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|flag = Flag of the Governor-General of Barbados.svg
|flag = Flag of the Governor-General of Barbados.svg
|flagsize = 160px
|flagsize = 160px
|flagcaption = [[Flag of Barbados|Flag of the Governor-General]]
|flagcaption = [[Flag of Barbados|Flag of the governor-general]]
|flagborder = yes
|flagborder = yes
|insignia = Coat of arms of Barbados (3).svg
|insignia = Coat of arms of Barbados (3).svg
|insigniasize = 100px
|insigniasize = 100px
|insigniacaption = Coat of arms of Barbados
|insigniacaption = [[Coat of arms of Barbados]]
|image =
|image =
|imagecaption =
|imagecaption =
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|residence = [[State House, Barbados|Government House, Barbados]]
|residence = [[State House, Barbados|Government House, Barbados]]
|appointer = [[Monarchy of Barbados|Monarch of Barbados]]
|appointer = [[Monarchy of Barbados|Monarch of Barbados]]
|termlength = [[At {{ucfirst:{{Canadian monarch, current|genderp=~}}}} Majesty's pleasure]]
|termlength = [[At Her Majesty's pleasure]]
|formation = 30 November 1966
|formation = 30 November 1966
|abolished = 30 November 2021
|abolished = 30 November 2021
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{{Politics of Barbados}}
{{Politics of Barbados}}
The '''governor-general of [[Barbados]]''' was the representative of the [[Barbadian monarch]] from independence in 1966 until the establishment of a republic in 2021. Under the government's [[Table of precedence for Barbados|Table of Precedence for Barbados]], the governor-general of Barbados was regarded as being the most important of all personnel of the [[Government of Barbados|Barbados government]].<ref>[http://www.foreign.gov.bb/UserFiles/File/Precedence.pdf Table of Precedence for Barbados - July, 2008]</ref>
The '''governor-general of Barbados''' was the representative of the [[Barbadian monarch]] from independence in 1966 until the establishment of a republic in 2021. Under the government's [[Table of precedence for Barbados|Table of Precedence for Barbados]], the governor-general of [[Barbados]] was regarded as being the most important of all personnel of the [[Government of Barbados|Barbados government]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.foreign.gov.bb/UserFiles/File/Precedence.pdf |title=Table of Precedence for Barbados - July, 2008 |access-date=25 January 2009 |archive-date=6 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706132254/http://www.foreign.gov.bb/UserFiles/File/Precedence.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>


The office was established by Chapter IV of the 1966 [[Constitution of Barbados]].<ref>[[#refConstitution|Constitution]], Chapter IV</ref> The Governor-General was appointed by the monarch on the advice of the [[Prime Minister of Barbados]].<ref>[[#refConstitution|Constitution]], Chapter IV, Section 28(1)</ref><ref>[[#refConstitution|Constitution]], Chapter IV, Section 32</ref> The governor-general exercised the monarch's [[Executive (government)|executive power]]s and gave [[Royal Assent|assent]] to [[Bill (proposed law)|bills]] in the monarch's name, [[promulgation|promulgating]] them as laws.<ref>[[#refConstitution|Constitution]], Chapter V, Section 58(1)</ref> The powers of the monarch and the governor-general were limited, and they, in most instances, exercised authority on the advice of the prime minister or other persons or bodies within Barbados.<ref>[[#refConstitution|Constitution]], Chapter IV, Section 32</ref>
The office was established by Chapter IV of the 1966 [[Constitution of Barbados]].<ref>[[#refConstitution|Constitution]], Chapter IV</ref> The governor-general was appointed by the monarch on the advice of the [[Prime Minister of Barbados|prime minister of Barbados]].<ref>[[#refConstitution|Constitution]], Chapter IV, Section 28(1)</ref><ref>[[#refConstitution|Constitution]], Chapter IV, Section 32</ref> The governor-general exercised the monarch's [[Executive (government)|executive power]]s and gave [[Royal Assent|assent]] to [[Bill (proposed law)|bills]] in the monarch's name, [[promulgation|promulgating]] them as laws.<ref>[[#refConstitution|Constitution]], Chapter V, Section 58(1)</ref> The powers of the monarch and the governor-general were limited, and they, in most instances, exercised authority on the advice of the prime minister or other persons or bodies within Barbados.<ref>[[#refConstitution|Constitution]], Chapter IV, Section 32</ref>


