
The office of President is quasi-ceremonial in nature. While the President is the Head of State, the Prime Minister is the Head of Government. The Constitution grants the President legal authority to carry out various functions; however, in most circumstances these must be exercised within specific limits and often in accordance with the advice of, or after consultation with, other authorities such as the Cabinet, the Prime Minister or the Chief Justice.
Some functions of the President are based on convention and custom, for example, the President as patron of various organizations.
Functions of the President
The Constitution grants the President the power to appoint persons to certain offices. The President’s selection of these office holders generally falls into three distinct categories:
- Sole Discretion
The President has the authority to identify and select individuals she deems suitable and qualified for certain positions without being required to consult with any other authority. The stipulations by which the President must abide are those outlined in the law — for example, citizenship, qualifications, and experience. Appointments made in the President’s sole discretion include Independent Senators. - Consultation
The President must consult with or ask the opinion of certain authorities before appointing individuals to specific offices. This process involves notifying these authorities of her selection and enquiring about any objections. However, the President is not obligated to adhere to or accommodate any objections raised by those she consults. Appointments made by consultation include the Ombudsman, the Auditor General, and members of certain Service Commissions. - Advice
The President appoints individuals on the advice of specific officeholders. This means the President is legally required to appoint the recommended persons once they have met the necessary qualifications. Appointments made by advice include:- Judges (on the advice of the Judicial and Legal Service Commission)
- Ministers of Government (on the advice of the Prime Minister)
- Opposition Senators (on the advice of the Leader of the Opposition)
- Other appointments based on advice from Cabinet
Parliamentary Role
According to Section 39 of the Constitution, “There shall be a Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago which shall consist of the President, the Senate and the House of Representatives.” However, the President attends Parliament only on the invitation of the Speaker — for example, at the opening of the first session of a new Parliament. The President:
- Proclaims the commencement and dissolution of sessions of Parliament (the latter on the advice of the Prime Minister)
- Must assent to all Bills passed by both houses of Parliament before they can become law. When a Bill is assented to, it becomes an Act.
- Appoints:
- 16 Senators on the advice of the Prime Minister
- 6 Senators on the advice of the Leader of the Opposition
- 9 Senators entirely at her own discretion — these are known as Independent Senators
Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces
The President is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, which includes:
- The Trinidad and Tobago Regiment/Army
- The Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard
- The Trinidad and Tobago Air Guard
- The Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force Reserves
As Commander-in-Chief, the President is assigned an Aide-de-Camp and Household staff from the Defence Force. Responsibilities include approval of all promotions for Commissioned Officers and authorizing the deployment of troops outside of Trinidad and Tobago.
Diplomatic Credentials
The President receives the Letters of Credence of incoming Ambassadors and High Commissioners in a Presentation of Credentials ceremony. This formal presentation grants them diplomatic accreditation and authorizes them to act on behalf of their Head of State.
National Awards
The President confers National Awards on citizens and other individuals for distinguished or meritorious service or for gallantry. Recommendations on awardees are made by the National Awards Committee to the Prime Minister, who then advises the President.
Patronage and Advocacy
The President is the patron of many local organisations. A patron is someone chosen, named or honoured as a special guardian or supporter of an institution or cause, using their influence to support, encourage and/or aid that organisation or movement. The President also seeks to champion various projects during their term in office.