Sir James Beethoven Carlisle,GCMG (born 5 August 1937) is a dentist whoserved as the second governor-general of Antigua and Barbuda from 1993 to 2007. Selected by Vere Cornwall Bird (the country's first prime minister),his term ended in June 2007,after 16 years in office.
Carlisle practised in both Antigua and Britain.[1] Upon his return to Antigua in 1981 he went into private practice. He built this up and also undertook work as a dental officer in the public service.[2]
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.[2]
Military career
Carlisle was in the British Royal Air Force from 1961 to 1966. He was also commissioned in the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force between 1983 and 1993. As Governor-General he was automatically appointed as Commander of the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force.[2]
Political career
Carlisle 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,taking office on 10 June 1993 As Governor-General Carlisle was the representative of the Queen,the country's head of state,taking all decisions which belonged to the Crown. In 1993,he was knighted,becoming Sir James. As Governor-General,Carlisle held the following positions:[2]
Grandmaster of four Antiguan Orders of Chivalry as Governor-General
Carlisle is married to Emma Carlisle,who during her period as wife to the Governor-General took a leading role in raising funds from commercial sponsors for indigenous people in her homeland.[2]
Carlisle 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.[3]
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