Governor-General 55929 223657637 2008-07-05T03:14:49Z 141.151.165.85 /* Independent Commonwealth realms */ The term '''governor general''' or '''governor-general''' refers to a vice-regal representative of a Monarch in an independent realm or a major colonial circonscription. A governor general is a [[governor]] of high rank, or a principal governor ranking above "ordinary" governors.<ref>[http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=governor+general "Governor General" definition on dictionary.com] (retrieved February 14, 2006)</ref> == Current uses == Today, the title governor general is used in the independent [[Commonwealth realm]]s (those Commonwealth countries which share the British [[monarch]], presently [[Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom|Queen Elizabeth II]], as head of state). The United Kingdom does not have a Governor-General, being the Sovereign's home realm. In modern usage, the term "governor general" originated in those British [[colonialism|colonies]] which became self-governing [[Dominions]] within the [[British Empire]] (examples are [[Australia]], [[Canada]] and [[New Zealand]]). With the exception of [[New Zealand]], each of the previously constituent colonies of these federated colonies already had a [[Governor]], and the Crown's representative to the federated Dominion was therefore given the superior title of Governor-General. New Zealand was granted Dominion status in 1907, but as it had never been a federal state there was no pressing need to change the gubernatorial title. It was not until [[28 June]] [[1917]] that [[Arthur Foljambe, 2nd Earl of Liverpool|Earl of Liverpool]] was appointed the first Governor-''General'' of New Zealand. Another non-federal state, [[Newfoundland and Labrador|Newfoundland]], was a Dominion for 16 years with the Kings's representative retaining the title of [[Governor]] throughout this time. Since the 1950s, the title governor general has been given to all representatives of the sovereign in independent Commonwealth realms. In these cases, the former office of colonial governor was altered (sometimes for the same incumbent) to become governor general upon independence, as the nature of the office became an entirely independent constitutional representative of the monarch rather than a symbol of previous colonial rule. In these countries the governor general acts as the Monarch's representative, performing the ceremonial and constitutional functions of a Head of State. The only other nation which uses the governor general designation is the [[Islamic Republic of Iran]], which of course has no connection with either the British (or any other) monarchy or the Commonwealth. In Iran, the provincial authority is headed by a governor general<ref name="govgen">{{cite web| url=http://www2.irna.com/en/news/view/line-203/0710215516003338.htm| title="Paris for further cultural cooperation with Iran"| first=Online Edition| last=IRNA| accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> ([[Persian Language|Persian]]: استاندار ''ostāndār''), who is appointed by the Minister of the Interior. == British colonialism and the governor general == [[Image:btweedsmuir2.jpg|thumb|right|180px|[[John Buchan, 1st Baron Tweedsmuir|Lord Tweedsmuir]] was [[Governor General of Canada]] from 1935 to 1940. <small>The uniform shown here was the customary ceremonial dress for Commonwealth Governors General until recently.</small>]] Until the [[1920s]], Governors-General were British subjects, appointed on the advice of the British Government, who acted as agents of the British Government in each Dominion, as well as being representatives of the monarch. As such they notionally held the prerogative powers of the monarch, and also held the executive power of the country to which they were assigned. The Governor-General could be instructed by the [[Colonial Secretary]] on the exercise of some of his functions and duties, such as the use or withholding of the [[Royal Assent]] from legislation; history shows many examples of Governors-General using their prerogative and executive powers. The monarch (in fact the government) could overrule any Governor-General, though this could often be cumbersome, due to remoteness of the territories from London. The Governor-General was also the head of the armed forces in his or her territory and, because of the Governor-General's control of the military, the post was as much a military appointment as a civil one. Indeed, until the late 20th century, the Governor-General's official attire was the [[court dress]], [[Windsor uniform]] or other military uniform. In some colonies, the title of the royal representative was never Governor-General. The King's representative in [[New Zealand]], for instance, was simply titled Governor (earlier even [[Lieutenant-Governor]], as in Canadian provinces, still lower in rank) until after the country became a [[Dominion]]. == Modern Commonwealth == === Independent Commonwealth realms ===<!