The office of the governor-general was established when Barbados [[Barbados Independence Act 1966|gained independence]] in 1966. Since then, Barbados has had 8 [[Governor-General#Modern Commonwealth|governors-general]]. On 30 November 2021, [[Republicanism in Barbados|Barbados became a republic]] and the office of governor-general was abolished.
The office of the governor-general was established when Barbados [[Barbados Independence Act 1966|gained independence]] in 1966. Since then, Barbados had 8 [[Governor-General#Modern Commonwealth|governors-general]]. On 30 November 2021, [[Republicanism in Barbados|Barbados became a republic]] and the office of governor-general was abolished.


==Duties==
==Duties==
The Barbadian monarch, on the advice of her Barbadian prime minister, appointed a governor-general to be her representative in Barbados.<ref>{{cite web | title = Queen's role in Barbados | work = The Monarchy Today: Queen and State| publisher = [[Monarchy of Barbados|The Barbadian Monarchy]] | url = http://www.royal.gov.uk/MonarchAndCommonwealth/TheQueenandBarbados/TheQueensroleinBarbados.aspx | access-date = 2 June 2010 }}</ref><ref>[[#refConstitution|Constitution]], Chapter VI, Part 1; Section 28</ref> Both the monarch and the governor-general held much power in the country, though it was rarely used unilaterally; it was usually only used in such a way in emergencies and in some cases war.<ref>[[#refConstitution|Constitution]], Chapter III, Part 15; Section 25(1)(a)</ref>
The Barbadian monarch, on the advice of her Barbadian prime minister, appointed a governor-general to be her representative in Barbados.<ref>{{cite web | title = Queen's role in Barbados | work = The Monarchy Today: Queen and State| publisher = [[Monarchy of Barbados|The Barbadian Monarchy]] | url = http://www.royal.gov.uk/MonarchAndCommonwealth/TheQueenandBarbados/TheQueensroleinBarbados.aspx | access-date = 2 June 2010 }}</ref><ref>[[#refConstitution|Constitution]], Chapter VI, Part 1; Section 28</ref> Both the monarch and the governor-general held much power in the country, though it was rarely used unilaterally; it was usually only used in such a way in emergencies and in some cases war.<ref>[[#refConstitution|Constitution]], Chapter III, Part 15; Section 25(1)(a)</ref>


The governor-general represented the monarch on ceremonial occasions such as the State Opening of Parliament and the presentation of honours and military parades. Under the constitution, the governor-general was given authority to act in some matters; for example, in appointing and disciplining officers of the civil service,<ref>[https://www.barbadostoday.bb/2017/11/21/the-role-of-gg-is-not-just-ceremonial-says-arthur/ The role of GG is not just ceremonial, says Arthur]</ref> granting "any person convicted of any offence against the laws of Barbados a pardon",<ref>[[#refConstitution|Constitution]], Chapter VI, Part 2; Section 78(1)(a)</ref> and in proroguing parliament. But in only a few cases was the Governor-General empowered to act entirely on his/her own discretion, often requiring the [[countersignature]] of the prime minister to exercise their powers.
The governor-general represented the monarch on ceremonial occasions such as the State Opening of Parliament and the presentation of honours and military parades. Under the constitution, the governor-general was given authority to act in some matters; for example, in appointing and disciplining officers of the civil service,<ref>[https://www.barbadostoday.bb/2017/11/21/the-role-of-gg-is-not-just-ceremonial-says-arthur/ The role of GG is not just ceremonial, says Arthur]</ref> granting "any person convicted of any offence against the laws of Barbados a pardon",<ref>[[#refConstitution|Constitution]], Chapter VI, Part 2; Section 78(1)(a)</ref> and in proroguing parliament. However, in only a few cases was the governor-general empowered to act entirely on his/her own discretion, often requiring the [[countersignature]] of the prime minister to exercise their powers.


The governor-general of Barbados also chaired the [[Privy Council of Barbados]].
The governor-general of Barbados also chaired the [[Privy Council of Barbados]].


