Their Excellencies Christine Carla Kangaloo, O.R.T.T., President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, and Kerwyn Garcia, S.C., First Gentleman, hosted a cocktail reception on Friday, August 24, 2026 to officially launch the exhibition installation “50 Years. One Republic. Moments that Shaped a Nation” at The President’s House.
The exhibition forms part of The President’s House Heritage Tour and Exhibition, which will be open to the public from August 17–28, 2026, as one of the signature initiatives commemorating the 150th Anniversary of The President’s House and the 50th Anniversary of the Presidency.
Invited guests included members of the Diplomatic Corps, current and former senior government officials, families of former Presidents, members of the business community, representatives of the media, cultural organisations and other distinguished members of civil society.
In proposing the evening’s toast, Her Excellency reflected on the significance of the dual anniversaries, describing the attainment of Republican status as “the final step in our journey to full national autonomy”. She observed that The President’s House, once a symbol of colonial authority, now stands as a national institution belonging to the people of Trinidad and Tobago, embodying the Republic’s ideals of openness, inclusion and service.
The President said the anniversaries offer an opportunity to reflect on the nation’s constitutional journey and the values that unite Trinidad and Tobago. She emphasised that republican life rests on the principle that “Every citizen must have a place at the national table”, while also underscoring the importance of preserving the nation’s cultural heritage, paying particular tribute to the steelpan and the young people carrying its traditions forward.
In concluding her remarks, Her Excellency invited guests to raise their glasses, “To fifty years of our Republic; to one hundred and fifty years of President’s House; and to the people of Trinidad and Tobago—many in our origins, one in our belonging, and united in the duty of building what comes next. To the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.”
The exhibition, “50 Years. One Republic. Moments that Shaped a Nation,” traces defining constitutional milestones and pivotal moments in the evolution of the Presidency over the past five decades, while also exploring the rich architectural, historical and national significance of The President’s House over its 150-year history.
See full album from the event below:
