List of heads of government of Grenada

Overview

The head of government is the chief executive in Grenada's parliamentary system and normally leads the Cabinet and the largest party or coalition in the elected House of Representatives. The title and constitutional powers have evolved: early local self-government used the Chief Minister designation, subsequent stages used Premier, and after independence the head of government has been called Prime Minister.

Heads and titles

• Chief Minister — the initial title associated with expanded internal self-government beginning in 1960.
• Premier — used during later stages of internal autonomy before full sovereignty.
• Prime Minister — the title adopted upon Grenada's independence; officeholders since that time serve as the nation's head of government.

Role and selection

The head of government is normally the leader of the party that commands a majority in the legislature and is formally appointed by the representative of the head of state. Duties include setting policy direction, presiding over Cabinet, coordinating ministerial work, and representing the government domestically and internationally. The constitutional framework allows for changes in leadership through elections, party leadership contests, or, in exceptional circumstances, temporary interruptions to normal governance.

History and notable periods

The list of officeholders reflects Grenada's constitutional development: from colonial-era reforms to associated statehood and then full independence in 1974. The late 1970s and early 1980s were a particularly turbulent interval that affected the normal operation of democratic institutions and transitions of government. For a complete chronological roster and individual entries, consult the compiled resource: List of heads of government.

Distinctions and further notes

• The head of government is distinct from the head of state; the latter remains the monarch represented locally by a governor-general under the constitutional monarchy arrangement.
• Holders of the office may serve consecutive or non-consecutive terms, and changes can follow elections or political realignments.
• For research or reference purposes, the linked lists collect names, party affiliations and periods of tenure in a single place: official list and background on the country: Grenada overview.