==List of Governors-General of Barbados==
==List of governors-general of Barbados==
Following is a list of people who served as Governor-General of Barbados from independence in 1966 to the establishment of a republic in 2021.
Following is a list of people who served as governor-general of Barbados from independence in 1966 to the establishment of a republic in 2021.


'''Symbols'''{{note label}}{{refbegin}}
'''Symbols'''{{note label}}{{refbegin}}
:{{note|Died|†}} Died in office.
:{{note|Died|†}} Died in office.
{{refend}}{{legend|#E6E6AA|Denotes Acting Governors-General}}
{{refend}}{{legend|#E6E6AA|Denotes acting governors-general}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
! rowspan="2" | {{Abbr|No.|Number}}
! rowspan="2" | {{Abbr|No.|Number}}
! rowspan="2" | Portrait
! rowspan="2" | Portrait
! rowspan="2" | Name<br><small>(Birth–Death)</small>
! rowspan="2" | Name<br /><small>(Birth–Death)</small>
! colspan="3" | Term of office
! colspan="3" | Term of office
! rowspan="2" | Monarch<br><small>(Reign)</small>
! rowspan="2" | Monarch<br /><small>(Reign)</small>
|-
|-
!Took office
!Took office
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|-
|-
| 1
| 1
| [[File:Insigne Barbatae.svg|70px]]
|
| [[John Montague Stow]]<br><small>(1911–1997)</small>
| [[John Montague Stow]]<br /><small>(1911–1997)</small>
| <small>30 November</small><br>1966
| <small>30 November</small><br />1966
| <small>18 May</small><br>1967
| <small>18 May</small><br />1967
|169 days
|169 days
| rowspan="14" style="background:#eaecf0" | '''[[Elizabeth II]]'''<br>[[File:Coat of arms of Barbados (3).svg|60px]]<br><small>(1966–2021)</small>
| rowspan="14" style="background:#eaecf0" | [[File:Her Majesty The Queen (1959).jpg|70px]]<br />'''[[Elizabeth II]]'''<br />[[File:Coat of arms of Barbados (3).svg|60px]]<br /><small>(1966–2021)</small>
|-
|-
| 2
| 2
| [[File:Insigne Barbatae.svg|70px]]
|
| [[Arleigh Winston Scott]]<br><small>(1900–1976)</small>
| [[Arleigh Winston Scott]]<br /><small>(1900–1976)</small>
| <small>18 May</small><br>1967
| <small>18 May</small><br />1967
| <small>9 August</small><br>1976{{ref label|Died|†}}
| <small>9 August</small><br />1976{{ref label|Died|†}}
|9 years,
|9 years,
82 days
82 days
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|-style="background:#e6e6aa;"
|-style="background:#e6e6aa;"
| –
| –
| [[File:Insigne Barbatae.svg|70px]]
|
| [[William Douglas (Barbados)|William Douglas]]<br><small>(1921–2003)</small><br>{{small|Acting Governor-General}}
| [[William Douglas (Barbados)|William Douglas]]<br /><small>(1921–2003)</small><br />{{small|Acting Governor-General}}
| <small>9 August</small><br>1976
| <small>9 August</small><br />1976
| <small>17 November</small><br>1976
| <small>17 November</small><br />1976
|100 days
|100 days
|-
|-
| 3
| 3
| [[File:Insigne Barbatae.svg|70px]]
|
| [[Deighton Lisle Ward]]<br><small>(1909–1984)</small>
| [[Deighton Lisle Ward]]<br /><small>(1909–1984)</small>
| <small>17 November</small><br>1976
| <small>17 November</small><br />1976
| <small>9 January</small><br>1984{{ref label|Died|†}}
| <small>9 January</small><br />1984{{ref label|Died|†}}
|7 years,
|7 years,
53 days
53 days
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|-style="background:#e6e6aa;"
|-style="background:#e6e6aa;"
| –
| –
| [[File:Insigne Barbatae.svg|70px]]
|
| [[William Randolph Douglas]]<br><small>(1921–2003)</small><br>{{small|Acting Governor-General}}
| [[William Randolph Douglas]]<br /><small>(1921–2003)</small><br />{{small|Acting Governor-General}}
| <small>10 January</small><br>1984
| <small>10 January</small><br />1984
| <small>24 February</small><br>1984
| <small>24 February</small><br />1984
|45 days
|45 days
|-
|-
| 4
| 4
| [[File:Insigne Barbatae.svg|70px]]
|
| [[Hugh Springer]]<br><small>(1913–1994)</small>
| [[Hugh Springer]]<br /><small>(1913–1994)</small>
