Governor-General of the Bahamas

Appointment

The governor-general is formally appointed by the monarch of the Bahamas. When a new governor-general is to be appointed, the prime minister recommends a name to the monarch, who by convention accepts that recommendation.

The oath for the due execution of the office of governor-general is:

Functions

The Bahamas shares the person of the sovereign equally with 14 other countries in the Commonwealth of Nations. As the sovereign works and resides predominantly outside of Bahamian borders, the governor-general's primary task is to perform the monarch's constitutional duties on their behalf. As such, the governor-general carries out their functions in the government of The Bahamas on behalf and in the name of the Sovereign.

The governor-general's powers and duties are derived from the Bahamian constitution's Section 32 to 37, which set out certain provisions relating to the governor-general.

Constitutional role

The governor-general is responsible for dissolving parliament and issues writs for new elections. After an election, the governor-general formally requests the leader of the political party which gains the support of a majority in parliament to form a government. The governor-general commissions the prime minister and appoints other ministers after the election.

The governor-general, on the Sovereign's behalf, gives royal assent to laws passed by the Parliament of The Bahamas.

The governor-general acts on the advice of the prime minister, to issue regulations, proclamations under existing laws, to appoint state judges, ambassadors and high commissioners to overseas countries, and other senior government officials.

The governor-general is also responsible for issuing Royal Commissions of Inquiry, and other matters, as required by particular legislation; and authorises many other executive decisions by ministers such as approving treaties with foreign governments.

The governor-general may, in certain circumstances, exercise without—or contrary to—ministerial advice. These are known as the reserve powers, and include:

• appointing a prime minister if an election has resulted in a 'hung parliament'.
• dismissing the prime minister who has lost the confidence of the parliament.
• dismissing any minister acting unlawfully.
• refusing to dissolve the House of Representatives despite a request from the prime minister.

Ceremonial role

The governor-general's ceremonial duties include opening new sessions of parliament by delivering the Speech from the Throne, welcoming visiting heads of state, and receiving the credentials of foreign diplomats.

The governor-general also presents honours at investitures to Bahamians for notable service to the community, or for acts of bravery.

Community role

The governor-general provides non-partisan leadership in the community, acting as patron of many charitable, service, sporting and cultural organisations, and attending functions throughout the country.

The governor-general also encourages, articulates and represents those things that unite Bahamians together. In this role, the governor-general:

• frequently receives Bahamians on special occasions or celebrations, students of various schools, and visitors from other countries at Government House.
• attends church services, religious observances, and charitable, social, and civic events across the country.
• accepts patronage of many national, charitable, cultural, educational, sporting and professional organisations.
• issues congratulatory messages to Bahamian organisations for special anniversaries and events, such as major national or international conferences, cultural festivals and sporting championships.

Privileges

Through the passage of the National Honours Act 2016, The Bahamas established seven national orders in 2016. The governor-general, serves as the Chancellor of all these orders.

Salary

The governor-general receives an annual salary of 75,000 BSD.

Symbols

The governor-general uses a personal flag, which features a lion passant atop a St. Edward's royal crown with "Commonwealth of The Bahamas" written on a scroll underneath, all on a blue background. It is flown on buildings and other locations in The Bahamas to mark the governor-general's presence.

Residence

Government House in Nassau is the official residence of the governor-general of The Bahamas.

It was built between 1803 and 1806 and has served as the official residence and office of all Bahamian governors-general since independence in 1973.

List of governors-general

Following is a list of people who have served as governor-general of The Bahamas since independence in 1973.

Symbols : Died in office.

References

• Georgetown University

References

1. "Chapter IV - The Governor-General". bahamas.gov.bs.
2. "Official Oaths Act". laws.bahamas.gov.bs.
3. "Chapter VI - The Executive". bahamas.gov.bs.
4. "Chapter V - The Parliament".
5. (21 April 2022). ""Blueprint for Change" Speech from the Throne, delivered by Governor General His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Cornelius A. Smith". Government of The Bahamas.
6. (13 July 2021). "Governor general announces National Honours Awards for 2021". Eye Witness News.
7. "The Functions of the Governor-General". Government of The Bahamas.
8. "The Governor-General's Patronage". Government of The Bahamas.
9. "Congratulatory Messages". Government of The Bahamas.
10. "National Honours Act, 2016". laws.bahamas.gov.bs.
11. Statute Law of The Bahamas. "Public Service Act".