The Office of the President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
  • Home
  • The President
    • Christine Carla Kangaloo
    • First Gentleman
    • Role and Function
      • Extracts from the Constitution
    • The President’s House
    • Greeting the President
    • History of the Presidency
    • Did You Know?
  • Trinidad and Tobago
    • National Anthem
    • National Symbols
    • National Holidays and Festivals
    • State Structure
    • National Awards
      • National Awards Ceremony
      • Database of National Awardees
  • News & Events
    • Press Releases
    • Presentations of Credentials
    • Courtesy Calls
    • Appointments
    • Messages and Speeches
    • Other Events
    • Photo Galleries
  • Contact

Select Page

Message on Republic Day 2024

Sep 23, 2024

Message on Republic Day 2024

Fellow citizens,

On 1st August 1976, Trinidad and Tobago became a republic – a significant and momentous milestone on our journey of self-determinism. While Independence had granted us full control over our internal affairs, the British sovereign remained our Head of State, with a Governor General as her representative. Achieving Republican status was the next significant step of our journey of self-actualization, with our republican constitution establishing the office of President and transferring all allegiances and power from a distant monarch to the people of Trinidad and Tobago.

A republic, by definition, is a nation-state in which supreme power resides with the people and their elected representatives. The term itself comes from the Latin phrase “res publica,” meaning “public affair.” Embracing republican status requires us to accept that the wellbeing of the republic is indeed a public affair, in other words, a shared responsibility—the responsibility of every citizen of Trinidad and Tobago. Each of us can, and must, actively contribute to the well-being of our republic. Each of us can, and must, engage in the process of nation-building. Each of us can, and must, see ourselves as individual and indispensable architects of our country’s collective future.

Since coming into the republican office of President, I have found that a significant challenge has been getting citizens to step up when called upon to share their talents in this public affair of building our nation’s future, by giving of themselves in public service. Some have doubted their abilities, while others hesitated to commit the time and energy necessary to fulfil their duties as citizens, and as architects of our country’s future.

Citizens of Trinidad and Tobago, our vision of a safe, responsible, and productive nation can only materialise when we embrace our individual and shared responsibilities. Change will not happen on its own, nor can it happen overnight. Instead it is brought about by deliberate, concerted action and activism, personal as well as collective. It is brought about by all of us participating fully in this public affair of republicanism.

This Republic Day, I call on all citizens to discharge our civic duties with pride and vigilance—by participating in the political process, attending public consultations, staying informed about current issues, voicing concerns to our elected representatives, and advocating for causes that resonate with us. Let us take our roles seriously when called upon to serve and act as responsible members of the national community. Let us not content ourselves with sitting on the sidelines or ensconcing ourselves in the position of armchair critics. Rather, let us all answer to the Biblical injunction to “Get up; pick up our mats; and walk”.

Nation-building is often arduous work but Trinbagonians are blessed with abundant stores of confidence, courage, resilience, and strength. Let us therefore be more than mere observers of our nation’s development. Rather, this Republic Day, let us re-commit to stepping out of our comfort zones and into a fuller participation in this “public affair” that is republicanism. Let us put down our loudspeakers and instead, roll up our sleeves and work, including by answering the call to public service, to make our hopes and vision for the future, an achievable reality. 48 years is but a short period of our history, and while we have not yet achieved our full potential, I am confident that we possess the wherewithal to do so. Let us all do so by playing a more active role in the “public affair” that is republicanism.

I wish the citizens of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago a blessed, happy and productive Republic Day.

Share:

PreviousTheir Excellencies congratulate the Diabetes Association of Trinidad and Tobago on their National Youth Award
NextThe National Awards Ceremony 2024

Related Posts

Feature Address at the NESC Technical Institute Graduation Ceremony—19 October 2024

Feature Address at the NESC Technical Institute Graduation Ceremony—19 October 2024

October 19, 2024

Appointment to Fair Trading Commission

Appointment to Fair Trading Commission

October 30, 2020

Message on the Occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr

Message on the Occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr

April 10, 2024

Congratulations to Keshorn Walcott

Congratulations to Keshorn Walcott

September 18, 2025

Facebook Feed

Cover for The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T
26,353
The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T

The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T

The official Facebook Page of The Office of the President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T

6 days ago

The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T
The Office of the President was delighted to welcome students of the Barrackpore West Secondary School and members of Bethel World Outreach Ministries to The President’s House this week.The visitors enjoyed guided tours of the historic grounds—home to a rich variety of flora and fauna—and explored some of the public rooms of the Great House. 📸 See more highlights from their visit:👉 Barrackpore West Secondary School: flic.kr/s/aHBqjCyp4X👉 Bethel World Outreach Ministries: flic.kr/s/aHBqjCyfa5 ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T

