Governor-General of Jamaica
The governor-general of Jamaica (Jamaican Patois: Gobna-Jinaral a Jumieka)[1] is the representative of the Jamaican monarch, currently King Charles III, in Jamaica. The governor-general is appointed by the monarch on the recommendation of the prime minister of Jamaica. The functions of the governor-general include appointing ministers, judges, and ambassadors; giving royal assent to legislation passed by parliament; issuing writs for election.
Governor-General of Jamaica
Monarch of Jamaica
on the advice of the prime minister
Constitution of Jamaica
6 August 1962
JMD $10,850,512.65 annually
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—King's House in the capital, Kingston—and bestowing honours to individuals and groups who are contributing to Jamaica and to their communities. When travelling abroad, the governor-general is seen as the representative of Jamaica and its monarch.
Governors-general formally serve "at the monarch's pleasure". Since 26 February 2009, the governor-general has been Sir Patrick Allen.
The office of the governor-general was created on 6 August 1962, when Jamaica 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[edit]
The governor-general is formally appointed by the monarch of Jamaica. 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 for the due execution of the office of governor-general.[2]
Upon the installation, the new governor-general is invested with the insignia of the Order of the Nation by the Chief Justice of Jamaica.[3]
Privy Council[edit]
The Privy Council of Jamaica consists of six members who are appointed by the governor-general, after consultation with the prime minister.[11] The governor-general chairs meetings of the Privy Council which advises him on the exercise of the Royal Prerogative of Mercy and the discipline of the civil service, local government officers, and the police, in cases where appeals are made.[8][12]