The Constitution of The Bahamas provides that the Governor-General is appointed by Her Majesty the Queen, on the advice if the Prime Minister. The period of service is at Her Majesty's pleasure. Subject to the provisions of the Constitution, the executive authority of The Bahamas, which is vested in Her Majesty, may be exercised on her behalf by The Governor-General either directly, or through authorized officials.
The Governor-General, as the Representative of the Her Majesty the Queen, is entitled to certain privileges and courtesies. He/she retains the right of precedence in all circumstances, unless specific exceptions are authorized.
Particular rules of protocol have been established in connection with the performance of the duties of the Governor-General and this document outlines the fundamental procedures pertaining to the Governor-General and his/her spouse, for guidance.
Special rules of protocol relate to the performance of the duties of the Governor-General as the representative Head of State. These privileges and courtesies include holding the right of precedence in The Bahamas on all occasions except when Her Majesty the Queen, or a Member of the Royal Family is present and designated as Her Majesty’s Representative at specific State events.
The functions of the Governor-General are statutory, ceremonial, traditional and social; authority for which lies within the Constitution, and various laws enacted by Parliament.
In the performance of the duties of the Office, with some exceptions, The Governor-General acts only on the advice of the Prime Minister. Among other duties, these include the appointment of Cabinet Ministers, the Chief Justice and Justices of the Supreme Court, the President of the Court of Appeal and Justices of Appeal, Service Commissions, Public Boards and Committees, and all Public Officers.
The Governor-General also receives Credentials from Ambassadors accredited to The Bahamas, conferral of National Honours on Bahamians, and presentation of Instruments of Appointment to Ambassadors-designate of The Bahamas being assigned to foreign countries.
Socially, the Governor-General frequently receives Bahamians and other Nationals in courtesy calls on special occasions or celebrations, students of various schools, and visitors from other countries.
In the context of representing The Bahamas, the Governor-General also accepts many invitations to attend church services, religious observances, and charitable, social, and civic events.
