Governor-General of Belize
The governor-general of Belize is the representative of the Belizean monarch, currently King Charles III, in Belize. The governor-general is appointed by the monarch on the recommendation of the prime minister of Belize. The functions of the governor-general include appointing ministers, judges, and ambassadors; giving royal assent to legislation passed by the National Assembly; and issuing writs for election.
Governor-General of Belize
Government House, Belize (former)
Belize House, Belmopan (since 1984)
Monarch of Belize
on the advice of the prime minister
7 years
21 September 1981
BZ$75,000
In general, the governor-general observes the conventions of the Westminster system and responsible government, maintaining a political neutrality, and has to act only on the advice of the prime minister. The governor-general also has a ceremonial role: hosting events at the official residence—Belize House in the capital, Belmopan—and bestowing honours to individuals and groups who are contributing to their communities. When travelling abroad, the governor-general is seen as the representative of Belize and its monarch.
Governors-general are appointed for a seven-year term of office. Since 27 May 2021, the governor-general has been Dame Froyla Tzalam.
The office of the governor-general was created on 21 September 1981, when Belize gained independence from the United Kingdom as a sovereign state and an independent constitutional monarchy. Since then, three individuals have served as governor-general.
Appointment[edit]
The governor-general is formally appointed by the monarch of Belize. When a new governor-general is to be appointed, the current 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 Office.[1] These oaths are administered by the chief justice of Belize.
Privileges[edit]
Salary[edit]
The Governor-General (Conditions of Service) Act 1989 defines the salary, pension and other entitlements of the governor-general.[6] The act was amended in 2021 to provide for a fixed seven-year term of office and raise the governor-general's salary to BZ$75,000.[7][8] This was the first increase in salary since 1989.[9]