Did you know? Seven facts about the Presidency in T&T

In today’s installment of ‘Did You Know’, we’ll be looking at facts attached to the Presidency.  

After becoming a Republic on August 1, 1976, Trinidad and Tobago’s constitution provided for a President.

The first President of Trinidad and Tobago was Sir Ellis Clarke who served from September 24, 1976 to March 19, 1987.

In a historic moment for our country, Her Excellency Paula Mae Weekes was sworn in as the first female President of Trinidad and Tobago on March 19, 2018.

Here are some facts about the Presidency that you may not know. 

Did you know that:

• The President is Head of State while the Prime Minister is Head of Government in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago?
  As outlined in section 81 of the Constitution, one role of the Prime Minister is to keep the President fully informed on the government of Trinidad and Tobago and to provide any information on the government upon request.
• The President delivers seventy-five speeches a year, on average?
  These speeches are often given on public holidays, special occasions, to give a message or raise awareness on a particular topic.
• The Presidential colours are gold and royal blue?
  These colours are noticeable on the President’s standard (flag).
• The President’s House, Trinidad and The President’s House, Tobago are more than 130 and 180 years old, respectively?
  They are both unique in their structure and design. The President’s house in Trinidad was built following Victorian-style colonial architecture and used locally sourced blue limestone. The President’s House in Tobago was able to withstand 2 hurricanes in 1847 and 1963.
• The building which houses the Office of the President was first built during Sir Solomon Hochoy’s tenure as Governor-General of Trinidad and Tobago?
  It was originally called the Governor-General’s house until 1976 when we became a republic and it has since been called the President’s House.
• The length of a President’s term in office is five years?
  Unlike the Prime Minister, the President is nominated for the position by the Electoral College to serve for a period of five years. The Electoral College is made up of members of the Senate and members of the House of Representatives presided over by the Speaker of the House.
• The President of the Senate acts as President in the event that the President is unable to do so?
  This position is currently held by Christine Kangaloo who was elected on September 23, 2015.

If you missed part one, be sure to read it here. Stay tuned for the final part of the series next week as we take a look at events and ceremonies.

Source: Website of the Office of the President (Republic of Trinidad and Tobago)