The first female Governor General of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) was sworn in on Thursday, Emancipation Day, promising to execute her duties with professionalism and integrity.
“I am grateful for the opportunity granted me, through this elevation, to make a meaningful and lasting contribution to the development of our nation, using the knowledge, skills and experiences I have garnered over 30 years as a public servant,” Susan Dougan told a ceremony at Government House in Kingstown.
“I will strive to carry out my duties with professional integrity, valuing the constructive opinions of others and, in so doing, make the right decisions in service to Vincentians in all walks of life.
“Today is Emancipation Day and a time when we should all reflect on our past with the hope that it engenders in us the enthusiasm to go forward and build a brighter future,” she said.
Dougan was administered the oaths of Office and Allegiance by High Court judge, Justice Brian Cottle during a ceremony witnessed by state officials, as wells as relatives and friends, and the media.
“I am extremely honoured and privileged to fill the post of Governor General and that Her Majesty has consented for me to do so,” said Dougan, a retired educator, who has also served as Cabinet Secretary.
As Governor General of SVG, Dougan represents Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who is also sovereign of SVG.
In her 30 years as a public servant, Dougan, who has a degree in chemistry, was also principal of the Girls High School and also served as chief education officer.
It was under her tenure as chief education officer that the Ralph Gonsalves government executed its “education revolution”, which saw every primary school leaver being guaranteed a place in secondary school.
Dougan thanked Gonsalves for giving her the honour of becoming the first female governor general of SVG.
“I look forward to working with the government, all members of Parliament and our national institutions in service to the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines,” she said.
She commended former governor general Sir Ballantyne Frederick “for your outstanding service to this nation not only as the head of state but as a renowned cardiologist.
“You have, indeed, carried out your duties with distinction and have left a record worthy of emulation,” she told Sir Frederick, who retired from the post yesterday, after 16 years.
In announcing the changing of the guard earlier this month, Gonsalves said that Sir Frederick had indicated that he wanted to demit office because of health reasons.
Dougan thanked her family, relatives and friends for their unwavering support and their encouragement over the years.
“You are my greatest constructive critics and I appreciate and love you, very much, with the expectation that your support will be even stronger in the future.”
The new head of state said there are four persons who are very special to her and were absent: her deceased father, Walden Ryan; her elderly mother, Dorothy Ryan; Sir Vincent Beache, a former minister of national security, who is ill, and his wife, Lady Vida Beache.
“Oh how I wish they could have been here today,” Dougan said.
The governor general noted that SVG will, on Oct. 27, celebrate 40 years of independence and has made significant gains over those years, especially in education.
“I have no doubt that we shall continue on the path of sustainable development despite the many challenges facing small island developing states.
“We have already shown that we are a resilient people with an uncanny knack for achieving the near impossible. The record stands to show,” she said.
Congrats to lady Dougan. However in her remarks one detect easily her political persuasion so early in her tenure.
I don’t believe that eny one who is bent in believing that the prime Minister is responsible for there position can be professional in making decisions that the PM don’t like.the formre GG will say very often my Government but never my opposition.So let us see what this one will say.When you do what I know you should do l will congratulate you.
Congratulation ..Mrs Dougan / Governor General.. a very worthy position. May God continue to guide your footsteps as you persue your civic duties on behalf of the people of St Vincent and The Grenadines. Stay blessed.
Congratulations Your Excellency.
The Governor General serves a very important role in our democracy but we would like to see this broaden. We are aware, Her Excellency is the Queen’s representative and her role is mostly ceremonial and symbolic. It is my view that the Governor General needs to become more involve at the Community level and in youth affairs.
The idea is not to have the Governor General physically involve but to be more of a patron in these exercises. For example, as part of the Her Excellency Annual Calendar she should visit the homes of the elderly, the Community College and a few schools and perhaps a few exhibitions to promote local talent and skills.
Her Majesty the Queen who she represents is very involve in these types of activities so too are Governors in British Overseas Territories and other members of the monarchy. Vincentians should get an opportunity to meet their Governor General and not just to read about her in the news paper or watch her on television. She is our Governor General and we should at least get to see exercise her role in the public more frequently as a means of support.
No prejudice but the new GG looks like my grandmother. She should walk the road of retirement. Call it patronage, it’s by no other name.
GROSSLY DISRESPECTFUL OR WAGGISH?
If one is to be disrespectful, then it may take nothing to tell her, ‘…It is time for you to die granny.’
They say its not who you know but what you know, but in this case its not what you know but who you know.
congratolation, i hope the bring back the death penalty.