Governor-General of Belize | |
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since 27 May 2021 | |
Style | Her Excellency |
Residence | Government House, Belize (former) Belize House, Belmopan (since 1984) |
Appointer | Monarch of Belize on the advice of the prime minister |
Term length | 7 years |
Constituting instrument | Constitution of Belize |
Formation | 21 September 1981 |
First holder | Dame Elmira Minita Gordon |
Salary | BZ$75,000 |
Website | Official website |
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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.
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.