James Carlisle
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Sir James Beethoven Carlisle GCMG (born August 5, 1937) is the Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda. He was appointed on June 10, 1993. He was born in the village of Bolans, Antigua, making him the first Antiguan-born Governor-General. Sir James is married to Nalda Amelia, and has five children.
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[edit] Education
He received his early schooling at Bolans Public School, before moving to the United Kingdom to continue his education at Northampton College of Technology. He then took at degree in dentistry at the University of Dundee. In 1991, he graduated from the American School of Laser Dentistry.
[edit] Dental career
Sir James has practiced in both Antigua and Britain. Upon his return to Antigua in 1981 he went into private practice - the fourth dentist on the island - which met with some resistance from his competitors. However, he built up his practice and was a dental officer in the public service.
He became increasingly involved with local professional associations, becoming a member of the Medical Board and Vice President of the Antigua and Barbuda Dental Association. He also developed a Fluoride Program for children, instituted a free dental service for senior citizens and children and given dental health lectures.
International professional bodies of which Sir James is a member include the International Society of Laser Dentists and the British Dental Association.
[edit] Military career
Sir James has served in the British Royal Air Force from 1961 - 1966. He was also commissioned in the Royal Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force between 1983 - 1993. For a time he was Commander of the volunteer element of the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force.
[edit] Political career
He became involved within the local community, and became the Chairman of the National Parks Authority. This role, Sir James believes, was responsible for his elevation to the Governorship: "When I took over that job the Authority was something like a half million in the red. When I left, it was more than $800,000 in the black. And I think (then prime minister Vere Cornwall Bird) felt: Here's somebody I can trust with money." [1]
[edit] Religion
Although born and christened and Anglican, Sir James is a Seventh-day Adventist. As such does not carry out duties on the Sabbath or serve alcohol to guests at official functions. This has been a source of some controversy, by his own admission. [2]
[edit] Honours and Honorary Degrees
[edit] Honours
- Knight Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George (GCMG), November 1993. Invested Buckingham Palace, July 1994.
[edit] Foreign Honours
[edit] Positions Held As Governor General
- Grandmaster of four Antiguan orders
- Chief Scout of the Antigua and Barbuda Branch of The Scout Association
- Patron of local Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme
[edit] Honorary Degrees and Fellowships
- Doctor of Laws, Andrews University in Michigan, USA
- Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
[edit] External links
| Preceded by Sir Wilfred Jacobs |
Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda 1993 – present |
Incumbent |
