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1.
Identification with the territory/responsibility to
HMG
As Head of State, the Governor is part of the Government. He has an important binding role in the community and must be seen by them to have the Territory's best interests at heart. He is an actor in, and not just an observer of, the local scene. His position on issues where the Territory's and HMG's interests may not be the same are subject to particular local scrutiny.
In many territories, his responsibilities include the management of the Executive Council. (In the Cayman Islands, where there is no Chief Minister, the Governor allocates and directly supervises the work within ministerial portfolios). Hence it is essential for him to enjoy the full confidence of local politicians.
But over-identification if taken too far can create problems (most notably of late in the Falkland Islands). A Governor's ultimate accountability is of course to the Secretary of State, who is responsible to Parliament for the good government of the Territory. All Governors are directly responsible for external affairs, defence and internal security, but their Constitutional power in other matters varies from one. Territory to another. A Governor also has an obligation as HMG's representative to explain and defend HMG's policies to the Government and people of the territory, and to assess the implications of significant developments in the Territory for HMG's policies.
2. Age
Normally the age of a Governor taking up his first governorship should fall within the range 45-55 but much depends upon his experience, his personality and "gravitas". A Governor in his mid-forties might find it difficult to obtain acceptance in some territories where it might be assumed that, with much of his working life still before him, he would for reasons of career ambition be less inclined to press for the Territory's interests where these did not coincide with HMG's. He might also not attract respect or radiate sufficient authority. He might also be too impatient as a younger man to tolerate the style of his charges. Candidates over 55 should be considered only if they have relevant experience with proven success (eg as Governor or Deputy Governor). ΝΟ DS5 officer who sees a Governorship as his only chance of promotion, or a DS4 at the end of his career should be appointed. Perhaps the ideal age for first
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/ appointment
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