| <small>24 February</small><br>1984
| <small>24 February</small><br />1984
| <small>6 June</small><br>1990
| <small>6 June</small><br />1990
|6 years,
|6 years,
104 days
104 days
|-
|-
| 5
| 5
| [[File:Insigne Barbatae.svg|70px]]
|
| [[Nita Barrow]]<br><small>(1916–1995)</small>
| [[Nita Barrow]]<br /><small>(1916–1995)</small>
| <small>6 June</small><br>1990
| <small>6 June</small><br />1990
| <small>19 December</small><br>1995{{ref label|Died|†}}
| <small>19 December</small><br />1995{{ref label|Died|†}}
|5 years,
|5 years,
195 days
195 days
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|-style="background:#e6e6aa;"
|-style="background:#e6e6aa;"
| –
| –
| [[File:Insigne Barbatae.svg|70px]]
|
| [[Denys Williams]]<br><small>(1929–2014)</small><br>{{small|Acting Governor-General}}
| [[Denys Williams]]<br /><small>(1929–2014)</small><br />{{small|Acting Governor-General}}
| <small>19 December</small><br>1995
| <small>19 December</small><br />1995
| <small>1 June</small><br>1996
| <small>1 June</small><br />1996
|165 days
|165 days
|-
|-
| 6
| 6
|
|
| [[Clifford Husbands]]<br><small>(1926–2017)</small>
| [[Clifford Husbands]]<br /><small>(1926–2017)</small>
| <small>1 June</small><br>1996
| <small>1 June</small><br />1996
| <small>31 October</small><br>2011
| <small>31 October</small><br />2011
|15 years,
|15 years,
151 days
151 days
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|-style="background:#e6e6aa;"
|-style="background:#e6e6aa;"
| –
| –
| [[File:Elliott Belgrave (cropped).jpg|70px]]
| [[File:Elliott Belgrave 2016.jpg|70px]]
| [[Elliott Belgrave]]<br><small>(b. 1931)</small><br>{{small|Acting Governor-General}}
| [[Elliott Belgrave]]<br /><small>(b. 1931)</small><br />{{small|Acting Governor-General}}
| <small>1 November</small><br>2011
| <small>1 November</small><br />2011
| <small>30 May</small><br>2012
| <small>30 May</small><br />2012
|211 days
|211 days
|-
|-
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| –
| –
| [[File:Sandra Mason at Remembrance Day Parade and Service 20191110.jpg|70px]]
| [[File:Sandra Mason at Remembrance Day Parade and Service 20191110.jpg|70px]]
| [[Sandra Mason]]<br><small>(b. 1949)</small><br>{{small|Acting Governor-General}}
| [[Sandra Mason]]<br /><small>(b. 1949)</small><br />{{small|Acting Governor-General}}
| <small>30 May</small><br>2012
| <small>30 May</small><br />2012
| <small>1 June</small><br>2012
| <small>1 June</small><br />2012
|2 days
|2 days
|-
|-
| 7
| 7
| [[File:Elliott Belgrave (cropped).jpg|70px]]
| [[File:Elliott Belgrave 2016.jpg|70px]]
| [[Elliott Belgrave]]<br><small>(b. 1931)</small>
| [[Elliott Belgrave]]<br /><small>(b. 1931)</small>
| <small>1 June</small><br>2012
| <small>1 June</small><br />2012
| <small>30 June</small><br>2017
| <small>30 June</small><br />2017
|5 years,
|5 years,
29 days
29 days
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|-style="background:#e6e6aa;"
|-style="background:#e6e6aa;"
| –
| –
| [[File:Insigne Barbatae.svg|70px]]
|
| [[Philip Greaves]]<br><small>(b. 1931)</small><br>{{small|Acting Governor-General}}
| [[Philip Greaves]]<br /><small>(b. 1931)</small><br />{{small|Acting Governor-General}}
| <small>1 July</small><br>2017
| <small>1 July</small><br />2017
| <small>8 January</small><br>2018
| <small>8 January</small><br />2018
|191 days
|191 days
|-
|-
| 8
| 8
| [[File:Sandra Mason at Remembrance Day Parade and Service 20191110.jpg|70px]]
| [[File:Sandra Mason at Remembrance Day Parade and Service 20191110.jpg|70px]]
| [[Sandra Mason]]<br><small>(b. 1949)</small>
| [[Sandra Mason]]<br /><small>(b. 1949)</small>
| <small>8 January</small><br>2018
| <small>8 January</small><br />2018
| <small>30 November</small><br>2021
| <small>30 November</small><br />2021
|{{Age in years and days|2018|1|8|2021|11|30}}
|{{Age in years and days|2018|1|8|2021|11|30}}
|-
| colspan=7|Post abolished 30 November 2021
|}
|}


