The governor general does not give interviews.
That is one of the new "guidelines" issued yesterday to the media, who were also advised by Government House that if they wish to interview people making courtesy calls on Dame Marguerite Pindling, they cannot do it inside Government House "or anywhere on the premises".
"Naturally, the media is free to make separate arrangements for such interviews elsewhere," reads the document, which is titled "Procedures for members of the media".
The new rules go against the more open culture at Government House that had been promoted by former Governor General Sir Arthur Foulkes, who gave multiple interviews while serving in the highest office in the land.
Sir Arthur was a journalist by profession.
Other former governors general also spoke to the media.
They also allowed reporters to interview people visiting Governor House.
Multiple interviews have been conducted at
Government House in the last year alone.
The statement issued yesterday does not indicate whether media personnel had acted in any inappropriate manner or had created a nuisance in conducting interviews on the compound of Government House.
The statement also does not advise what the repercussions would be if the new rules are violated.
After advising that the governor general does not give interviews, the statement adds, "On national occasions, including the anniversary of independence and at Christmas and New Year's observances, messages to the nation will be issued via Bahamas Information Services".
The statement says, "When state or other social functions are held at Government House, members of the media will not be permitted to conduct interviews with guests or staff members. Photography may be allowed under the direction of the press liaison officer."
It adds, "During state events like the presentation of credentials by foreign diplomats, opportunities for photographers will be managed by a press liaison officer assigned to the media.
"Bahamas Information Services in consultation with the secretary to the governor general will inform the media beforehand of the liaison officer assigned so that their presence is facilitated."
The statement says the guidelines have been issued "in an attempt to ensure propriety and to preserve the essential decorum which must be observed at the official residence of the representative of Her Majesty the Queen".
The guidelines have taken effect immediately, the statement advises.
They come months after Speaker of the House of Assembly Dr. Kendal Major issued stringent parliamentary rules to the media, most of which he rescinded after media outcry.
The new Government House rules were widely circulated on social media yesterday, and roundly criticized.
They were issued on the same day Dame Marguerite returned to Nassau after a trip to London where she had an audience with Queen Elizabeth II.
Dame Marguerite, the widow of the late former Prime Minister Sir Lynden Pindling, was appointed governor general in July.

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