-- This section is linked from [[Invasion of Grenada]] --> Following the [[Imperial Conference]], and subsequent issuing of the [[Balfour Declaration 1926|Balfour Declaration]] in [[1926]], the role and responsibilities of the Governor-General began to shift, reflecting the increased independence of the [[Dominion]]s. As the sovereign came to be regarded as monarch of each territory independently, and, as such, advised only by the ministers of each country in regard to said country's national affairs (as opposed to a single British monarch ruling all the Dominions as a conglomerate and advised only by an imperial parliament), so too did the Governor-General become a direct representative of the national monarch only, who no longer answered to the British government. These concepts were entrenched in legislation with the enactment of the [[Statute of Westminster 1931|Statute of Westminster]] in [[1931]], and governmental relations with the [[United Kingdom]] were placed in the hands of a British [[High Commissioner]] in each country. In other words, the political reality of a self governing dominion within the British Empire with a governor-general answerable to the sovereign of Great Britain became clear. British interference in the dominion was not acceptable and independent country status was clearly displayed. Canada, Australia and New Zealand were clearly not controlled by the United Kingdom. The monarch of these countries (Elizabeth II) is in law [[Queen of Canada]], [[Queen of Australia]], [[Queen of New Zealand]] and only acts on the advice of the ministers in each country and is in no way influenced by the British government. The monarch appoints a governor-general as a personal representative only on the advice of the Prime Minister of the realm. The Governor-General of Canada is appointed by the Queen of Canada on the advice of the Canadian Prime Minister. The Governor-General of Australia is appointed by the Queen of Australia on the advice of the Australian Prime Minister and the Governor-General of New Zealand is appointed by the Queen of New Zealand on the advice of the New Zealand Prime Minister. There is no legal relationship between any realm that acknowledges Elizabeth II as their monarch. They are all completely independent from one another. Today, therefore, in former British colonies which are now independent [[Commonwealth realm]]s, the Governor-General is constitutionally the representative of the monarch in his or her state, and may exercise the [[reserve power]]s of the monarch according to their own constitutional authority. The Governor-General, however, is still appointed by the monarch, and takes an [[oath of allegiance]] to the monarch of their own country. Executive authority is also vested in the monarch, though it can be placed with the Governor-General on behalf of the sovereign of the independent realm. [[Letter of Credence|Letters of Credence]] or [[Letters of Recall]] are now sometimes received or issued in the name of the monarch, though in some countries, such as [[Canada]] and [[Australia]], the Letters of Credence and Recall are issued in the name of the Governor-General alone. At diplomatic functions where the Governor-General is present, the visiting diplomat or head of state toasts "The King" or "The Queen" of the relevant realm, not the Governor-General, with any reference to the Governor-General being subsidiary in later toasts if featuring at all, and will involve a toast to them by name, not office. (E.g., "Mr. and Mrs. Smith," not "Her Excellency, the Governor-General." Sometimes a toast might be made using name and office, e.g., "Governor-General Smith.") Except in rare cases, the Governor-General only acts in accordance with [[constitutional convention (political custom)|constitutional convention]] and upon the [[advice (constitutional)|advice]] of the national [[Prime Minister]].<ref>In particular, see the history of the [[Governor-General of Australia]]</ref> The Governor-General is still the local representative of the sovereign, and performs the same duties as they carried out historically, though their role is almost purely ceremonial. Rare and controversial exceptions occurred in [[1926]], when [[Governor General of Canada|Canadian Governor General]] [[Julian Byng, 1st Viscount Byng of Vimy|Lord Byng]] refused [[Prime Minister of Canada|Prime Minister]] [[William Lyon Mackenzie King|Mackenzie King's]] request for a dissolution of parliament; and in [[1975]], when the Governor-General of Australia, [[John Kerr (Governor-General)|Sir John Kerr]], [[Australian constitutional crisis of 1975|dismissed the Prime Minister]], [[Gough Whitlam]].