Sir James Beethoven Carlisle, GCMG, Governor-General
Sir James Beethoven Carlisle was born in the village of Bolans on 5th August, 1937. He was educated at Bolans Public School, Northampton College of Technology in England and the University of Dundee in Scotland where he graduated in Dentistry. After graduation he worked for a period in the Community Dental Service and General Practice before returning to Antigua in 1979. He worked in General Practice for a year in Antigua before returning to England where he joined a Practice in Sudbury, Suffolk.
In 1981 he returned to Antigua and built up a very successful Dental practice in the Island and also served as a Dental Officer in the Public Service. While building up his practice he immersed himself into Community Service, becoming Chairman of the National Parks Authority and Chairman of the Tabitha Senior Citizens Home, Member of the Medical Board, Vice President of the Antigua and Barbuda Dental Association. At the same time he developed a Fluoride Program for children and instituted a free dental service for children and senior citizens. He also gave many dental health lectures on the radio and addressed several youth groups on the subject.
In 1991 He graduated from the American School of Laser Dentistry and also became a member of the International Society of Laser Dentists. He is also a Member of the British Dental Association.
On 10 June 1993 he was sworn in as the second Governor of Antigua and Barbuda, the first native born Antiguan to be appointed to the office.
In November, 1993 Sir James was appointed to be a Knight Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George (GCMG) and received the accolade at Buckingham Palace in July 1994.
As Governor General, Sir James is Grand Master of the four Orders of Antigua and Barbuda, Chief Scout, President of the Order of St. John, and Patron of more than 30 charitable and benovolent organisations, including the Duke of Edingburgh Award Scheme. At the same time many functions are held under the patronage of His Excellency and Lady Carlisle all through the year.
Sir James is the recipient of a number of Honorary Degrees. These include the Degree of Honorary Doctor of Laws from the Andrews University in Michigan, USA, and a Fellowship from the Royal College of Surgeons in Edingburgh.
Sir James is a member of the Seventh day Adventist Church. He is married to Nalda Amelia and has five children.
Sir James was a member of the Royal Air Force from 1961 - 1966. On his return to Antigua he served as an Officer in the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force from 1983 - 1993. For a part of his service he was Commander of the Volunteer element of the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force.
