Once declared, the Governor may exercise his additional emergency powers.

Mr. Mabus said, and others agree, that it was not until this year that any Governor had thoroughly exercised that new power.

Governors can exercise complete legislative and executive authority if they wish through blanket powers reserved to them in the constitution.

The Governor can exercise complete executive authority if he wishes through reserve powers reserved to him in the Constitution.

The Governor exercises the executive power under the responsibility of the ministers, who are responsible to the Estates of Curaçao.

However, the Governor can not exercise these powers unless he submits the name of the individual to the Board.

But the Governor himself exercises an unusual degree of authority.

The Governor exercises direct control over many of the largest agencies, but only indirect control over independent entities though appointments.

"If the Governor doesn't exercise some leadership soon," Mr. Russianoff said, "the next phase of the rebuilding effort isn't looking so good."

In times of public emergency, the Governor may exercise emergency powers, including the mobilization of these military forces.