Past Governor Generals
Governor Generals of St. Kitts & Nevis
The office of the Governor-General (and its antecedents) stands as a central institution in the constitutional life of St. Kitts & Nevis, embodying continuity, national unity, and the link between the Crown and the people. Since the late 1960s, a venerable line of distinguished individuals has held this high office, each contributing in their own way to the nation’s development, stability, and evolving identity.
Here you will find a chronological list and brief portraits of those who have served as Governor, Governor-General, and Acting Governor-General of St. Kitts & Nevis (or its predecessor territories). From colonial administrators to native-born statesmen, these leaders reflect the islands’ journey from colonial dependency to sovereign federation. Their lives span eras of social change, political transformation, constitutional innovation, and nation-building.
2016 - 2022
His Excellency D.Michael Arthur Morton JP.
His Excellency D.Michael Arthur Morton JP. served as Governor-General’s Deputy of St. Kitts & Nevis, meaning that in the absence of the Governor-General he carries out the duties of that office, from March 15th, 2016. Morton was long-involved with the St. Kitts‐Nevis Trading & Development Company Ltd (TDC) (often simply “TDC Group”). His roles over time include: joining as Director (1976), Executive Director (1983), becoming Chairman of the Board in 2001, and serving full-time until his retirement from full-time service in 2014.
1994 - 2017
His Honour Mr. Eustace John, CMG
Born: 1939 Birthplace: Rose Hill, Gingerland, Nevis, in the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis.Mr. John had a long and varied career in public service, with many leadership roles. Widely commended in his country as a “nation builder” with a distinguished career spanning some 60 years in public service. Retired as Deputy Governor-General of Nevis on 30 April 2017 after 23 years in that post.
2013 - 2015
Sir Edmund Wickman Lawrence, CSM, JP
Sir Edmund Wickham Lawrence GCMG OBE (born 14 February 1932) was sworn in as the third Governor General on 2 January 2013 of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis on 2 January 2013, succeeding Sir Cuthbert Sebastian. His term in the office ended on 19 May 2015.
1996 - 2013
Sir Cuthbert Montraville Sebastian
Sir Cuthbert Montraville Sebastian was appointed Governor-General in 1995 and formally sworn in on 1 January 1996. He served in that office for 17 years, until 1 January 2013, when he retired. His retirement was announced on 25 December 2012, and took effect 1 January 2013.
1983 - 1996
Sir Clement Athelston Arrindell
Sir Clement Athelston Arrindell, G.C.M.G., G.C.V.O., Q.C., was born in Basseterre, St. Kitts & Nevis on 16th April, 1931.First Governor-General of Saint Kitts and Nevis after independence. As Governor-General, his term ran from 19 September 1983 (the date of independence) to 31 December 1995.
1975 - 1981
Sir Probyn Ellsworth-Innis
Sir Probyn Innis as born in St. Kitts where he received his primary and secondary education. After graduating from the University of the West Indies in 1961, he taught at the St. Kitts-Nevis Grammar School for some years. He later read law at the Inns of Court School of Law in London and was called to the Bar at the Middle Temple. He had a distinguished career in the public service of St. Kitts-Nevis culminating in his appointment as Governor in 1975. Since leaving the office in 1981, he has been in private law practice. Sir Probyn remains active in youth and community affairs
1969 - 1975
Sir Milton Pensonville Allen, OBE
Sir Milton Pensonville Allen, OBE was initially appointed Acting Governor in 1969.
St. Kitts was once known as the Gibraltar of the West Indies for its domination of 18th- century colonial battles. How the island rose to become the world’s leader in sugarcane cultivation, an inspiration for the industrial revolution in the process.
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