The Governor-General

The King, as Grenada’s head of state, is represented in Grenada by his appointed representative the Governor-General, currently Dame Cécile La Grenade. As such, whenever the King is not in Grenada the Governor-General acts in his stead and fulfils the functions and duties of the head of state. The Governor-General is thereby the highest ranked official in the country behind the King himself.

The Governor-General is appointed by the King and serves At His Majesty’s Pleasure, meaning that they have no term limit, and serve until retirement, resignation or dismissal. The Governor-General is, by convention, appointed by the King after receiving advice from the Prime Minister of Grenada. This however is not a constitutional requirement, but is rather simply customary. During the appointment process the Prime Minister will traditionally first hold what are referred to as “informal consultations” with the King regarding potential candidates. During this stage the King will raise potential concerns or issues with proposed candidates for the office. After the conclusion of informal consultations the Prime Minister will formally advise the King to appoint someone as Governor-General, whereupon the King, if accepting the given advice, will issue letters patent appointing a new Governor-General.

As the King’s representative the Governor-General is expected to be strictly neutral, nonpartisan, and independent. As such it is very rare for individuals with a political background to be appointed to the office. Governors-General in Grenada have generally come from former careers in education, law, business, the armed forces or public service.

The Governor-General is kept informed of the operations of the government of Grenada by the Prime Minister, and further informs the King. Alongside carrying out the King’s constitutional duties, they also undertake a number of civic and ceremonial functions, such as investiture ceremonies, attending formal state and private events, visiting schools, and being an ambassador for Grenada abroad.

The Governor-General is thereby a central and very important role in Grenada. The office carries not only great prestige and ceremonial importance as the representative of the Crown in Grenada and a unifying point around which Grenadians can rally, but is also an important political office in upholding our constitution and parliamentary democracy.