==Timeline==
For a list of heads of state after the establishment of the Republic, see [[List of heads of state of Barbados]].
<timeline>
ImageSize = width:600 height:auto barincrement:12
PlotArea = top:10 bottom:80 right:130 left:20
AlignBars = late

Colors =
id:official value:gray(0.65) legend: Official
id:acting value:dullyellow legend: Acting
id:gray1 value:gray(0.85)
id:gray2 value:gray(0.95)

DateFormat = dd/mm/yyyy
Period = from:01/01/1966 till:01/01/2022
TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal
ScaleMajor = gridcolor:gray1 unit:year increment:5 start:1966
ScaleMinor = gridcolor:gray2 unit:year increment:1 start:1966

Legend = columns:1 left:205 top:35 columnwidth:75

BarData=
bar:Stow
bar:Scott
bar:Douglas(acting)
bar:Ward
bar:Douglas(acting)2
bar:Springer
bar:Barrow
bar:Williams
bar:Husbands
bar:Belgrave(acting)
bar:Mason(acting)
bar:Belgrave
bar:Greaves(acting)
bar:Mason

PlotData=
width:5 align:left fontsize:S shift:(5,-4) anchor:till

bar:Stow
from: 30/11/1966 till: 18/05/1967 color:official text:"[[John Montague Stow|John Stow]]" fontsize:10
bar:Scott
from: 18/05/1967 till: 09/08/1976 color:official text:"[[Arleigh Winston Scott|Winston Scott]]" fontsize:10
bar:Douglas(acting)
from: 09/08/1976 till: 17/11/1976 color:acting text:"[[William Douglas]]" fontsize:10
bar:Ward
from: 17/11/1976 till: 09/01/1984 color:official text:"[[Deighton Lisle Ward|Deighton Ward]]" fontsize:10
bar:Douglas(acting)2
from: 10/01/1984 till: 24/02/1984 color:acting text:"[[William Douglas]]" fontsize:10
bar:Springer
from: 24/02/1984 till: 06/06/1990 color:official text:"[[Hugh Springer]]" fontsize:10
bar:Barrow
from: 06/06/1990 till: 19/12/1995 color:official text:"[[Nita Barrow]]" fontsize:10
bar:Williams
from: 19/12/1995 till: 01/06/1996 color:acting text:"[[Denys Williams]]" fontsize:10
bar:Husbands
from: 01/06/1996 till: 31/10/2011 color:official text:"[[Clifford Husbands]]" fontsize:10
bar:Belgrave(acting)
from: 01/11/2011 till: 30/05/2012 color:acting text:"[[Elliot Belgrave]]" fontsize:10
bar:Mason(acting)
from: 30/05/2012 till: 01/06/2012 color:acting text:"[[Sandra Mason]]" fontsize:10
bar:Belgrave
from: 01/06/2012 till: 30/06/2017 color:official text:"[[Elliot Belgrave]]" fontsize:10
bar:Greaves(acting)
from: 01/07/2017 till: 08/01/2018 color:acting text:"[[Philip Greaves]]" fontsize:10
bar:Mason
from: 08/01/2018 till: 30/11/2021 color:official text:"[[Sandra Mason]]" fontsize:10


