Governor-General of Jamaica facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Governor-General of Jamaica |
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 Sir Patrick Allen since 26 February 2009 |
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| Viceroy | |
| Style |
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| Reports to | King Charles III |
| Residence | King's House, Kingston |
| Appointer | Monarch of Jamaica
on the advice of the prime minister
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| Term length | At His Majesty's pleasure |
| Constituting instrument | Constitution of Jamaica |
| Formation | 6 August 1962 |
| First holder | Kenneth Blackburne |
| Salary | JMD $10,850,512.65 annually |
| Website | www.kingshouse.gov.jm |
The governor-general of Jamaica (in Jamaican Patois: Gobna-Jinaral a Jumieka) is the main representative of the King of Jamaica, King Charles III, in Jamaica. The King appoints the governor-general based on the advice of Jamaica's prime minister.
The governor-general has many important jobs. These include choosing ministers, judges, and ambassadors. They also approve new laws passed by parliament. The governor-general also helps with elections.
Generally, the governor-general follows the rules of the Westminster system. This means they stay politically neutral. They act only on the advice of the prime minister. The role also involves special events. They host gatherings at their official home, King's House, in Kingston. They also give awards to people who help Jamaica and their communities. When traveling, the governor-general represents Jamaica and its King.
Governors-general serve for as long as the King wishes. Since February 26, 2009, Sir Patrick Allen has been the governor-general.
The position of governor-general began on August 6, 1962. This was when Jamaica became an independent country. Since then, six people have served in this important role.
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How the Governor-General Is Chosen
The King of Jamaica officially appoints the governor-general. This appointment happens after the prime minister recommends someone. This recommendation is always accepted.
During the special ceremony, the new governor-general takes two promises. They promise to be loyal and to do their job well. After this, the Chief Justice of Jamaica gives them the special badge of the Order of the Nation.
What the Governor-General Does
Jamaica shares its King with 14 other countries in the Commonwealth of Nations. Since the King lives mostly outside Jamaica, the governor-general does his duties for him. This means the governor-general carries out the King's constitutional jobs in Jamaica.
The governor-general's powers come from Sections 27 to 33 of Jamaica's constitution. These sections explain their specific duties.
Constitutional Duties
The constitution gives the governor-general the power to set election dates. They also appoint ministers and assign their duties. They choose parliamentary secretaries and the Attorney General. Other appointments include senators, privy councilors, and judges. They also appoint the Director of Public Prosecutions.
In most cases, the governor-general follows the prime minister's advice. Sometimes, they also talk with the leader of the opposition. Other times, they follow recommendations from special groups.
The governor-general's constitutional jobs also include leading the government. They can grant mercy to people. They approve new laws. They also appoint members to special service groups. They announce when Parliament starts and stops. They can also declare a State of Emergency.
After an election, the governor-general formally asks the winning party's leader to form a government. They officially appoint the prime minister and other ministers.
The governor-general meets regularly with the prime minister. They also meet with Cabinet members and the leader of the opposition when needed.
Sometimes, the governor-general can act without or against ministerial advice. These are called "reserve powers." They are used in very special situations.
Ceremonial Duties
The governor-general's ceremonial duties are important public events. They open new sessions of parliament with a special speech. They welcome leaders from other countries. They also receive official papers from foreign diplomats.
The governor-general also gives awards and honors to Jamaicans. These are for great service to the community or for brave actions. This happens at a special ceremony at King's House on National Heroes Day.
They also attend Independence Day celebrations. They are present at the Annual Armed Forces Day Parade. They participate in wreath-laying ceremonies on National Heroes Day and Remembrance Day.
Community Duties
The governor-general provides leadership in the community. They do not take sides in politics. They attend many cultural, educational, and charity events. These events are important for the country and local areas.
The governor-general is a patron of several organizations. These include the St. John Ambulance in Jamaica. They also support the Jamaica Agricultural Society and the Jamaica Cancer Society. They are also the Chief Scout of Jamaica.
The governor-general also visits different parishes each year. This helps them meet people and understand their concerns.
Privy Council
The Privy Council of Jamaica has six members. The governor-general appoints them after talking with the prime minister. The governor-general leads the meetings of the Privy Council. This council advises the governor-general on granting mercy. It also advises on rules for civil servants, local government officers, and the police.
Role in Parishes
The governor-general has a representative in each parish. This person is called a Custos Rotulorum. The governor-general appoints the Custos. This is done on the prime minister's advice. The Custos usually lives in the parish they represent.
The Custos has several duties. They welcome officials and important visitors when the governor-general is not there. They also welcome the governor-general during official visits to the parish. The Custos is also the main judge of the parish. They meet the Circuit Court Judge when court sessions begin.
Privileges
Symbols
The governor-general has a special flag. It shows a lion on top of a royal crown. The word "Jamaica" is written below on a scroll. All of this is on a blue background. This flag is flown on buildings and other places in Jamaica. It shows when the governor-general is present.
Official Home
King's House in Kingston is the official home of the governor-general of Jamaica. It was built in the early 1900s. It has been the official home and workplace for all Jamaican governors-general since Jamaica became independent in 1962.
List of Governors-General of Jamaica
Here is a list of the people who have served as Governor-General of Jamaica since 1962.
Denotes acting governors-general
| No. | Portrait | Name (Born–Died) |
Time in Office | Monarch (Reign) |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Started | Ended | Length of Service | ||||
| 1 |  |
Sir Kenneth Blackburne (1907–1980) |
6 August 1962 |
30 November 1962 |
116 days | .jpg) Elizabeth II (1962–2022) |
| 2 |  |
Sir Clifford Campbell (1892–1991) |
1 December 1962 |
28 February 1973 |
10 years, 89 days | |
| – | |
Sir Herbert Duffus (1908–2002) Acting Governor-General |
28 February 1973 |
27 June 1973 |
119 days | |
| 3 | .jpg) |
Sir Florizel Glasspole (1909–2000) |
27 June 1973 |
31 March 1991 |
17 years, 277 days | |
| – | Edward Zacca (1931–2019) Acting Governor-General |
31 March 1991 |
1 August 1991 |
123 days | ||
| 4 |  |
Sir Howard Cooke (1915–2014) |
1 August 1991 |
15 February 2006 |
14 years, 198 days | |
| 5 | |
Sir Kenneth O. Hall (b. 1941) |
15 February 2006 |
26 February 2009 |
3 years, 11 days | |
| 6 | |
Sir Patrick Allen (b. 1951) |
26 February 2009 |
Incumbent | 16 years, 166 days | |
.jpg) Charles III (2022–present) |
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See also
In Spanish: Gobernador general de Jamaica para niños
- List of governors of Jamaica
- Monarchy of Jamaica
- Politics of Jamaica
- Prime Minister of Jamaica