<ref>[http://whitlamdismissal.com/documents/letter-from-queen.shtml Letter from the Queen's Private Secretary to the Speaker of the House of Representatives of Australia of 17 November 1975], at ''The Whitlam Dismissal'', retrieved February 15, 2006.</ref> In principle, the Crown could overrule a Governor-General, but this has not happened in modern times. The term ''[[de facto head of state]]'', though having no constitutional status, has been used informally in [[Commonwealth realm]]s to describe the role of a [[governor-general]]. The Governor-General is usually a person with a distinguished record of public service, often a retired politician, judge or military commander; but some countries have also appointed prominent [[sport]]ing figures, [[academia|academics]], members of the clergy, philanthropists, or figures from the news media to the office. The Governor-General is formally appointed by the Monarch, following the specific request of the [[Prime Minister]] of the country concerned; [[Papua New Guinea]] and the [[Solomon Islands]] are the only realms that elect their Governors-General, in both cases by a parliamentary vote. Traditionally, the Governor-General's official attire was military uniform, but this practice been abandoned except on occasions when it is appropriate to be worn. In [[South Africa]], the [[Governor-General of the Union of South Africa|Governors-General]] of the [[Union of South Africa|Union]] nominated by the [[Afrikaner]] [[National Party (South Africa)|Nationalist]] government chose not to wear uniform on any occasion. Most Governors-General continue to wear appropriate [[medal]]s on their clothing when required. The Governor-General's official residence is usually called Government House. The [[Governor-General of the Irish Free State]] resided in the then [[Áras an Uachtaráin|Viceregal Lodge]] in [[Phoenix Park]], [[Dublin]], but the government of [[Éamon de Valera]] sought to downgrade the office, and the last Governor-General, [[Domhnall Ua Buachalla]], did not reside there. The office was abolished there in [[1936]]. In most Commonwealth realms, the flag of the Governor-General has been the standard pattern of a blue [[Flag terminology|field]] with the [[Royal Crest]] (a lion standing on a crown) above a scroll with the name of the jurisdiction. In [[Canada]], however, this was replaced with a crowned lion clasping a maple leaf. In the [[Solomon Islands]], the scroll was replaced with a two-headed [[frigate bird]] motif, while in [[Fiji]], the former Governor-General's flag featured a [[whale]]'s tooth. Governors-General are accorded the style of ''His/Her [[Excellency]]''. This style is also extended to their spouses, whether female or male (for an example of the latter, see [[Jean-Daniel Lafond]]). In former colonies which are now [[Commonwealth republic]]s, the Governor-General and Monarch have been replaced by an elected or appointed (sometimes non-executive) Head of State. ===Appointment=== [[Image:Healy.jpg|left|140px|thumb|[[Timothy Michael Healy|Tim Healy]]<br><small>First [[Governor-General of the Irish Free State|Governor-General]] of the Irish Free State</small>]] Until the 1920s, the Governors-General were British, and appointed on the advice of the British Government. Following the changes to the structure of the Commonwealth in the late [[1920s]], in [[1929]], the Australian Prime Minister [[James Scullin]] established the right of a [[Dominion]] Prime Minister to advise the Monarch directly on the appointment of a Governor-General, by insisting that his choice (Sir [[Isaac Isaacs]], an Australian) prevail over the recommendation of the British Government. The convention was gradually established throughout the Commonwealth that the Governor-General would be a citizen of the country concerned, and would be appointed on the advice of the government of that country, with no input from the British Government. Since 1931 as each former Dominion has [[patriate]]d its constitution from the UK, the convention has become law—no government of any realm can advise the Monarch on any matter pertaining to another realm, including the appointment of a Governor-General; today a country's Governor-General is appointed by the Sovereign based solely on the advice of the prime minister of the country concerned. ===Commonwealth countries with governors general=== {| !align=left|Commonwealth realm !From ! |- |[[List of Governors-General of Antigua and Barbuda|Antigua and Barbuda]] |1981 |[http://www.ab.gov.ag/gov_v2/government/shared/govgeneral.html Website] |- |[[Governor-General of Australia|Australia]] |1901 |[http://www.gg.gov.au/ Website] |- |[[List of Governors-General of the Bahamas|Bahamas]] |1973 |[http://www.bahamas.gov.bs/BahamasWeb/aboutthegovernment.nsf/Subjects/Governor+General Website] |- |[[List of Governors-General of Barbados|Barbados]] |1966 |[http://www.barbados.gov.bb/gg.htm Website] |- |[[List of Governors-General of Belize|Belize]] |1981 |[http://www.belize.gov.bz/exec_govgeneral.html Website] |- |[[Governor General of Canada|Canada]] |1867 |[http://www.gg.ca/ Website] |- |[[List of Governors-General of Grenada|Grenada]] |1974 |- |[[Governor-General of Jamaica|Jamaica]] |1962 |[http://www.jis.gov.jm/ProfileGG/index.asp Website] |- |[[Governor-General of New Zealand|New Zealand]] |1917 |[http://www.gg.govt.nz Website] |- |[[Governor-General of Papua New Guinea|Papua New Guinea]] |1975 |- |[[List of Governors-General of Saint Kitts and Nevis|Saint Kitts and Nevis]] |1983 |- |[[List of Governors-General of Saint Lucia|Saint Lucia]] |1979 |[http://stluciagovernmenthouse.com/ Website] |- |[[List of Governors-General of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines|Saint Vincent and the Grenadines]] |1979 |[http://www.gov.vc/Govt/Government/Autonomous%20Dept/GovernorGeneral/GovernorG.asp?z=181&a=767 Website] |- |[[Governor-General of the Solomon Islands|Solomon Islands]] |1978 |- |[[Governor-General of Tuvalu|Tuvalu]] |1978 |} <small>''Clicking on the country above will take you the relevant Governor-General article.''</small><p> ===Other attributes=== {{main|Administrator of the Government}} Different realms have different constitutional arrangements governing who acts in place of the Governor-General in the event of his or her death, resignation, or incapacity. *In Australia, the senior state governor is usually delegated as "Administrator of the Commonwealth" to perform the necessary official functions, pending a decision by the Sovereign on the advice of the Prime Minister of Australia about a permanent replacement as Governor-General. The Administrator has usually been the senior [[Governor]] of the Australian states. Each state governor holds what is known as a dormant commission. *In Canada, Jamaica, and New Zealand, it is the [[Chief Justice]]. *In Papua New Guinea, it is the [[Speaker of the House]]. *Many Caribbean countries have a specific office of "Deputy Governor-General". ===Former British colonies=== The title has been used in many British colonial entities that either no longer exist or are now independent countries. ====In the Americas==== *The [[Federation of the West Indies]] ([[Antigua]], Barbados, [[Cayman Islands]], [[Dominica]], [[Grenada]], [[Jamaica]], [[Montserrat]], [[St. Christopher-Nevis-Anguilla]], [[St. Lucia]], [[Saint Vincent and the Grenadines|St. Vincent]] and [[Turks and Caicos Islands]]), less commonly referred to as the British Caribbean Federation, had a single governor-general during its short existence, [[3 January]] [[1958]]–[[31 May]] [[1962]]: Governor-General Patrick George Thomas Buchan-Hepburn, Baron Hailes (b. 1901–d. 1974). ====In Asia==== *British India (the present [[India]], [[Pakistan]] and [[Bangladesh]] and till 1937 Burma, the present [[Myanmar]])—see also [[Viceroy]] *The Dominon of Ceylon (present [[Sri Lanka]]) (1948-1972) **The [[Governor-General of Ceylon]] *** Sir [[Henry Monck-Mason Moore]] ([[4 February]] [[1948]]&ndash;[[6 July]] [[1949]]) *** [[Herwald Ramsbotham, 1st Viscount Soulbury]] (6 July [[1949]]&ndash;[[17 July]] [[1954]]) *** Sir [[Oliver Ernest Goonetilleke]] (17 July 1954&ndash;[[2 March]] [[1962]]) *** [[William Gopallawa]] (2 March 1962&ndash;[[22 May]] 1972) ====In Africa==== *[[1 August]] [[1953]]–[[31 December]] [[1963]] The [[Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland]] also called the Central African Federation) comprising Southern Rhodesia (now [[Zimbabwe]]), Northern Rhodesia (now [[Zambia]]) and Nyasaland (now [[Malawi]]). * [[Sudan]] as [[Anglo-Egyptian Sudan]] between 1899 and [[1 January]] [[1956]]. *[[Nigeria]] until independence on [[1 October]] [[1960]]. ===Former Commonwealth realms=== Most Commonwealth countries that are now [[republic]]s, with the President as [[head of state]], were originally Commonwealth realms, with Governors-General. Some became parliamentary republics, like [[India]], where the presidency is a ceremonial post, similar that of the British monarch, while others, like [[Ghana]], adopted a presidential system like the [[United States]]. [[Australia]] held a [[1999 Australian republic referendum|referendum]] on becoming a parliamentary [[Republicanism in Australia|republic]] in [[1999]], but this was rejected. The current governments of [[Barbados]] and [[Jamaica]] while having announced plans to hold referendums on becoming republics (in each case with a non-executive President replacing the Queen as [[head of state]], as occurred in [[Trinidad and Tobago]] in [[1976]]), have not proceeded any further. There can be no way of knowing whether the necessary referendums to enable appropriate changes would be approved by voters. In Australia, a referendum to change the country into a republic was soundly defeated in 1999. ====In Africa==== * [[Gambia]], two incumbents: **[[18 February]] [[1965]]–[[9 February]] [[1966]] Sir [[John Warburton Paul]] (b. 1916–d. 2004), formerly the last colonial Governor **[[9 February]] [[1966]]–[[24 April]] [[1970]] Sir [[Farimang Mamadi Singateh]] (b. 1912); the country became a republic with [[Dawda Jawara]], formerly Prime Minister, as executive President. * [[Ghana]]: **[[6 March]] [[1957]]–[[24 June]] [[1957]] Sir Charles Noble Arden-Clarke (b. 1898–d. 1962), formerly the last colonial Governor **[[24 June]] [[1957]]–[[1 July]] [[1960]] William Francis Hare, Earl of Listowel (b. 1906–d. 1997); the country became the first in Africa to become a republic within the Commonwealth, with [[Kwame Nkrumah]], formerly Prime Minister, as executive President. * [[Kenya]]: [[12 December]] [[1963]]–[[12 December]] [[1964]] Malcolm John MacDonald (b. 1901–d. 1981), formerly the last colonial Governor; the country became a republic with [[Jomo Kenyatta]], formerly Prime Minister, as executive President. *[[Malawi]]: [[6 July]] [[1964]]–[[6 July]] [[1966]] Sir Glyn Smallwood Jones (b. 1908–d. 1992), formerly the last colonial Governor (until 1963 of "Nyasaland") the country became a republic with [[Kamuzu Banda]], formerly Prime Minister, as executive President. * [[Mauritius]]: Sir John Shaw Rennie ([[12 March]]–[[3 September]] [[1968]]) formerly the last colonial Governor. The country became a republic on [[12 March]] [[1992]] with the last Governor General [[Veerasamy Ringadoo]] as the first ceremonial President. *[[Nigeria]]: **[[1 October]] [[1960]]–[[16 November]] [[1960]] Sir [[James Wilson Robertson]] (b. 1899–d. 1983) Non-party (previously colonial Governor-General) **[[16 November]] [[1960]]–[[1 October]] [[1963]] [[Benjamin Nnamdi Azikiwe]] (b. 1904–d. 1996) NCNC; became first ceremonial President of the Federal Republic * [[Sierra Leone]] ''(See also [[Governor-General of Sierra Leone]]):'' **[[27 April]] [[1961]]–[[27 April]] [[1962]] [[Maurice Henry Dorman|Sir Maurice Henry Dorman]] (b. 1902–d. 1993), formerly the last colonial Governor **[[27 April]] [[1962]]–April 1967 Sir [[Henry Josiah Lightfoot Boston]] (b. 1898–d. 1969) (acting to [[27 July]] [[1962]]) **April 1967–[[18 April]] [[1968]] [[Andrew Juxon-Smith|Andrew Terence Juxon-Smith]] (acting) (b. 1933–d. 1996) **[[18 April]] [[1968]]–[[22 April]] [[1968]] [[John Amadu Bangura]] (acting) (b. 1930–d. 1971) **[[22 April]] [[1968]]–[[31 March]] [[1971]] [[Banja Tejan-Sie]] (from 1970, Sir Banja Tejan-Sie) (b. 1917–d. 2000) **[[31 March]] [[1971]]–[[19 April]] [[1971]] [[Christopher Cole]] (acting) (b. 1921–d. after 1990); briefly first President, before being succeeded by Prime Minister [[Siaka Stevens]], who became executive President. * [[South Africa]] from [[31 May]] [[1910]] when Cape, Natal, Orange Free State and Transvaal united as a dominion ([[Union of South Africa]]) until the [[31 May]] [[1961]] declaration of the Republic of South Africa. The last [[Governor-General of the Union of South Africa]], [[Charles Robberts Swart]], became the first [[State President of South Africa]]. *[[Tanganyika]] (now [[Tanzania]]): [[9 December]] [[1961]]–[[9 December]] [[1962]] Sir Richard Gordon Turnbull (b. 1909–d. 1998), formerly the last colonial Governor; the country became a republic with [[Julius Nyerere]], formerly Prime Minister, as executive President. *[[Uganda]]: [[9 October]] [[1962]]–[[9 October]] [[1963]] Sir Walter Fleming Coutts (b. 1912–d. 1988), formerly the last colonial Governor; the country became a republic with [[Mutesa II of Buganda|Frederick Mutesa]], [[Kabaka]] of [[Buganda]], as ceremonial President. * In [[Rhodesia]] (now [[Zimbabwe]]), a unique situation arose following the [[Unilateral Declaration of Independence (Rhodesia)|Unilateral Declaration of Independence]] in [[1965]], unrecognised by the [[United Kingdom]]. The [[Rhodesian Front]] government of [[Ian Smith]] recognised [[Queen Elizabeth II]] as "Queen of Rhodesia", but refused to recognise the authority of her Governor [[Humphrey Gibbs|Sir Humphrey Gibbs]], whose duties were performed by an '''Officer Administering the Government''', [[Clifford Dupont]] (b. 1905–d. 1978). Dupont served in the post until [[2 March]] [[1970]], when