President of Trinidad and Tobago facts for kids
Quick facts for kids President of theRepublic of Trinidad and Tobago |
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Coat of arms of Trinidad and Tobago
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| Style | His/Her Excellency |
| Residence | President's House, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago |
| Appointer | Electoral college consisting of all of the members of the Senate and House of Representatives |
| Term length | Five years, renewable indefinitely |
| Constituting instrument | Constitution of Trinidad and Tobago |
| Precursor | Queen of Trinidad and Tobago |
| Inaugural holder | Sir Ellis Clarke |
| Formation | 24 September 1976 |
| Deputy | President of the Senate |
| Salary | TT$64,270 monthly (2022) |
The President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is the head of state for Trinidad and Tobago. This means they are the country's official leader. The President is also the commander-in-chief of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force, which includes the army, coast guard, and air guard.
This important job was created in 1976 when Trinidad and Tobago became a republic. Before that, the country's head of state was the Queen of Trinidad and Tobago, Elizabeth II. The last person to represent the Queen, Sir Ellis Clarke, became the first President on August 1, 1976. He was officially chosen by a special group of lawmakers from both houses of Parliament on September 24, 1976. This day is now celebrated as Republic Day.
The President's role was briefly paused during a difficult time from July 27 to August 1, 1990. It then started again. The current President of Trinidad and Tobago is Christine Kangaloo.
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How Trinidad and Tobago Became a Republic
On December 12, 1969, the Prime Minister suggested that Trinidad and Tobago should become a republic. This meant the country would have its own head of state instead of the Queen. A special committee was formed to study this idea.
In 1970, a commission was set up to recommend changes to the country's constitution. They also had to create a new draft constitution. After more than two years, their full report and the new draft constitution were given to the Governor-General in January 1974.
On June 13, 1975, Prime Minister Dr. Eric Williams presented the new draft constitution to Parliament. Both parts of Parliament, the House of Representatives and the Senate, approved the Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago Act on March 26, 1976. Some opposition leaders left the room in protest before the vote. There was also an attempt to stop the bill in court, but it failed. The Governor-General officially approved the bill on March 29.
The new constitution began on August 1, 1976. On this day, Trinidad and Tobago officially became a republic within the Commonwealth. This meant it now had a President as its head of state. With the new republic, the Queen's role and the Governor-General's job were ended. Ellis Clarke, who was the last Governor-General, became the country's first President.
How the President is Chosen
The President of Trinidad and Tobago is chosen for a five-year term. They are not elected directly by the public. Instead, they are chosen by a special group called an electoral college. This group includes all 41 members of the House of Representatives and all 31 members of the Senate. The speakers of both houses are also part of this group.
To become President, a person must be at least 35 years old. They must also be a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago. At the time they are nominated, they must have lived in the country for ten years in a row.
To win the election, a candidate needs to get the most votes. A certain number of lawmakers must be present for the election to be valid. If only one person is nominated for President, they are automatically chosen without a vote.
When the President takes office, they say a special promise called an oath:
"I, (name), do swear by Almighty God that I will bear true faith and allegiance to Trinidad and Tobago and to the best of my ability preserve and defend the Constitution and the law, that I will conscientiously and impartially discharge the functions of President and will devote myself to the service and well–being of the people of Trinidad and Tobago".
The President's Role in Government
Trinidad and Tobago has a parliamentary system of government, similar to the United Kingdom. In this system, the head of state (the President) has important legal duties. However, the President "reigns but does not rule." This means the President is the official symbol of authority, but the real power to make decisions and run the country belongs to the Prime Minister and their Cabinet.
The Constitution says the President must usually follow the advice of the Cabinet or a Minister. But there are a few special situations where the President can act on their own. These are called reserve powers.
Executive Powers
The President is the official source of the country's executive power. One of their main jobs is to appoint the prime minister. The Prime Minister then leads the Cabinet, which advises the President on how to use their powers.
The President's role is mostly symbolic. They represent the legal authority for all government actions. The Cabinet makes the actual decisions, like declaring war or calling elections.
However, the President does have the power to dismiss a Prime Minister, dissolve Parliament, or remove a judge in very rare and serious situations. These powers are used only during a constitutional crisis.
