THE HON. CORNEILIUS A. SMITH SWORN IN AS NEW GOVERNOR GENERAL
The Hon. Cornelius A. Smith Sworn In as New Governor General
NASSAU, The Bahamas – The Hon. Cornelius A. Smith was sworn in as the nation’s 11th Governor General on Friday, June 28, 2019 before a large audience of Bahamians from all walks of life. His swearing in ceremony was held in Rawson Square amidst much pomp and colourful pageantry.
Just prior, there was a Farewell Salute to the former Governor General, Her Excellency the Most Hon. Dame Marguerite Pindling.
During swearing in ceremonies, Secretary to the Cabinet, Ms. Camille Johnson, read the Royal Commission of Appointment, which was subsequently signed by Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert A. Minnis. Chief Justice of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, the Hon. Mr. Justice Brian Moree administered the Oath of Office.
Prime Minister Minnis delivered remarks and conveyed congratulatory sentiments to the newly-appointed Governor General.
In response, the Hon. C.A. Smith thanked the Prime Minister for recommending him for the post and also thanked the Bahamian people for their support. He vowed to carry out his duties to the best of his abilities.
An Inspection of the Guard of Honor followed, and a reception at the Terrace and Upper Gardens of Government House, Mount Fitzwilliam.
Cornelius Alvin Smith was born on Long Island on April 7, 1937 to Silvanus and Susan Smith. He was an educator by profession, then held a Master’s of Business Administration from the University of Miami, and had substantial careers in both the public and private sectors.
Notably, as a community and political activist, he entered front-line politics in the early seventies and is a founding member of the governing Free National Movement. He was elected to represent the people of the Marco City constituency in l982 and was re-elected to serve three times.
The new Governor General has served the people of The Bahamas as a senior Minister with the portfolios of Minister of Education (1992-1995), Minister of Public Safety and Immigration (1995-1997), Minister of Tourism (1997-2000) and Minister of Transport and Local Government (2000-2002).
He was appointed The Bahamas Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United States of America on Monday, September 24, 2007. He has served as Ambassador/Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States; and as Non-Resident Ambassador to Mexico, Malaysia and Columbia; and Non-Resident Ambassador to Panama, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua.
He is married to the former Clara Elizabeth Knowles, and the couple has three children.
By Betty Vedrine
Bahamas Information Services
9 July, 2019