Previous Governors-General
Before the entry into office of our current Governor-General Dame Cécile La Grenade in 2013, 5 men have held the office before her.
(2008 – 2013)
Sir Carlyle Glean
Sir Carlyle Arnold Glean was Grenada’s fifth Governor-General, taking office in 2008 with the retirement of Sir Daniel Williams.
A successful and decorated teacher, Sir Carlyle served as a Senator and Minister of Education from 1990 until 1995, when he retired from politics. As Governor-General, he had to deal with the constitutional issues around the appointment of opposition senators after the 2013 election resulted in no elected opposition.
He served as Governor-General until retiring in 2013, being succeeded by current Governor General Dame Cécile La Grenade. He died in Grenada in 2021.
(2008 – 2013)
(1996 – 2008)
Sir Daniel Williams
Sir Daniel Charles Williams was Grenada’s fourth Governor-General, taking office in 1996 with the retirement of Sir Reginald Palmer.
Sir Daniel is the only Governor-General with a background in the House of Representatives, serving as MP from 1984 until 1990, when he retired from politics. Sir Daniel is a successful lawyer, founding and operating the law firm Danny Williams & Co.
Sir Daniel was the last Governor-General to reside in Government House, before the building was damaged by Hurricane Ivan in 2004. He retired as Governor-General in 2008.
(1992 – 1996)
Sir Reginald Palmer
Sir Reginald Oswald Palmer was Grenada’s third Governor-General, taking office in 1992.
Sir Reginald was an accomplished teacher, serving as Chief Education Officer and President of the Grenada Employer’s Federation. He served as Governor-General until retiring in 1996. He died in Grenada in 2016.
(1992 – 1996)
(1978 – 1992)
Sir Paul Scoon
Sir Paul Godwin Scoon was Grenada’s second Governor-General, being appointed by Queen Elizabeth II in 1978 after the retirement of Sir Leo De Gale.
Sir Paul is perhaps Grenada’s most consequential Governor-General. Less than a year into his tenure, the Gairy government was overthrown by Maurice Bishop’s New Jewel Movement in a coup. Despite the new communist regime, the monarchy was retained and Sir Paul remained Governor-General. With the implosion of the Revolution in 1983, Sir Paul requested US intervention, which removed the military regime which had killed Prime Minister Bishop. Sir Paul, as the Queen’s only lawful representative in Grenada, took charge of guiding Grenada back to democracy, governing the country through his appointed Advisory Council, until elections in December 1984. He hosted Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh during their 1985 visit to Grenada.
Prior to his service as Governor-General, Sir Paul was a teacher, Chief Education Officer, Secretary to the Cabinet, and Deputy Director of the Commonwealth Foundation. He served as Governor-General from 1978 until retiring in 1992. He died in Grenada in 2013.
(1974-1978)
Sir Leo De Gale
Sir Leo Victor De Gale was Grenada’s first Governor-General, assuming the office upon independence on 7 February 1974. He had previously served as Acting Governor for 2 weeks prior to independence, following the resignation of Dame Hilda Bynoe as Governor.
From the prominent De Gale family, Sir Leo was a decorated war veteran, having served in the Canadian Armed Forces during the war. He saw service during the Battle of Britain, Italian Campaign, Liberation of France and the Invasion of Germany. Sir Leo was active in the Grenadian Public Service, serving on the Public Service Commission, including as Chairman. He served as Governor-General of Grenada for 4 years, before retiring in 1978. Following the Revolution in 1979 he moved to England, where he died in 1986.
(1974-1978)