Sir James Beethoven Carlisle GCMG (born August 5, 1937) was the Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda. Appointed by Prime Minister, Vere Bird on June 10, 1993 and ended his term on June 31 2007 - a period of 14 years. He was born in the village of Bolans, Antigua, making him the first Antiguan-born Governor-General. Sir James is married to Lady Emma Carlisle, who in her own right is well known for her dedication to the less fortunate and the elderly in her homeland.
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Education
Sir James 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 a Bachelor's degree in dentistry at the University of Dundee. In 1991, he graduated from the American School of Laser Dentistry.
Dental career
Sir James has practised 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 the competition. However, he built up his private practice and was also did a short stint as a dental officer in the public service. With help from the ex prime minister, Vere Bird, one of his patients and national hero, he assisted with the development of a Fluoride Program for children, and assisted the ex prime minister institute a free dental service. He is a member of the International Society of Laser Dentists and the British Dental Association.
Military career
Sir James was in the British Royal Air Force from 1961 - 1966. He was also commissioned in the Royal Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force between 1983 - 1993. As Governor General he automatically was Commander of the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force.
Political career
Sir James always involved himself in the local community. He was Chairman of the National Parks Authority, which he ran successfully before he was appointed by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth as Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda. As Governor General Sir James was Head of State and the representative of the Queen.
Religion
Sir James is a Seventh-day Adventist. As such he did not carry out official duties on the Sabbath or serve alcohol to guests at official functions. This was a source of some controversy, by his own admission. ==Honours and Honorary Degrees==
Honours
- British Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St. Michael and St. George (GCMG), November 1993. Invested, July 1994.
- Knight Justice - Order of St. John (KStJ)
Positions Held As Governor General
- Grandmaster of four Antiguan Orders of Chivalry
- Chief Scout of the Antigua and Barbuda Branch of The Scout Association
- Patron of local British Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme
Patron of the Renal Society of Antigua and Barbuda
Honorary Degrees and Fellowships
- Doctor of Laws, (Honorary) Andrews University in Michigan, U.S.
- Fellow of the Royal College of Dentistry of Edinburgh
External links
| Government offices | ||
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| Preceded by Wilfred Jacobs |
Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda 1993–2007 |
Succeeded by Louise Lake-Tack |
