Trinidad and Tobago (commonwealth realm)
Encyclopedia
The commonwealth realm of Trinidad and Tobago, officially known simply as Trinidad and Tobago, was a predecessor to modern-day Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and an independent state that existed between 31 August 1962 and 1 August 1976.
When British rule ended in 1962, Trinidad and Tobago was given independence as a commonwealth realm, in which the state existed until the promulgation of the republic, which came into existence on 1 August 1976. To date, it is the only island
Caribbean commonwealth realm which has abolished its monarchy.
During the commonwealth realm phase, the British monarch remained head of state of Trinidad and Tobago, and was
represented in Trinidad and Tobago by a governor-general. The following governors-generals held office in Trinidad and Tobago during the dominion period:
Eric Williams
held office as prime minister
(and head of government
) of the Trinidad and Tobago during this period.
Following the abolition of the Commonwealth Realm, he became President of Trinidad and Tobago.
When British rule ended in 1962, Trinidad and Tobago was given independence as a commonwealth realm, in which the state existed until the promulgation of the republic, which came into existence on 1 August 1976. To date, it is the only island
Caribbean commonwealth realm which has abolished its monarchy.
During the commonwealth realm phase, the British monarch remained head of state of Trinidad and Tobago, and was
represented in Trinidad and Tobago by a governor-general. The following governors-generals held office in Trinidad and Tobago during the dominion period:
- SirSolomon HochoySolomon HochoySir Solomon Hochoy TC, GCMG, GCVO, OBE was the last British Governor of Trinidad and Tobago, the first non-white Governor and the first Governor General after independence and the first British viceroy of non-European descent.Of Hakka Chinese background, his family emigrated to Trinidad when he...
(31 August 1962 - 24 June 1972) - SirEllis ClarkeEllis ClarkeSir Ellis Emmanuel Innocent Clarke, TC, GCMG was the second and last Governor-General of Trinidad and Tobago and the first President of Trinidad and Tobago. Clarke was one of the main architects of Trinidad and Tobago's 1962 Independence constitution.Clarke attended Saint Mary's College, winning...
(24 June 1972 - 1 July 1976)
Eric Williams
Eric Williams
Eric Eustace Williams served as the first Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago. He served from 1956 until his death in 1981. He was also a noted Caribbean historian, and is widely regarded as "The Father of The Nation."...
held office as prime minister
Prime minister
A prime minister is the most senior minister of cabinet in the executive branch of government in a parliamentary system. In many systems, the prime minister selects and may dismiss other members of the cabinet, and allocates posts to members within the government. In most systems, the prime...
(and head of government
Head of government
Head of government is the chief officer of the executive branch of a government, often presiding over a cabinet. In a parliamentary system, the head of government is often styled prime minister, chief minister, premier, etc...
) of the Trinidad and Tobago during this period.
Following the abolition of the Commonwealth Realm, he became President of Trinidad and Tobago.
See also
- Governor-General of Trinidad and Tobago
- Eric WilliamsEric WilliamsEric Eustace Williams served as the first Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago. He served from 1956 until his death in 1981. He was also a noted Caribbean historian, and is widely regarded as "The Father of The Nation."...
- West Indies FederationWest Indies FederationThe West Indies Federation, also known as the Federation of the West Indies, was a short-lived Caribbean federation that existed from January 3, 1958, to May 31, 1962. It consisted of several Caribbean colonies of the United Kingdom...
- Elizabeth II
- Ellis ClarkeEllis ClarkeSir Ellis Emmanuel Innocent Clarke, TC, GCMG was the second and last Governor-General of Trinidad and Tobago and the first President of Trinidad and Tobago. Clarke was one of the main architects of Trinidad and Tobago's 1962 Independence constitution.Clarke attended Saint Mary's College, winning...
- Solomon HochoySolomon HochoySir Solomon Hochoy TC, GCMG, GCVO, OBE was the last British Governor of Trinidad and Tobago, the first non-white Governor and the first Governor General after independence and the first British viceroy of non-European descent.Of Hakka Chinese background, his family emigrated to Trinidad when he...