Governor General Dame Susan Dougan will demit office on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, ending 50 years of public service.
She made the announcement at Government House in Old Montrose on Wednesday — Old Year’s Day — during a ceremony to swear in members of the Public Service Commission and the Police Service Commission.
“I am also pleased to say that I demit office on the 5th of January, so it is indeed a pleasure to swear you in before I leave,” Dame Susan said.
Speaking to NBC Radio after the ceremony, Dame Susan, who turns 71 on March 3, said she had planned to demit office last September, her 50th anniversary of public service, but decided to stay on as governor general until the end of the year, in light of the general election, which was held on Nov. 27
She noted that she entered the public service in 1975.
“… and in September of 2025, I served 50 years as a public servant, and I felt it was time for me to demit any public office that I’m holding.”
Dame Susan was sworn in as governor general on Aug. 1, 2019, becoming the first female in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) to hold the office.
Before that, she had served as the governor-general’s deputy since December 2014.
“And so, I enjoy what I did over the years,” Dame Susan told NBC Radio.
“I love children, and I will continue to work with them under the foundation under my name. And I always say, whatever you have to do, you have to do it with passion, with love, and that caring for people.”
She said she tried to instil this outlook in those whose lives she has touched.
“And it has been my guide throughout my public life, and so the decision to demit was not recently decided. That was a decision I discussed with my husband and family and because the elections were due just two months later than that date in September, I decided to stay on until the end of the year.”
Dame Susan said her 50-year career as a public servant has been “very, very fruitful.
“I also enjoyed being governor general because I was able to do more and help a lot of young people in my daily work.”
She urged more people to get involved “in what is really important to us.
“I would like to see people join organisations, get involved in community work, try as far as possible to educate the young ones by being mentors for them and help them to become who they really are.
“Lift them up and to also add value to the lives of those who are struggling, who are challenged, and to ensure at all times that St Vincent and the Grenadines stays on the map as a country where we are progressive, where we are caring, where we enjoy hard work and we have good discipline,” Dame Susan said.
“Once we are so involved in our democracy, we are going to be on the right path to continue on the trajectory to be in a successful nation.”
Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony earlier, Deputy Prime Minister St. Clair Leacock recognised Dame Susan’s “tremendous and valuable service to our peoples in St Vincent and the Grenadines”.
He expressed hope that the head of state enjoys her retirement.
“And there will be a new governor general of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. It’s the wish of this administration — and I speak for the prime minister — that we see a clear recognition and distinction between the role of state and government and we give to Caesar that which is Caesar’s
“Those things that are state functions must be represented here at state house, Government House, and those things that are government must be represented at the Prime Minister’s Residence, where, say, the seat of government.”
Leacock, who has ministerial responsibilities for the public service, said there are important practices for people to understand the value of hierarchy and service and respect in SVG.
I have met and interacted with Dame Susan prior to her elevation to Head of State. At the time of our interaction she was the Chief Education Officer and Cabinet Secretary respectively.
I recall that she was the featured speaker at the graduation ceremonry for students of the Profession and Secretarial Institute who had completed the Association of Business Executive (ABE) programme.
I taught the business law component of that course and served as the Master of Ceremonies at the graduation ceremony. Mrs. Doguan, as she was then delivered a most profound address. It was beautifully well timed and presented in a manner that clearly impacted in its content.
In summary, the message captured and presented an aspect of the teacher profession which many may be tempted to take for granted: “What do you make as a teacher?” The answer had nothing to do with income or social accolades. It simply was, “I make a difference.” It was indeed beautiful in its simplicity.
As Cabinet Secretary, she was the consumate professional with no less warmth and continued genuine humanity when, in the course of my professional duties, I called in person at her office .
I want to extend my warmest and best wishes to Dame Susan and personally express my deep appreciation for her service to the nation.
God’s speed to you dear lady.
Charleston H. Jackson
Good riddance.
Good riddance!
Get out, goodbye and good riddance to another of the red rats !