Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Dr. Patrick Linton Allen (second right), greets President of the Commonwealth of Dominica, His Excellency, Dr. Nicholas Liverpool (left), when he visited King’s House on February 27. Also sharing in the moment are: Her Excellency the Most Hon. Mrs. Allen and the Governor-General’s Aide-de-Camp, Delando Coriah. Dr. Liverpool’s visit was the first courtesy call on the new Governor-General, who assumed office on February 26.
In an interview with JIS News, Dr. Liverpool said it was “very delightful visiting (Dr. Allen) for the first time as I didn’t know him before.” He informed that he had learned a lot about the new Governor-General by reading.
Dr. Liverpool and Mrs. Liverpool were among various Caribbean dignitaries in the island for yesterday’s ceremony (Feb. 26) to install Dr. Allen as Jamaica’s sixth Governor-General since Independence.
He described Dr. Allen’s inaugural address, following his swearing in, as “very interesting and very informative.”
Dr. Liverpool said that his visit to the island was “enjoyable” adding that he was “sure that the relations between Dominica and Jamaica will be strengthened” by it.
As Governor-General, Dr. Allen will exercise the executive authority of Jamaica on behalf of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.
His duties include appointment of the Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition, custodes and members of public commissions, including the Public Service Commission.
An educator and devout Christian, Dr. Allen’s appointment continues the line of educators, who have served as Head of State, dating back to Jamaica’s first native post-independent Governor-General, Sir Clifford Campbell, 1962-1973; and who also include: Sir Florizel Glasspole, 1973-1991; Sir Howard Cooke, 1991-2006; and Sir Kenneth Hall, 2006-2009.