1 week ago

The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T
Media Release His Excellency Wade Mark Acting President appoints Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh as the new Chief Justice The Office of the President wishes to advise that in accordance with Section 102 of the Constitution, His Excellency Wade Mark, Acting President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago appointed Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh as the Chief Justice of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, today, October 22, 2025 at a ceremony at the President’s House. This follows the announced retirement of The Honourable the Chief Justice Mr. Justice Ivor Archie ORTT from the position of Chief Justice effective, October 22, 2025. Present to witness the swearing in ceremony was Mrs. Aberleen Boodoosingh, and Ms. Amiya Boodoosingh , wife and daughter of the new Chief Justice, Mr. Justice Ivor Archie, ORTT, former Chief Justice, Senator the Honourable John Jeremie SC, Attorney General, the Hon. Roger Alexander, MP Minister of Homeland Security, Chief of Defence Staff, Captain Don Polo and Ag. Commissioner of Police Junior Benjamin.The Honourable, the Chief Justice, Mr. Justice Roonie Boodoosingh, formerly Justice of Appeal, was admitted to practise as an attorney-at-law in Trinidad and Tobago on 30 October, 1992, and appointed a Judge in Supreme Court of Judicature of Trinidad and Tobago in September 2007. Justice Boodoosingh served as a High Court Judge in both the Criminal and Civil jurisdictions. In 2020, Justice Boodoosingh was elevated to Judge of the Court of Appeal of Trinidad and Tobago.Prior to be being appointed as a Judge, Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh was employed as a Lecturer at the Hugh Wooding Law School in 2001 and in 2007 was appointed as the Course Director of the Trial Advocacy Programme. He also serves as Coach and Adviser to school’s Mooting Teams including the CCJ Moot Team.Justice Boodoosingh is the holder of a Bachelor of Laws degree, a Legal Education Certificate, as well as a Master of Laws in International Dispute Resolution.Justice Boodoosingh has notably published The Complete Advocate, a textbook on Advocacy in the Commonwealth Caribbean, and in 2020, Advocacy in Point Form and Advocacy in Verse, as well as a Practical Guide to Evidence in Civil Cases.The Honourable, the Chief Justice, Mr. Justice Roonie Boodoosingh, in a brief statemen, shared his humility in accepting the new position and thanked the former Chief Justice for his service. Her thanked his family and committed to continuing the work that is required to move the judiciary forward. His Excellency, Wade Mark, Acting President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, raised a toast and congratulated the Chief Justice on his appointment, “Your elevation to this distinguished office is a reflection of your integrity, your unwavering dedication to justice, and your steadfast service to the people of Trinidad and Tobago. I wish you continued wisdom, courage, and strength as you undertake this vital responsibility.” His Excellency also thanked the former Chief Justice for his service, “seventeen years of leadership at the helm of the Judiciary is no ordinary achievement. You have served with distinction, leaving an indelible mark on the administration of justice and on the nation as a whole. On behalf of the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago, I express sincere gratitude for your commitment and your enduring contribution to the rule of law. “ ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T

1 week ago

The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T
#WatchliveHis Excellency Wade Mark, Acting President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago appoints the new Chief Justice of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. ... See MoreSee Less

Video

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T updated their cover photo.

1 week ago

The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T
The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T's cover photo ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T

1 week ago

The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T
The President’s House was the destination of choice for Standard Four students of the La Horquetta South Government Primary School last week! 🇹🇹✨Groups of students had the wonderful opportunity to:🏛️ Visit the official residence of the Head of State🎖️ Reenact official ceremonies📘 Learn about the role and functions of the President of the Republic of Trinidad and TobagoIt was a memorable and educational experience for all!📸 See highlights from their tours:🔗 La Horquetta South Government Primary SchoolOctober 14, 2025👉 flic.kr/s/aHBqjCycx👉 flic.kr/s/aHBqjCycyGOctober 16, 2025👉 flic.kr/s/aHBqjCy79M👉 flic.kr/s/aHBqjCy7e1 ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Categories

  • Appointments
  • Courtesy Calls
  • Featured
  • Galleries
  • Media Releases
  • Messages and Speeches
  • Multimedia
  • News & Events
  • Other Events
  • Presentations of Credentials
  • Publications
  • Videos

  • THE PRESIDENT
  • Christine Carla Kangaloo
  • Role and Function
  • Extracts from the Constitution
  • The President’s House
  • Forms of Address
  • History of the Presidency
  • Did You Know?

  • TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
  • National Anthem
  • National Symbols
  • National Holidays and Festivals
  • State Structure
  • National Awards
  • Ceremony
  • Database/Past Ceremonies

  • NEWS AND EVENTS
  • Press Releases
  • Messages and Speeches
  • Appointments
  • Presentations of Credentials
  • Courtesy Calls
  • Other Events
  • Galleries

Contact

President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
Office of the President
Circular Road
St Ann’s
The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

Telephone: (868) 225-4687
Email: otp.mail@otp.gov.tt

Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress