Governor-General of Belize

Governor-General of Belize
Flag of the governor-general
Incumbent
Dame Froyla Tzalam
since 27 May 2021
StyleHer Excellency
ResidenceGovernment House, Belize (former)
Belize House, Belmopan (since 1984)
AppointerMonarch of Belize
on the advice of the prime minister
Term length7 years
Constituting instrumentConstitution of Belize
Formation21 September 1981
First holderDame Elmira Minita Gordon
SalaryBZ$75,000
WebsiteOfficial website

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.


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