south of the capital city.
List of Governors-General
Here is a list of the people who have served as Governor-General of Grenada since it became independent in 1974.
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 | .svg) |
Sir Leo de Gale (1921–1986) |
7 February 1974 |
4 October 1978 |
4 years, 239 days | .jpg) Elizabeth II (1974–2022) |
| 2 | .jpg) |
Sir Paul Scoon (1935–2013) |
4 October 1978 |
31 July 1992 |
13 years, 301 days | |
| – | |
Reginald Palmer (1923–2016) Acting Governor-General |
31 July 1992 |
6 August 1992 |
6 days | |
| 3 | |
Sir Reginald Palmer (1923–2016) |
6 August 1992 |
8 August 1996 |
4 years, 2 days | |
| 4 | .jpg) |
Sir Daniel Williams (1935–2024) |
8 August 1996 |
18 November 2008 |
12 years, 102 days | |
| Vacant (18 – 27 November 2008) | ||||||
| 5 |  |
Sir Carlyle Glean (1932–2021) |
27 November 2008 |
7 May 2013 |
4 years, 161 days | |
| 6 |  |
Dame Cécile La Grenade (b. 1952) |
7 May 2013 |
Incumbent | 12 years, 86 days | |
.jpg) Charles III (2022–present) |
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See also
In Spanish: Gobernador general de Granada para niños
