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 The Jamaica Independence Act 1962 (c. 40) is an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom that granted independence to Jamaica with effect from 6 August 1962. As a result of the Act, Jamaica became the first English-speaking country in the We ...

is the Monarch of Jamaica, currently Charles III, who is also the

King of the United Kingdom The monarchy of the United Kingdom, commonly referred to as the British monarchy, is the constitutional form of government by which a hereditary sovereign reigns as the head of state of the United Kingdom, the Crown Dependencies (the Bailiwi ...

and the other

Commonwealth realm A Commonwealth realm is a sovereign state in the Commonwealth of Nations whose monarch and head of state is shared among the other realms. Each realm functions as an independent state, equal with the other realms and nations of the Commonwealt ...

s. The King is represented in Jamaica by a

Governor-General Governor-general (plural ''governors-general''), or governor general (plural ''governors general''), is the title of an office-holder. In the context of governors-general and former British colonies, governors-general are appointed as viceroy t ...

Monarch (1962–present)

The succession to the throne is the same as the

succession to the British throne Succession to the British throne is determined by descent, gender, legitimacy and religion. Under common law, the Crown is inherited by a sovereign's children or by a childless sovereign's nearest collateral line. The Bill of Rights 1689 an ...

Governor-General

The

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 Statute of Westminster 1931 is an act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom that sets the basis for the relationship between the Commonwealth realms and the Crown. Passed on 11 December 1931, the statute increased the sovereignty of the ...

, 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

Standards

File:Royal Standard of Jamaica (1966–2022).svg, Royal Standard of Elizabeth II File:Flag of the Governor-General of Jamaica.svg, Governor-General's Standard

References

External links

World Statesmen – Jamaica

{{Heads of State of Jamaica Government of Jamaica Heads of state Jamaica