The governor general's functions are both statutory and ceremonial, many of which lie in the Constitution.

Exercises the executive authority on behalf of Her Majesty.

Appoints as prime minister the member of the House of Representatives whom he believes is best able to command majority confidence in Parliament.

Appoints ministers in accordance with the PM's advice.

Can, with resolution of the House, revoke appointment of PM; may consult PM within three days of resolution.

Empowers members of the House to perform PM's functions if PM is too ill to govern.

Oversees oath-taking by PM and other ministers.

Appoints parliamentary secretaries and attorney general in accordance with PM's advice. Appoints the person who he believes commands the support of the minority.

Selects 13 government senators, eight opposition senators.

Grants prerogative of mercy on advice of Privy Council.

Selects Cabinet secretary, acting on the recommendation of the PM who makes his/her own selection from a list submitted by the Public Service Commission.

Has power to extend tenure of, suspend or remove director of public prosecutions.

Appoints chief justice contingent on approval by PM and opposition leader.

n Selects, extends tenure of, and removes puisne judges on advice of Judicial Service Commission. Appoints Judicial Service Commission on PM's recommendation.

Appoints, removes and disciplines resident magistrates, registrars of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal, judge of Traffic Court, etc; acts on advice of Judicial Service Commission.

Appoints Public Service Commission.

Appointment, removal and discipline of public officers on advice of Public Service Commission.

Selects permanent secretaries on advice of Public Service Commission.

Appoints ambassadors and high commissioners on the advice of the PM.

Summons and prorogues Parliament on PM's instruction.

Appoints a custos, on PM's instruction, in each parish. The custos represents him in the particular parish at ceremonial occasions. Appoints justices of the peace on advice of the minister of justice.

Under the Customs Act, if a person's goods have been seized or he/she has been penalised, he may petition the GG for restoration of the goods or waiver or mitigation of the penalty.

Under the Juveniles Act, if a person commits murder, he does not receive the death sentence but is instead detained at the governor general's pleasure.

Perhaps the best perk of being governor general is to kiss more beauty queens than the average bloke!

Source: King's House

Jamaica's Governors General