List of heads of state of Jamaica explained

This is a list of the heads of state of Jamaica, from the independence of Jamaica in 1962 to the present day.

From 1962 the head of state under the Jamaica Independence Act 1962 is the Monarch of Jamaica, currently Charles III, who is also the King of the United Kingdom and the other Commonwealth realms. The King is represented in Jamaica by a Governor-General.

Monarch (1962–present)

The succession to the throne is the same as the succession to the British throne.

ImageMonarch
ReignRoyal HousePrime Minister
Reign startReign endDuration
1Queen Elizabeth II
1962 2022WindsorBustamante
Sangster
Shearer
Manley
Seaga
Manley
Patterson
Simpson-Miller
Golding
Holness
Simpson-Miller
Holness
2King Charles III
2022WindsorHolness

Governor-General

The Governor-General is the representative of the monarch in Jamaica and exercises most of their powers. The Governor-General is appointed for an indefinite term, serving at the pleasure of the monarch. After the passage of the Statute of Westminster 1931, the Governor-General is appointed solely on the advice of the Cabinet of Jamaica without the involvement of the British government. In the event of a vacancy the Chief Justice served as Officer Administering the Government.

Status
ImageGovernor-General
Term of officeMonarchPrime Minister
Took officeLeft officeTime in office
1Sir Kenneth Blackburne
1962 1962Elizabeth IIBustamante
2Sir Clifford Campbell
1962 1973Elizabeth IIBustamante
Sangster
Shearer
Manley
Sir Herbert Duffus
1973 1973Elizabeth IIManley
3Sir Florizel Glasspole
1973 1991Elizabeth IIManley
Seaga
Manley
Sir Edward Zacca
1991 1991Elizabeth IIManley
4Sir Howard Cooke
1991 2006Elizabeth IIManley
Patterson
5Sir Kenneth O. Hall
2006 2009Elizabeth IIPatterson
Simpson-Miller
Golding
6Sir Patrick Allen
2009Elizabeth II
Charles III
Golding
Holness
Simpson-Miller
Holness

External links