Governor-General of Saint Lucia | |
---|---|
![]() Coat of arms of Saint Lucia | |
![]() | |
since 11 November 2021 | |
Viceroy | |
Style | His Excellency |
Residence | Government House, Saint Lucia |
Appointer | Monarch of Saint Lucia on the advice of the prime minister |
Term length | At His Majesty's pleasure |
Formation | 22 February 1979 |
First holder | Sir Allen Montgomery Lewis |
Salary | 36,112 USD annually[1] |
Website | governorgeneral |
![]() |
---|
Administrative divisions (Quarters) |
The governor-general of Saint Lucia is the representative of the Saint Lucian monarch, currently King Charles III, in Saint Lucia. The governor-general is appointed by the monarch on the recommendation of the prime minister of Saint Lucia. The functions of the governor-general include appointing ministers, judges, and ambassadors; giving royal assent to legislation passed by parliament; issuing writs for election.
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—Government House in the capital, Castries—and bestowing honours to individuals and groups who are contributing to Saint Lucia and to their communities. When travelling abroad, the governor-general is seen as the representative of Saint Lucia and its monarch. The governor-general is supported by a staff headed by the official secretary to the governor-general.
Governors-general formally serve "at the monarch's pleasure". Since 11 November 2021, the acting governor-general has been Errol Charles.
The office of the governor-general was created on 22 February 1979, when Saint Lucia gained independence from the United Kingdom as a sovereign state and an independent constitutional monarchy. Since then, six individuals have served as governor-general.