Dame Marguerite Pindling’s appointment as governor general will be a “great unifying symbol” for The Bahamas, said Prime Minister Perry Christie as he tried to silence critics who oppose her appointment to the high office.

Dame Marguerite, the widow of the first Bahamian Prime Minister the late Sir Lynden Pindling, will be sworn in during a ceremony at Government House today.

She replaces outgoing Governor General Sir Arthur Foulkes who officially demits office today.

But while many Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) supporters endorse Dame Marguerite’s appointment, there has also been vocal opposition to the appointment.

However, Mr. Christie said that Dame Marguerite’s appointment is a proud moment for all Bahamians.

“From this moment forward or the moment of her swearing-in she will be the governor general for all the people of The Bahamas and not just one segment of the people of The Bahamas and I think the Bahamian people will see that,” the prime minister said.

“She in her own right was a fighter, not just as a supporter of her husband, but she was one of those figures who fought for that, like Sir Arthur Foulkes fought for it and she has been recognised in fact, for her own role historically, in her own right historically.”

The prime minister avoided addressing why Dame Marguerite was selected to serve as governor general instead he told reporters that the decision, though advised by himself, was ultimately that of Queen Elizabeth II.

“Dame Marguerite will be an extraordinary figure in the office and really in fact will be a very unifying figure in that office,” Mr. Christie said.

Sir Arthur will leave office today and Dame Marguerite is expected to be sworn-in at noon.