Governor of Saint Helena facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Governor of Saint Helena |
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Standard of the Governor of Saint Helena
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Coat of arms of Saint Helena
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| Style | His Excellency |
| Residence | Plantation House, St Helena |
| Appointer | Monarch of the United Kingdom |
| Term length | At His Majesty's pleasure |
| Formation | 1659 |
| First holder | John Dutton |
| Website | Government of St Helena |
The Governor of Saint Helena is the special representative of the King or Queen on the island of Saint Helena. This island is part of a larger British territory called Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha. The King or Queen chooses the Governor based on advice from the British government. The current Governor of Saint Helena is Nigel Phillips, who started his role on August 13, 2022.
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What the Governor Does
The Governor acts as the main leader and commander of Saint Helena. Think of them as the island's head of state. Their job includes keeping the island safe and secure, handling relationships with other countries, making sure justice is fair, managing money, and looking after shipping and jobs. They also deal with rules for public workers.
The Governor chooses the Chief Minister of Saint Helena and four other members of the Executive Council. This council helps run the government. Usually, the Governor must follow the advice of this council.
The Governor lives on Saint Helena and is chosen by the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. This is the part of the UK government that deals with other countries.
The Governor's Home and Office
The Governor has a special flag in Saint Helena. It's the Union Flag (the UK flag) with Saint Helena's coat of arms on it. The Governor's official home is called Plantation House. It's located near the capital city, Jamestown. The Governor's main office is inside a building called The Castle. The chief secretary of Saint Helena, who manages the daily running of the government, also has an office there.
Changes to the Territory
Before 2009, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha were like smaller parts of Saint Helena. This meant the Governor of Saint Helena also looked after them. But in 2009, a new rule made Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha equal parts of the territory. Even though each part now has its own government, the Governor of Saint Helena is still also the Governor of Ascension and the Governor of Tristan da Cunha.
Acting Governor and Deputy
Sometimes, the Governor might not be able to do their job. This could be because the position is empty, or the Governor is away for a long time. When this happens, an acting governor is chosen by the King to take over.
If the Governor is away for a short time, like visiting Ascension or Tristan da Cunha, or is sick for a short period, they can choose someone on Saint Helena to be their deputy. This deputy must follow the Governor's instructions. It's common practice now to appoint an acting governor even if the main Governor is just visiting Ascension Island or Tristan da Cunha.
In recent years, the chief secretary or the attorney general often takes on this temporary role. For example, in 2011, the chief secretary became deputy governor when the Governor went to Tristan da Cunha. Later that year, Kenneth Baddon, the attorney general, also became deputy governor.
History of Governors
Governors from the East India Company
From 1659 to 1834, the East India Company governed Saint Helena. This company was a powerful British trading company. They were in charge of the island from when it was first settled.
- Capt. John Dutton (1659–1660) was the very first Governor.
- Major-General Sir Hudson Lowe (1816–1821) was Governor when Napoleon Bonaparte was exiled to Saint Helena.
British Crown Governors
In 1834, Saint Helena became a crown colony, meaning it was directly ruled by the British Crown. The first Governor appointed by the Crown started in 1836.
- Major General George Middlemore (1836) was the first Governor under British Crown rule.
- Lisa Honan (2016) was the first female Governor of Saint Helena.
- Nigel Phillips (2022) is the current Governor.
See also
In Spanish: Gobernador de Santa Elena, Ascensión y Tristán de Acuña para niños
- Administrator of Ascension Island
- Administrator of Tristan da Cunha
