James Carlisle

Sir James Beethoven Carlisle GCMG (born August 5, 1937) was the Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda. Appointed by Prime Minister, Vere Cornwall Bird (the first indigenous prime minister on gaining independence from the British Commonwealth) on June 10, 1993 and his term was terminated on June 30 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 Emma Carlisle (Lady), who during her period as wife to the Governor-General became involved in raising funds from commercial sponsors for indigenous persons in her homeland.

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 also undertook work as a dental officer in the public service.

With help from the ex prime minister, Vere Bird, one of his patients, who offered the position of Governor-General to him, he assisted with the development of a Fluoride Programme 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 was automatically appointed as Commander of the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force.

Political career

Sir James involved himself in the local community. He was Chairman of the National Parks Authority, which he ran before he was nominated by the then prime minister 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, more particularly in the fact that he was prepared to attend the wedding of Prince Charles at the Windsor Registry Office on a Saturday and imbibe alcoholic vintage champagne thereat.

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 In Justice - Order of St. John (KStJ)

Positions Held As Governor General

* Grandmaster of four Antiguan Orders of Chivalry as Governor-General
* Chief Scout of the Antigua and Barbuda Branch of The Scout Association
* Patron of local British Duke of Edinburgh's Award SchemePatron of the Renal Society of Antigua and Barbuda
* He is a Freemason

Honorary Degrees and Fellowships

* Doctor of Laws, (Honorary) Andrews University in Michigan, U.S.
* Fellow of the Royal College of Dentistry of Edinburgh

Family

* Daughters - Jackie Carlisle, Nikki Carlisle, Faith Carlisle
* Sons - John Carlisle, Mark Carlisle

External links

* [http://www.ab.gov.ag/gov_v2/index.php Official Government Website]
* [http://www.ab.gov.ag/gov_v2/government/shared/govgeneral.html Official Biography]
* [http://www.adventistreview.org/2004-1550/story1.html Adventist Review interview]