</timeline>


== Official oath of office ==
== Official oath of office ==
According to the First Schedule section of the 1966 [[Constitution of Barbados]], the official [[Oath of office]] for the Governor-General of Barbados was as follows:
According to the First Schedule section of the 1966 [[Constitution of Barbados]], the official [[oath of office]] for the governor-general of Barbados was as follows:
{{cquote|I, ''(name)'', do swear that I will well and truly serve Her Majesty [[Queen Elizabeth II]], Her Heirs and Successors, in the office of Governor-General. So help me God.}}
{{cquote|I, ''(name)'', do swear that I will well and truly serve Her Majesty [[Queen Elizabeth II]], Her Heirs and Successors, in the office of Governor-General. So help me God.}}


==Abolition==
==Abolition==
{{main|Republicanism in Barbados}}
{{main|Republicanism in Barbados}}
In September 2020, the government of Barbados announced that it planned to abolish the [[Barbadian monarchy]] and the position of the governor-general, and the Queen of Barbados to be replaced with a ceremonial [[President of Barbados|president]], akin to that of the [[president of Trinidad and Tobago]].<ref>{{cite news |date=17 September 2020 |title=Wickham predicts Barbados' republic model to mirror Trinidad's |url=http://web.archive.org/web/20200920163841/https://barbadostoday.bb/2020/09/17/wickham-predicts-barbados-republic-model-to-mirror-trinidads/ |editor1-last=Madden |editor1-first=Marlon |department=Top Featured Article |publisher=Barbados Today |publication-date=17 September 2020 |access-date=4 June 2021 |quote=As Barbados prepares to ditch the Queen as its Head of State and become a republic, a prominent political scientist is predicting that Prime Minister Mia Mottley will follow the Trinidad and Tobago model. What's more, Peter Wickham has shot down any idea of the Barbados Labour Party administration holding a referendum on the matter, saying that to do so would be a "mistake". "There is no need to and I don't think it makes a lot of sense. We had a situation where since 1999 this [political party] indicated its desire to go in the direction of a republic. The Opposition has always supported it.... So, I think there is enough cohesion in that regard to go with it," he said.}}</ref> Incumbent governor-general [[Sandra Mason]] was elected president on 20 October 2021 and was took office on 30 November 2021.
In September 2020, the government of Barbados announced that it planned to abolish the [[Barbadian monarchy]] and the position of the governor-general, and the Queen of Barbados to be replaced with a ceremonial [[President of Barbados|president]], akin to that of the [[president of Trinidad and Tobago]].<ref>{{cite news |date=17 September 2020 |title=Wickham predicts Barbados' republic model to mirror Trinidad's |url=https://barbadostoday.bb/2020/09/17/wickham-predicts-barbados-republic-model-to-mirror-trinidads/ |editor1-last=Madden |editor1-first=Marlon |department=Top Featured Article |publisher=Barbados Today |publication-date=17 September 2020 |access-date=4 June 2021 |quote=As Barbados prepares to ditch the Queen as its Head of State and become a republic, a prominent political scientist is predicting that Prime Minister Mia Mottley will follow the Trinidad and Tobago model. What's more, Peter Wickham has shot down any idea of the Barbados Labour Party administration holding a referendum on the matter, saying that to do so would be a "mistake". "There is no need to and I don't think it makes a lot of sense. We had a situation where since 1999 this [political party] indicated its desire to go in the direction of a republic. The Opposition has always supported it.... So, I think there is enough cohesion in that regard to go with it," he said. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920163841/https://barbadostoday.bb/2020/09/17/wickham-predicts-barbados-republic-model-to-mirror-trinidads/ |archive-date=20 September 2020 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Incumbent governor-general [[Sandra Mason]] was elected president on 20 October 2021 and took office on 30 November 2021.


