Zhinga Horne sworn in as Acting Governor-General Deputy 

By Val Matthias. Updated 1:05 p.m., Tuesday, November 3, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4). 

Attorney-at-law Zhinga Horne has been sworn in as the new Acting Governor-GeneralDeputy of St Vincent and the Grenadines, taking up an office with specific constitutional responsibilities that can place its holder in a position to exercise functions of the Governor-General.

Horne-Edwards was sworn in on Friday, October 30, 2026, at the official residence of the Governor-General. The ceremony was conducted by High Court Judge Justice Burnett on behalf of Governor-General His Excellency Stanley “Stalky” John who is reportedly out of state.

Durning the swearing-in ceremony, she thanked Prime Minister Dr Godwin Friday for the confidence placed in her through her selection and said she was honoured to serve the country in the new capacity. 

She also thanked her family, friends and colleagues for supporting her throughout her personal and professional journey and said she looked forward to working with the staff of the Government House Secretariat. 

Section 22 of the Constitution of St Vincent and the Grenadines provides for a Deputy to the Governor-General. The Governor-General may appoint a deputy, acting on the advice of the Prime Minister, when the Governor-General is absent from the seat of government, expects to be absent from St Vincent for a short period, or is temporarily unable to perform the functions of office because of illness.

The Constitution states that the deputy performs only those functions of the Governor-General that are specified in the instrument of appointment. It also makes clear that the Governor-General’s authority is not diminished by the appointment of a deputy.

The appointment can also be revoked by the Governor-General, acting on the advice of the Prime Minister. Crucially, the deputy does not automatically assume every power of the Governor-General.

Horne is one of the daughters of the late John Horne, the former West Kingstown parliamentary representative and Government Minister in the New Democratic Party (NDP) Administration.

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About the Author: This story was written and submitted by freelance journalist Mr. Val Matthias, a trained communicator with more than two decades in the media sector. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Media and Communication (UWI Mona), a Master of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management (UWI Cave Hill), a Certificate in Digital Marketing, and has years of broadcast journalism experience rising to ranks of a programme manager. All supporting materials for this story have been presented, vetted, and verified. Mr Matthias can be reached at [email protected]