Page "Politics of Barbados" Paragraph 17

Elizabeth II, Queen of Barbados, is the head of state and gives repository of executive power ; as expressed in the constitution: " The executive authority of Barbados is vested in Her Majesty.

" In practice, the sovereign very rarely exercises this power ; since the monarch does not normally reside in Barbados, she appoints a governor-general to represent her and any exercise of powers are largely carried out through this representative.

The person who fills this role is selected on the advice of the Prime Minister ; " advice " in this sense is a choice generally without options since it would be highly unconventional for the Prime Minister's advice to be overlooked, a convention that protects the monarchy.

As long as the monarch is following the advice of her ministers, she is not held personally responsible for the decisions of the government.

The Governor-General has no term limit, the viceroy is said to serve " at Her Majesty's pleasure ".