Rhodesia was declared a [[republic]] (an act also unrecognised internationally) and he became [[President of Rhodesia|President]]. The country became an independent republic within the Commonwealth as Zimbabwe on [[18 April]] [[1980]]. [[Zambia]] and the [[Seychelles]] became republics within the Commonwealth on independence. ====In the Americas==== *[[Guyana]]: **[[26 May]] [[1966]]–[[16 December]] [[1966]] Sir Richard Edmonds Luyt (b. 1915–d. 1994), formerly the last colonial Governor **[[16 December]] [[1966]]–[[10 November]] [[1969]] Sir David James Gardiner Rose (b. 1923–d. 1969) **[[10 November]] [[1969]]–[[22 February]] [[1970]] Sir Edward Victor Luckhoo (acting) (b. 1912–d. 1998); succeeded by the first President *[[Trinidad and Tobago]]: **[[31 August]] [[1962]]–[[15 September]] [[1972]] Sir [[Solomon Hochoy]] (b. 1905–d. 1983), formerly the last colonial Governor **[[15 September]] [[1972]]–[[1 August]] [[1976]] Sir [[Ellis Clarke]] (b. 1917) [[Dominica]] became a republic on independence in [[1978]], with a ceremonial [[President of Dominica|President]] as head of state. ====In Asia==== *[[India]] **[[15 August]] [[1947]]–[[21 June]] [[1948]] [[Louis Francis Mountbatten, Earl Mountbatten of Burma]] (s.a.), formerly the last colonial [[Viceroy]] **[[21 June]] [[1948]]–[[26 January]] [[1950]] [[Chakravarti Rajagopalachari]] (b. 1878–d. 1972); became the first republic within the Commonwealth *[[Pakistan]] **[[15 August]] [[1947]]–[[11 September]] [[1948]] [[Mohammad Ali Jinnah]] (b. 1876–d. 1948) ML **[[14 September]] [[1948]]–[[17 October]] [[1951]] Khwaja Nazimuddin (b. 1894–d. 1964) ML **[[17 October]] [[1951]]–[[6 October]] [[1955]] Ghulam Mohammad (b. 1895–d. 1956) ML **[[6 October]] [[1955]]–[[23 March]] [[1956]] Sikandar Ali Mirza (b. 1899–d. 1969) Mil; since then a republic *[[Ceylon]] (now [[Sri Lanka]]): **[[4 February]] [[1948]]–[[6 July]] [[1949]] Sir Henry Monck-Mason Moore (b. 1887–d. 1964), previously the last colonial Governor) **[[6 July]] [[1949]]–[[17 July]] [[1954]] Herwald Ramsbotham, Baron Soulbury (b. 1887–d. 1971) **[[17 July]] [[1954]]–[[2 March]] [[1962]] Sir Oliver Ernest Goonetilleke (b. 1892–d. 1978) **[[2 March]] [[1962]]–[[22 May]] [[1972]] [[William Gopallawa]] (b. 1897–d. 1981)); became the first President of the republic of Sri Lanka ====In Europe==== *[[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]] [[Governor-General of the Irish Free State]] dominion [[6 December]] [[1922]] until [[29 December]] [[1937]]. *[[Malta]]: **[[21 September]] [[1964]]–[[4 July]] [[1971]] Sir [[Maurice Henry Dorman]] (b. 1902–d. 1993), formerly the last colonial Governor **[[4 July]] [[1971]]–[[13 December]] [[1974]] Sir [[Anthony Joseph Mamo]] (b. 1909); became first [[President of Malta]] [[Cyprus]] became a republic on independence. ====In Oceania==== *[[Fiji]]: **[[10 October]] [[1970]]–[[13 January]] [[1973]] Sir Robert Sidney Foster (b. 1913–d. 2005), formerly the last colonial Governor **[[13 January]] [[1973]]–[[12 February]] [[1983]] Ratu Sir George Cakobau (b. 1912–d. 1989) **[[12 February]] [[1983]]–[[6 October]] [[1987]] Ratu Sir Penaia Ganilau (b. 1918–d. 1993); it became a republic under a President on [[5 December]] [[1987]] == Other colonial and similar usages == ===Belgian=== * [[Belgian Congo]]; * [[Ruanda-Urundi]] ===French=== The equivalent word in French is ''gouverneur général'', used in the following colonies: * From [[1887]] to [[1945]] the French appointed a [[Governor-General of Indochina|Governor-General]] to govern [[French Indo-China]] (now [[Vietnam]], [[Laos]] and [[Cambodia]]); the function of [[High commissioner in the Pacific Ocean]], from 22 March 1907 held by the Governors of [[New Caledonia]], was used to coordinate that colony, the other French Settlements in Oceania and the governors-general of French Indochina and the [[Resident commissioner]]s of the [[New Hebrides]] and the [[resident (title)|Resident]]s of [[Wallis and Futuna]] were subordinated to him. * From 1699–1947, the French appointed a Governor-General to administer [[French India]] (including [[History of Puducherry|Pondichéry]]). *Governors-general of the [[Mascarene Islands]] (under control of the [[charter companies|chartered]] [[Compagnie des Indes]] to 14 July 1767) from 4 June 1735 (succeeding to governors), and after its split-up of [[Mauritius]] (Réunion and the Seychelles got lower-styled [[Commandant]]s or Governors) , till 25 September 1803 * [[Haiti]] January 1714 - 31 December 1803; last incumbent [[Jean-Jacques Dessalines]] shortly maintained the title after the January I, 1804 independence before proclaiming himself 'emperor' Jacques I * Since its creation on [[16 June]] [[1895]] in [[French West Africa]] (AOF), until [[4 April]] [[1957]]; the last stayed on as first of two [[High commissioner]]s * [[Madagascar]] * From [[28 June]] [[1908]] (previously it had a [[Commissaire général]], i.e. Commissioner general) to [[4 April]] [[1957]] (the last stayed on as first of three High commissioners) in [[French Equatorial Africa]] (AEF); during several periods he also acted as Governor of the constitutive colony [[Congo Brazzaville]]. Furthermore, in Napoleonic Europe successive French Governors-general were appointed by [[Napoleon I]] in: * the German states of [[Brandenburg]] (various other got 'mere' Governors), two incumbents during the 27 October 1806 - 10 December 1808 French occupation * Province of [[Courland]] under the French occupation (from 1 August 1812, Duchy of Courland and Semigallia and District of [[Pilten]] nominally re-established under joint French-Saxon protectorate 8 October 1812 - 20 December 1812) : Jacques David Martin, baron de Campredon (b. 1761 - d. 1837) * [[Parma and Piacenza]] under occupation, (after a Commissioner) 15 February 1804 - 23 July 1808, later annexed as ''département'' under a [[Prefect]] of [[Taro]] * principality of [[Piombino]] May 1806 - 1811 : Adolphe Beauvais (d. 1811) * annexed [[Tuscany]], two incumbents, over prefects for [[Arno (department)|Arno]], [[Méditerranée]] [Mediterranean] and [[Ombrone]]: ** May 1808 - 3 March 1809 Jacques François de Boussay, baron de Menou (b. 1750 - d. 1810) ** 3 March 1809 - 1 February 1814 Elisa Baciocchi Bonaparte (with courtesy style of Grand Duchess of Tuscany) (b. 1777 - d. 1820) * the [[Illyrian provinces]] (comprising present [[Croatia]], [[Slovenia]] and even adjacent parts of [[Austria]] and Italy), annexed as part of the French Empire proper, 14 October 1809 - August 1813 ===Netherlands=== From [[1691]] to [[1948]] the Dutch appointed a [[Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies|Gouverneur-generaal]] ("Governor-General") to govern the [[Netherlands East Indies]], now [[Indonesia]]. While in the Caribbean, various other titles were used, Curaçao had three Governors-General between [[1816]] and [[1820]]: *1816–1819 Albert Kikkert *1819–1820 Petrus Bernardus van Starkenborgh *1820 Isaäk Johannes Rammelman Elsevier ===Spanish=== * From [[21 November]] [[1564]] the Spanish colony ''[[Spanish East Indies|Islas Filipinas]]'' had a [[Governor-General of the Philippines|Governor-general]], subordinated to the [[Viceroyalty of New Spain|Viceroy of New Spain]] in Mexico until the [[Mexican_War_of_Independence|latter's independence]] in 1821. Thereafter, the Governor-general reported directly to Spain. ===Portuguese=== The equivalent word in Portuguese is ''Governador-Geral'', but this style was only used in a few major colonies, other colonies lower titles, mainly ''Governador'' (Governor) or [[Captain-major]], prevailed *In the overseas province of [[Portuguese India]] (''Estado da Índia'', capital Goa) the style was changed repeatedly for another, mostly [[Viceroy]], or a commission *In [[Brazil]], after a few Governors, from 1578 till its promotion on 13 Jul 1714 to [[Viceroyalty]] *in Africa, from 1837 Portugal appointed a Governor-general to govern the colony of [[Portuguese West Africa]] (later [[Angola]]), and another in [[Mozambique]] (Portuguese East Africa); both offices were restyled in full [[High Commissioner]] and Governor-general in 1921, and both existed until their 1975 decolonisation. ===U.S.=== * From [[1905]] to [[1935]] the [[Philippines]] (since [[13 August]] [[1898]] a U.S territory; first under three Military and two ordinary Governors) was administered by a series of [[Governor-General of the Philippines|Governors General]] appointed by the [[United States]]. == Other Western usages == * [[Governor-General in the Swedish Realm]] * From [[1636]] to [[1815]], the [[Governors-General of Sweden]] typically were appointed for the [[Dominions of Sweden|Swedish Dominions]] on the eastern side of the Baltic and in northern Germany, but occasionally also for [[Skåne|Scania]]. * From [[1809]] to [[1918]] there were [[Russia]]n [[Governor-General of Finland]] in the [[Grand Duchy of Finland]]; [[Governor-Generals of Poland]] in [[Congress Poland]] and in various other [[Guberniya|Governorates-General]]. * From [[1939]] to [[1944]], during the German occupation of [[Poland]], part of the country was designated the [[General Government]] and the Nazi official [[Hans Frank]] had the title Governor-General (''Generalgouverneur für die besetzten polnischen Gebiete''). * the kingdom of [[Saxony]] had a Governor general twice, under Allied control after French emperor [[Napoleon I]]'s defeat: **28 October 1813 - 8 November 1814 Prince Nikolay Grigorievich Repnin-Volkonsky (Russia) (b. 1778 - d. 1845) **8 November 1814 - 8 June 1815 Eberhard Friedrich Christoph Ludwig, [[Freiherr]] von der Recke (Prussia) (b. 1744 - d. 1826) * during the occupation of [[Serbia]] by [[Austria-Hungary]] and Bulgaria, the former (Habsburg empire) appointed three consecutive governors-general: **1 January 1916 - July 1916 Johan Ulrich Graf von Salis-Seewis (b. 1862 - d. 1940) **July 1916 - October 1918 Adolf Freiherr von Rhemen zu Barensfeld (b. 1855 - d. 1932) **October 1918 - 1 November 1918 Herman Freiherr Kövess von Kövessháza (b. 1854 - d. 1924; a former military commander in northern Serbia) == Asian counterparts == * From [[1644]] to [[1911]], in [[Qing Dynasty]] [[China]], a ''Governor General'' or ''[[zongdu]]'' (Chinese: 总督) was the highest official of joint military and civil affairs in one or several [[Province of China|provinces]] (alternately translated as [[Viceroy]]) * Imperial [[Japan]]: **From [[1895]] to [[1945]], [[Taiwan]] was administered by the Japanese [[Governor-General of Taiwan]]. ** From [[1910]] to [[1945]], [[Korea]] was administered by the Japanese [[Governor-General of Korea]]. * Islamic Republic of [[Iran]] **The provincial authority is headed by a Governor-General<ref name="govgen">{{cite web| url=http://www2.irna.com/en/news/view/line-203/0710215516003338.htm| title="Paris for further cultural cooperation with Iran"| first=Online Edition| last=IRNA| accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> ([[Persian Language|Persian]]: استاندار ''ostāndār''). == Note == In [[Canada]] the title "Governor General" is always used unhyphenated. In [[Australia]] and [[New Zealand]], the term is always hyphenated. <ref>[http://www.gg.gov.au Governor General of Australia ~ Welcome Message - Main Home Page<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> <ref> www.gov-gen.govt.nz</ref> == See also == *[[Administrator of the Government]] *[[Governor-in-chief]] *[[Governor]] *[[Lieutenant Governor|Lieutenant-Governor]] *[[High Commissioner]] *[[Governor-General of the Philippines]] *[[Aruba]] and the [[Netherlands Antilles]]; territories of the [[Monarchy of the Netherlands|Dutch Monarchy]] *[[Guberniya]]; an administrative sub-division of [[Imperial Russia]] headed by the equivalent of a governor-general *Each current [[Commonwealth realm]]'s Governor-General has his/her own article: **[[List of Governors-General of Antigua and Barbuda]] **[[Governor-General of Australia]] **[[List of Governors-General of the Bahamas]] **[[List of Governors-General of Barbados]] **[[List of Governors-General of Belize]] **[[Governor General of Canada]] **[[List of Governors-General of Grenada]] **[[List of Governors-General of Jamaica]] **[[Governor-General of New Zealand]] **[[Governor-General of Papua New Guinea]] **[[List of Governors-General of Saint Lucia]] **[[List of Governors-General of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines]] **[[List of Governors-General of Saint Kitts and Nevis]] **[[Governor-General of the Solomon Islands]] **[[Governor-General of Tuvalu]] *Some defunct political entities: [[Governor-General of the Irish Free State]], [[Governor-General of the Federation of the West Indies]], [[Governor-General of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland]], [[Governor-General of French Indochina]] *Some former Commonwealth realms in the Americas [[Governor-General of Guyana]], [[Governor-General of Trinidad and Tobago]] *Some former Commonwealth realms in Africa: [[Governor-General of Nigeria]], [[Governor-General of Sierra Leone]], [[Governor-General of Tanzania]], [[Governor-General of the Union of South Africa]], [[Governor-General of Uganda]], [[Governor-General of Gambia]], [[Governor-General of Kenya]], [[Governor-General of Ghana]], [[Governor-General of Malawi]] *Some former Commonwealth realms in Asia [[Governor-General of India]], [[Governor-General of Pakistan]], [[Governor-General of Sri Lanka]] * Some former Commonwealth realms in Europe [[Governor-General of Malta]] *Some former Commonwealth realms in Oceania [[Governor-General of Fiji]] {{Heads of state}} ==Sources and references== (incomplete) <references /> *[http://www.worldstatesmen.org/COLONIES.html#British WorldStatesmen] [[Category:gubernatorial titles]] [[Category:Commonwealth realms]] [[Category:Governors-General| ]] [[Category:Heads of state]] [[bg:Генерал-губернатор]] [[ca:Governador general]] [[de:Generalgouverneur]] [[es:Gobernador General]] [[eo:Guberniestro ĝenerala]] [[fr:Gouverneur général]] [[he:מושל כללי]] [[ka:გენერალ-გუბერნატორი]] [[id:Gubernur Jenderal]] [[ja:総督]] [[pl:Gubernator generalny]] [[ru:Генерал-губернатор]] [[simple:Governor General]] [[sv:Generalguvernör]] [[tl:Gobernador-Heneral‎]] [[zh:总督]]