Governor-General of Saint Lucia

The governor-general of Saint Lucia is the representative of the Saint Lucian monarch, currently King Charles III, in Saint Lucia. The governor-general is appointed by the monarch on the recommendation of the prime minister of Saint Lucia. The functions of the governor-general include appointing ministers, judges, and ambassadors; giving royal assent to legislation passed by parliament; issuing writs for election.

In general, the governor-general observes the conventions of the Westminster system and responsible government, maintaining political neutrality, and has to always act only on the advice of the prime minister. The governor-general also has a ceremonial role: hosting events at the official residence—Government House in the capital, Castries—and bestowing honours to individuals and groups who are contributing to Saint Lucia and to their communities. When travelling abroad, the governor-general is seen as the representative of Saint Lucia and its monarch. The governor-general is supported by a staff headed by the official secretary to the governor-general.

Governors-general formally serve "at the monarch's pleasure". Since 11 November 2021, the acting governor-general has been Errol Charles.

The office of the governor-general was created on 22 February 1979, when Saint Lucia gained independence from the United Kingdom as a sovereign state and an independent constitutional monarchy. Since then, six individuals have served as governor-general.

Appointment


The governor-general is formally appointed by the monarch of Saint Lucia. When a new governor-general is to be appointed, the prime minister recommends a name to the monarch, who by convention accepts that recommendation. At the installation ceremony, the new governor-general takes an oath of allegiance and an oath of office.

Functions
Saint Lucia 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 Saint Lucian borders, the governor-general's primary task is to perform the monarch's constitutional duties on his or her behalf. As such, the governor-general carries out his or her functions in the government of Saint Lucia on behalf and in the name of the Sovereign.

The office of governor-general is provided for by Chapter II, Sections 19 to 22 of the Constitution.

Constitutional role
The governor-general is responsible for appointing the Prime Minister, the Cabinet, the Chief Justice of Saint Lucia, members of the Senate, senior civil servants, members of different commissions and boards. The constitution empowers the governor-general to make or revoke appointments to government or public offices and to Commissions and Boards after receiving careful consultation or advice.

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

The governor-general's constitutional and parliamentary responsibilities also include: declaration of State of Emergency; summoning, prorogation and dissolution of Parliament; and the Prerogative of Mercy.

The governor-general holds weekly meetings with the prime minister on matters of state and governance.

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

Ceremonial role


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

The governor-general also presents honours at investitures to Saint Lucians 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 Saint Lucians together. In this role, the governor-general provides a focus for national identity, unity and pride by attending at events of national significance such as Independence Day activities and Remembrance Sunday.

The governor-general serves as patron of various organisations such as the Saint Lucia National Trust, the Girl Guides Association of Saint Lucia, Saint Lucia Red Cross, ad the Saint Lucia School of Music.

Privileges
The governor-general, serves as the Chancellor of the Order of Saint Lucia, established by Queen Elizabeth II in 1986.

Salary
The governor-general receives an annual salary of 36,112 USD.

Symbols


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

Residence
Government House in Castries is the official residence of the governor-general of Saint Lucia.

Dating back to 1895, it has served as the official residence and office of all governors-general since independence in 1979.

List of governors-general
Following is a list of people who have served as Governor-General of Saint Lucia since independence in 1979.

{{legend|#E6E6AA|Denotes Acting Governors-General}}