Trinidad and Tobago celebrates Republic Day!

“Republic [noun]: A state or nation in which the supreme power rests in all the citizens entitled to vote (the electorate), and is exercised by representatives elected, directly or indirectly, by them, and responsible to them.”

(Source) Webster’s New Twentieth Century Dictionary of the English Language (Unabridged 2nd Ed. 1973)

In 1976, Trinidad and Tobago was declared a Republic. Some of the key actions that were required to enjoy this status which came some 14 years after being granted Independence, included a conversion from the use of the Order of the Council of the Queen as Constitution to “an indigenous instrument of government fashioned by citizens of Trinidad and Tobago.” September 1976 was when this new constitution was first effected and is referred to as the Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago Act, 1976. The constitution contains a set of “fundamental human rights and freedoms” afforded to all citizens of Trinidad and Tobago. The constitution also dictates the design of General Elections, the Cabinet system of government, the operations of the bicameral Parliament system and the authority of the President and Prime Minister.

The establishment of National Emblems, the National Anthem, National Pledge and Coat of Arms were features born out of the earlier achievement of Independence in August 1962. The Remember When Institute currently has its annual Independence/Republic Day Exhibition open to the public, which highlights this and much more useful information.  The exhibition is mounted at the Atrium of the Piarco International Airport.

The Ministry, in partnership with the Diego Martin Carnival Committee, is also gifting the nation with a FREE concert entitled Seasons II, at the Valley Harps Pan Yard on Morne Coco Rd. from 5pm today. For more information on the event click here.