On Wednesday 10 June 2026, Her Excellency Christine Carla Kangaloo, O.R.T.T., President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, hosted an Interfaith Service and Staff Recognition Ceremony at The President’s House, formally launching commemorative activities for the 150th Anniversary of The President’s House and the 50th Anniversary of the Presidency.
Held under the theme “A Nation’s House, A People’s Journey,” the event brought together current and former members of staff along with members of the families of former Presidents.
The proceedings began with an Interfaith Service led by members of the Inter-Religious Organisation of Trinidad and Tobago (IRO). Through prayers, readings and reflections, the service provided a moment of thanksgiving for the institution’s history and an opportunity to seek blessings for its continued service to the nation.
The service was followed by a Staff Recognition Ceremony honouring the generations of civilian and military personnel whose dedication, professionalism and commitment have helped uphold the dignity and traditions of the Office of the President over the past fifty years.
Joined on stage by His Excellency Kerwyn Garcia, S.C., First Gentleman, Her Excellency presented Recognition and Long Service Awards to members of staff who have served the Office for periods ranging from ten years to more than thirty years. Awards were presented across several categories, recognising decades of faithful service by individuals whose work is often carried out quietly behind the scenes but remains essential to the effective functioning of the Presidency.
In her address, the President paid tribute to the contributions of staff past and present, noting that while a President may stand at the forefront of the institution, the strength of the Presidency rests upon the dedication of those who support its work every day.
“A President stands in front. But very often, the true strength of the Presidency stands quietly behind the curtain. And today, we draw that curtain back,” she said.
Describing the ceremony as “an act of national gratitude,” Her Excellency reminded award recipients that the history of the Presidency is also their history, shaped by their service, commitment and loyalty across successive administrations.
Special recognition was also accorded to former members of staff who have made significant contributions to the Office of the President throughout its fifty-year history. Honourees included former and serving Aides-de-Camp to the President, Aides to the Spouse of the President, Comptrollers of Household, Secretaries to the President, and Executive and Private Secretaries to the President, among others whose work has supported successive Heads of State.
The occasion was made even more meaningful by the presence of individuals whose lives have been closely intertwined with the history of The President’s House and the Presidency. Among those in attendance were Mrs. Zalayhar Hassanali, wife of the late former President Noor Hassanali, and members of the families of the late Presidents Sir Ellis Clarke, Arthur N.R. Robinson and George Maxwell Richards.
Reflecting on the significance of the anniversary, Her Excellency underscored the importance of preserving the institution’s history and memory, observing that the endurance of institutions depends not only on the buildings they occupy, but also on the people who serve them with honour and distinction.
Following the ceremony, guests were invited to view a commemorative exhibition featuring photographs, gifts, artefacts and historical information highlighting the lives, service and legacies of Trinidad and Tobago’s seven Presidents. The exhibition forms part of a wider programme of activities commemorating both the 150th Anniversary of The President’s House and the 50th Anniversary of the Presidency.
The Interfaith Service and Staff Recognition Ceremony marked the beginning of a year of reflection, celebration and appreciation, honouring not only the history of a national institution, but also the many individuals whose dedication has helped shape its journey over the past five decades.
Please see the below album for more photos of the event.
