Monday, February 25, 2019 - 11:53 Leo Olivero

Why is the role of Governor being questioned again?

The Constitution and Governor’s Role

Thirteen years ago, in 2006, the then new Constitution practically whittled down the role and responsibilities of the Governor to the point that many people have wondered since, what is a Governor for nowadays?

In the past, the Governor was responsible for everything under the local sun, with the exception of the defined domestic matters of elected representatives. The 2006 Constitution reversed this to the point that the modern-day Governor of Gibraltar now has his responsibilities firmly defined, and constitutionally everything else is the responsibility of the elected members of the Gibraltar Parliament.

Section 47(1) of the Gibraltar Constitution, says that the responsibilities of the Governor are the following: (a) external affairs, (b) defence, (c) internal security including (subject to section 48 about the Gibraltar Police Authority) the police, and (d) such functions in relation to appointments to public offices and related matters as are conferred on him by the Constitution.

The Constitution also makes clear that “the Governor shall in respect of external affairs as far as practicable act in consultation with the Chief Minister”.

Having said all that, I am of the opinion that depending on which hat the Governor decides to wear on any given situation, and notwithstanding the modern constitutional limitations of his role, the Governor still has an important role to play in furtherance of our aspirations as a people under the Queen’s domain.

Why do I say this, and what does the Governor’s choice of that have to do with anything?