To keep the government stable, the President appoints the person who is most likely to have the support of the House of Representatives as Prime Minister. The President also appoints other ministers, but only after the Prime Minister advises them to do so. The President is always kept informed about what the Cabinet is doing.
Foreign Affairs
The President also has duties related to foreign affairs. They can negotiate and approve treaties and international agreements. However, the Prime Minister and Cabinet usually handle these negotiations. The President also officially approves Trinidad and Tobago's ambassadors to other countries. They also welcome diplomats from foreign countries.
Role in Parliament
The Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago has three parts: the President, the Senate, and the House of Representatives. Since the President usually acts on the Cabinet's advice, their role in making laws is mostly to approve bills and sign them into law. However, the President has the power to refuse to approve a bill passed by Parliament. This is like a veto.
The President is also responsible for appointing senators. They appoint 16 Government Senators based on the Prime Minister's advice. They appoint 6 Opposition Senators based on the advice of the Leader of the Opposition. They also choose 9 Independent Senators from important people in society.
The President also calls Parliament to meet, ends its sessions, and dissolves it. After Parliament is dissolved, the President usually issues the official orders for a general election. In most cases, the President does these things based on the Cabinet's advice.
Judicial Powers
The President has the power to appoint judges. They do this based on the joint recommendation of the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition. The President can also pardon people who have committed crimes.
The President's Cultural Role
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Besides their official government duties, the President also has a role in representing the country and its culture. This role can change depending on the President and the government. Presidents often support charities, give out awards, and host events for different groups of people, including ambassadors. They also travel around Trinidad and Tobago. As part of international relations, the President gives official documents to Trinidad and Tobago's ambassadors when they visit other countries.
Public Presence and Duties
The President represents the country at home and abroad. They take part in government ceremonies in Trinidad and Tobago or other countries. The President and their spouse attend important events like national celebrations, Independence Day, openings of public events like sports games, and award ceremonies. They also attend Remembrance Day events.
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The President provides leadership in the community that is not linked to any political party. They support many charities, sports groups, and cultural organizations. They attend events across the country. The President also helps unite Trinbagonians. In this role, the President:
- Often welcomes citizens, students, and visitors from other countries to President's House.
- Attends church services, religious events, and social gatherings.
- Accepts invitations to be a patron of many national, charitable, cultural, and professional groups.
- Sends congratulatory messages for special anniversaries and events, like big conferences, cultural festivals, and sports championships.
Military Duties
The Constitution states that the President is the "Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces." This includes the Trinidad and Tobago Regiment, Coast Guard, Air Guard, and Defence Force Reserves. While the President technically gives commands to the military, in reality, they do not get involved in the daily operations. They follow the advice of the Minister for Defence. The role of Commander-in-Chief is mostly ceremonial. The President takes part in military ceremonies, like independence parades, inspecting troops, and welcoming foreign heads of state.
President's Privileges
Salary
As of 2022, the President receives a monthly salary of $64,270 TT.
Symbols
The Presidential flag can be flown on a vehicle when the President is traveling. It can also be flown on a building where the President is present or living. This flag was adopted in 1976. It is a blue flag with the Trinidad and Tobago coat of arms in the center, surrounded by 11 petals on each side. This flag is more important than the national flag. The national flag is usually used when the President visits another country or during national celebrations. The national flag is also flown at half-mast (halfway up the flagpole) when a current or former President dies.
Title and Address
In Trinidad and Tobago's official order of importance, the President is ranked highest. The President and their spouse are called "His/Her Excellency" while the President is in office. After leaving office, they are still allowed to use this title for life. When you meet the President, the correct way to address them is “Your Excellency.”
Official Home
The official home of the President is President's House. It was once called Government House when it was used by the governors of the islands. Today, it is the President's private home. It is also used for national awards ceremonies, swearing-in ceremonies, and events with diplomats from other countries.
List of Presidents
Under the 1976 Constitution, the President took over the role of head of state from the monarch. The Parliament elects the President for a five-year term. If the President's office becomes empty, the President of the Senate acts as President temporarily.
See also
In Spanish: Presidente de Trinidad y Tobago para niños
- First ladies and gentlemen of Trinidad and Tobago
- List of governors of Trinidad and Tobago
- List of heads of state of Trinidad and Tobago
- List of prime ministers of Trinidad and Tobago
