Governor-General of Belize

The governor-general is formally appointed by the monarch of Belize. When a new governor-general is to be appointed, the current prime minister recommends a name to the monarch, who by convention accepts that recommendation. At the installation ceremony, the new governor-general takes an Oath of Allegiance and Office. These oaths are administered by the chief justice of Belize. ==Functions==

The governor-general's powers and roles are derive from the Constitution of Belize's Part IV, sections 30 to 35 and set out certain provisions relating to the governor-general. The prime minister keeps the governor-general fully informed concerning the general conduct of the government of Belize and furnishes the governor-general with such information as the governor-general may request with respect to any particular matter relating to the government of Belize. The governor-general acts on the advice of government ministers, to issue regulations, proclamations under existing laws, to appoint state judges, ambassadors and high commissioners to overseas countries, and other senior government officials. The governor-general is also responsible for issuing Royal Commissions of Inquiry, and other matters, as required by particular legislation; and authorises many other executive decisions by ministers such as approving treaties with foreign governments. The governor-general may, in certain circumstances, exercise without – or contrary to – ministerial advice. These are known as the reserve powers, and include: • appointing a prime minister if an election has resulted in a 'hung parliament'. • dismissing the prime minister after the prime minister lost the confidence of the parliament. • dismissing any minister acting unlawfully. • refusing to dissolve the House of Representatives despite a request from the prime minister. Ceremonial role The governor-general's ceremonial duties include opening new sessions of parliament by delivering the Speech from the Throne, welcoming visiting heads of state, and receiving the credentials of foreign diplomats. The governor-general attends military parades and special occasions, and presents Colours and other insignia to units of the Belize Defence Force and the Police Force. The governor-general also presents honours at investitures to persons for notable service to the community, or for acts of bravery. ==Privileges==

Salary The Governor-General (Conditions of Service) Act 1989 defines the salary, pension and other entitlements of the governor-general. The act was amended in 2021 to provide for a fixed seven-year term of office and raise the governor-general's salary to BZ$75,000. This was the first increase in salary since 1989. Symbols The governor-general uses a personal flag, which features a lion passant atop a St. Edward's royal crown with "Belize" written across a scroll underneath, all on a blue background. It is flown on buildings and other locations in Belize to mark the governor-general's presence. A viceregal salute —composed of the first verse of "God Save the King" followed by the chorus of the Belizean National Anthem, "Land of the Free"— is used to greet the governor-general upon arrival at, and mark his or her departure from most official events. Residences The governor general resided at Government House, Belize until 1984, even after the capital had moved to Belmopan in 1970. In 1984, the governor general moved to Belize House in Belmopan, formerly the residence of the British High Commission on North Ring Road and Melhado Parade. ==List of governors-general==

Following is a list of people who have served as Governor-General of Belize since independence in 1981. == See also ==