==See also==
==See also==
*[[Government House, Barbados|Government House]], the official residence of the Governor-General
*[[Government House, Barbados|Government House]], the official residence of the governor-general
*[[Order of Barbados]]
*[[Order of Barbados]]
*[[List of governors of Barbados]]
*[[List of governors of Barbados]]
*[[Governor-General of the West Indies Federation]]
*[[Governor-General of the West Indies Federation]]
*[[List of prime ministers of Barbados]]
*[[List of prime ministers of Barbados]]
*[[List of current vice-regal representatives of Elizabeth II]]


==References==
==References==
Line 191: Line 258:


== External links ==
== External links ==
* {{Commonscatinline}}
* {{Commons category-inline}}
* [https://www.royal.uk/barbados About Queen Elizabeth II and her role in Barbados] - ''Royal.uk''
* [https://www.royal.uk/barbados About Queen Elizabeth II and her role in Barbados] - ''Royal.uk''
** [https://www.gov.bb/Visit-Barbados/governor-general Governor General of Barbados], Our Nation, Government of Barbados
** [https://www.gov.bb/Visit-Barbados/governor-general Governor General of Barbados], Our Nation, Government of Barbados


{{Governors-General of Barbados|state=collapsed}}
{{Barbados topics}}
{{Barbados topics}}
{{Representatives of the monarch in Commonwealth realms and Dominions}}
{{Representatives of the monarch in Commonwealth realms and Dominions}}
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[[Category:Lists of governors-general|Barbados, List of Governors-General of]]
[[Category:Lists of governors-general|Barbados, List of Governors-General of]]
[[Category:Governors-General of Barbados| ]]
[[Category:Governors-General of Barbados| ]]
[[Category:Monarchy of Barbados]]
[[Category:Lists of political office-holders in Barbados|Governors-General]]
[[Category:Lists of political office-holders in Barbados|Governors-General]]
[[Category:1966 establishments in Barbados]]
[[Category:1966 establishments in Barbados]]

Latest revision as of 21:01, 12 June 2024

Governor-General of Barbados
Coat of arms of Barbados
Flag of the governor-general
StyleHis/Her Excellency
StatusAbolished
ResidenceGovernment House, Barbados
AppointerMonarch of Barbados
Term lengthAt Her Majesty's pleasure
Formation30 November 1966
First holderJohn Montague Stow
Final holderSandra Mason
Abolished30 November 2021
Salary220,998 BBD annually[1]
Politics of Barbados
Constitution
Executive
Legislature
Judiciary
Elections
Administrative divisions
Foreign relations
Historical

The governor-general of Barbados was the representative of the Barbadian monarch from independence in 1966 until the establishment of a republic in 2021. Under the government's Table of Precedence for Barbados, the governor-general of Barbados was regarded as being the most important of all personnel of the Barbados government.[2]

The office was established by Chapter IV of the 1966 Constitution of Barbados.[3] The governor-general was appointed by the monarch on the advice of the prime minister of Barbados.[4][5] The governor-general exercised the monarch's executive powers and gave assent to bills in the monarch's name, promulgating them as laws.[6] The powers of the monarch and the governor-general were limited, and they, in most instances, exercised authority on the advice of the prime minister or other persons or bodies within Barbados.[7]

The office of the governor-general was established when Barbados gained independence in 1966. Since then, Barbados had 8 governors-general. On 30 November 2021, Barbados became a republic and the office of governor-general was abolished.

Duties[edit]

The Barbadian monarch, on the advice of her Barbadian prime minister, appointed a governor-general to be her representative in Barbados.[8][9] Both the monarch and the governor-general held much power in the country, though it was rarely used unilaterally; it was usually only used in such a way in emergencies and in some cases war.[10]

The governor-general represented the monarch on ceremonial occasions such as the State Opening of Parliament and the presentation of honours and military parades. Under the constitution, the governor-general was given authority to act in some matters; for example, in appointing and disciplining officers of the civil service,[11] granting "any person convicted of any offence against the laws of Barbados a pardon",[12] and in proroguing parliament. However, in only a few cases was the governor-general empowered to act entirely on his/her own discretion, often requiring the countersignature of the prime minister to exercise their powers.

The governor-general of Barbados also chaired the Privy Council of Barbados.

List of governors-general of Barbados[edit]

Following is a list of people who served as governor-general of Barbados from independence in 1966 to the establishment of a republic in 2021.

