The Formidable Government House

By Kendea Smith

The 10-acre estate of Mount Fitzwilliam is the official residence of the governor general and comprises the Office of the Governor General. For visitors, it is marvel and a clear indication of British influence still prominent in the architecture of many buildings in Nassau.

Historians recount that Mount Fitzwilliam was named for a former owner – Richard Fitzwilliam – who was governor from 1733 to 1738.

The site was purchased by The Crown in 1800 for £4,000.00.

The mansion has undergone many changes over the years. The original structure was built during the administration of John Halkett who served as governor from 1801 to 1804.

In 1907, the East Wing was added to house the offices (ground floor) and grand ballroom (upstairs). Badly damaged by a hurricane, the East Wing was replaced by a new structure in 1909.

A subsequent hurricane in 1929 also caused substantial damage to the building leading to it once again be rebuilt.

Over the years, the structure was given a new façade, including a carport, as well as improved entry and hallways. It was ready for occupancy by Governor Sir Bede and Lady Clifford in 1932.

Additional quarters in the West Wing (now known as the Windsor Wing) were constructed to accommodate the personal staff of the Duke of Windsor, formerly King Edward VII of Great Britain, and governor of The Bahamas from 1940 to 1944.

During 1964, considerable renovation was carried out, at which time the office accommodation on the ground floor of the East Wing was also remodelled.

In 1977, the roof of the patio on the south side of the building was added to facilitate the accommodation for the visit of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in October of that year.

During the governorship of Sir Orville Turnquest from 1995 to 2001, there were also many renovations and refurbishments carried out.

Though there were many changes, one thing remained – the original, solid, seemingly impenetrable outside walls.

Government House has been known to host many royal figures such as Queen Elizabeth II and Duke of Edinburgh Prince Philip; King Charles III; Princess Anne and Captain Mark Philips; Princess Margaret; the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Prince William and Catherine; and Prince Harry amongst others.

Additionally, the mansion has seen the likes of President of the United States John F. Kennedy; Prime Minister of Great Britain Winston Churchill; President of Zambia Dr. Kenneth Kuanda; President of South Africa Nelson Mandela; and President of Mexico Vincente Fox amongst many others.

With its vast gardens and ample patio space, Government House is also host to many special civic and social events, especially those hosted by the government.

The house comprises a main entrance hall and grand staircase, drawing room, library, dining room, bedroom suite for the governor general, and three main guest suites in the Windsor Wing to accommodate family members and household staff.

Government House also hosts schoolchildren, so that they can learn more about the functions of Bahamian government.

Changing Of The Guard

A must-see attraction at Government House is the Changing of the Guard. It usually takes place every second Saturday of the month. The brief, but delightful 15-minute display features the Royal Bahamas Police Force Band, while the Royal Bahamas Defence Force is the actual guard of the mansion. As the new guard comes in, the old guard marches out with the police force.

Governor General

The governor general has an important role to play in Bahamian society as the representative of the British monarch. While The Bahamas is independent, it remains a Commonwealth of Britain, and practices the conventions of the Westminster system.

The governor general is appointed by the monarch on the advice of the prime minister of The Bahamas. He or she, who usually carries the title of sir or dame, is responsible for appointing ministers of government, judges, and ambassadors, giving royal assent to legislation passed by Parliament and dissolving and issuing writs for election.

In certain circumstances, the governor general also has reserve powers which gives him or her power to appoint a prime minister if an election has resulted in a ‘hung Parliament’; dismiss the prime minister who has lost the confidence of the Parliament; dismiss any minister acting unlawfully; and refuse to dissolve the House of Representatives despite a request from the prime minister.

According to records, there have been 11 serving governors general and four acting governors general. The longest serving governor general, to date, is Sir Orville Turnquest, who served for nearly seven years.

The first governor general was Sir Milo Butler, and the incumbent is Sir Cornelius A. Smith. UA