Symbols

^† Died in office.
  Denotes acting governors-general
No. Portrait Name
(Birth–Death) 		Term of office Monarch
(Reign)
Took office Left office Time in office
1 John Montague Stow
(1911–1997) 		30 November
1966 		18 May
1967 		169 days
Elizabeth II

(1966–2021)
2 Arleigh Winston Scott
(1900–1976) 		18 May
1967 		9 August
1976[†] 		9 years,

82 days

– William Douglas
(1921–2003)
Acting Governor-General 		9 August
1976 		17 November
1976 		100 days
3 Deighton Lisle Ward
(1909–1984) 		17 November
1976 		9 January
1984[†] 		7 years,

53 days

– William Randolph Douglas
(1921–2003)
Acting Governor-General 		10 January
1984 		24 February
1984 		45 days
4 Hugh Springer
(1913–1994) 		24 February
1984 		6 June
1990 		6 years,

104 days

5 Nita Barrow
(1916–1995) 		6 June
1990 		19 December
1995[†] 		5 years,

195 days

– Denys Williams
(1929–2014)
Acting Governor-General 		19 December
1995 		1 June
1996 		165 days
6 Clifford Husbands
(1926–2017) 		1 June
1996 		31 October
2011 		15 years,

151 days

– Elliott Belgrave
(b. 1931)
Acting Governor-General 		1 November
2011 		30 May
2012 		211 days
– Sandra Mason
(b. 1949)
Acting Governor-General 		30 May
2012 		1 June
2012 		2 days
7 Elliott Belgrave
(b. 1931) 		1 June
2012 		30 June
2017 		5 years,

29 days

– Philip Greaves
(b. 1931)
Acting Governor-General 		1 July
2017 		8 January
2018 		191 days
8 Sandra Mason
(b. 1949) 		8 January
2018 		30 November
2021 		3 years, 326 days

Timeline[edit]

Sandra MasonPhilip GreavesElliot BelgraveSandra MasonElliot BelgraveClifford HusbandsDenys WilliamsNita BarrowHugh SpringerWilliam DouglasDeighton Lisle WardWilliam DouglasArleigh Winston ScottJohn Montague Stow

Official oath of office[edit]

According to the First Schedule section of the 1966 Constitution of Barbados, the official oath of office for the governor-general of Barbados was as follows:

I, (name), do swear that I will well and truly serve Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Her Heirs and Successors, in the office of Governor-General. So help me God.

Abolition[edit]

Main article: Republicanism in Barbados

In September 2020, the government of Barbados announced that it planned to abolish the Barbadian monarchy and the position of the governor-general, and the Queen of Barbados to be replaced with a ceremonial president, akin to that of the president of Trinidad and Tobago.[13] Incumbent governor-general Sandra Mason was elected president on 20 October 2021 and took office on 30 November 2021.

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Government Printing Department. "SCHEDULES OF PERSONAL EMOLUMENTS 2016 – 2017" (PDF). barbadosparliament.com.
  2. ^ "Table of Precedence for Barbados - July, 2008" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 6 July 2011. Retrieved 25 January 2009.
  3. ^ Constitution, Chapter IV
  4. ^ Constitution, Chapter IV, Section 28(1)
  5. ^ Constitution, Chapter IV, Section 32
  6. ^ Constitution, Chapter V, Section 58(1)
  7. ^ Constitution, Chapter IV, Section 32
  8. ^ "Queen's role in Barbados". The Monarchy Today: Queen and State. The Barbadian Monarchy. Retrieved 2 June 2010.
  9. ^ Constitution, Chapter VI, Part 1; Section 28
  10. ^ Constitution, Chapter III, Part 15; Section 25(1)(a)
  11. ^ The role of GG is not just ceremonial, says Arthur
  12. ^ Constitution, Chapter VI, Part 2; Section 78(1)(a)
  13. ^ Madden, Marlon, ed. (17 September 2020). "Wickham predicts Barbados' republic model to mirror Trinidad's". Top Featured Article. Barbados Today. Archived from the original on 20 September 2020. Retrieved 4 June 2021. As Barbados prepares to ditch the Queen as its Head of State and become a republic, a prominent political scientist is predicting that Prime Minister Mia Mottley will follow the Trinidad and Tobago model. What's more, Peter Wickham has shot down any idea of the Barbados Labour Party administration holding a referendum on the matter, saying that to do so would be a "mistake". "There is no need to and I don't think it makes a lot of sense. We had a situation where since 1999 this [political party] indicated its desire to go in the direction of a republic. The Opposition has always supported it.... So, I think there is enough cohesion in that regard to go with it," he said.

External links[edit]

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