THE FIRST INDEPENDENCE DAY 
Trinidad and Tobago gained its independence from Great Britain on August 31st, 1962.  At midnight on 30th August, 1962, the Union Jack (British flag) was lowered and the Trinidad and Tobago flag was raised for the first time. Bells tolled and sirens rang out to herald the birth of the newly independent nation. This first Independence Day was marked by more than a week of festivities and events across the country from August 28 to September 05, 1962 (See: Independence Celebrations, 1962 - Programmes and Events). Several international dignitaries were present for this auspicious occasion including the Queen’s representative Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal who read the message sent by Queen Elizabeth II, relinquishing her rule.

INDEPENDENCE TODAY
Today, Independence Day is celebrated with military-style parades held at the Queen's Park Savannah, Port of Spain and in Scarborough, Tobago. In Trinidad, the parade is inspected by the Head of State who, from 1962-1976, was the Governor General (i.e. the Queen's representative in Trinidad and Tobago). When Trinidad and Tobago achieved its status as a Republic in 1976, the President then assumed this role. The Chief Secretary, who is the leader of the Tobago House of Assembly, heads the Tobago parade. After the official activities at the parade grounds, the contingents march through the streets to the accompaniment of live music played by the bands of the various forces (e.g. Police, Fire and Prison bands).  Cheering spectators line the parade route creating a carnival-like atmosphere.

The evening is usually marked by the presentation of National Awards in a ceremony held at the President's House. These awards, which were first presented in 1969, honour the outstanding achievements of citizens of Trinidad and Tobago in various fields.

Finally, this day of celebration comes to a close with fireworks displays at the Queen's Park Savannah, Port of Spain and the Port Authority Compound, Scarborough Tobago. Thousands of people gather from early in the evening to get a strategic vantage point to view these shows.

WHAT CHANGED
Prior to independence, Trinidad and Tobago was a British colony with the Queen of England as the Head of State. Independence 1962 marked the birth of the nation of Trinidad and Tobago. This event was the final stage in a long road to self-government which progressed through the following stages:

• An early photo of the parliament chamber.
• Early Photograph of the Parliament Chamber
• A colony fully administered by a governor appointed by the colonial monarch (e.g. Spanish or British King or Queen)
• A colony managed by an Executive Council where some members of this council were selected by the Governor from an elected Legislative Council.
• A colony with some internal self-government where political parties competed in an electoral process and a Chief Minister was selected from the party with the winning majority. The Governor then acted on the advice of the Executive Council.
• A self-governing colony with elected officials including a Premier, members of Cabinet and members of the Opposition. The Governor's executive powers were now limited.

Upon Independence on August 31st 1962, the Governor, Sir Solomon Hochoy, was installed as the first Governor-General and the Premier, Dr. Eric Williams, automatically became the Prime Minister. The British Monarch remained as Head of State and the Privy Council, the highest court of appeal. Some of the other changes included:

• National Emblems
  • National Flag
  • National Anthem
  • Coat of Arms
  • National Birds
  • National Flower
• The Constitution
• The Defence Force
  • Regiment
  • Coast Guard

Sources:

• Anthony, Michael. First in Trinidad. Port of Spain, Trinidad: Paria Publishing, 2004.
• Pollard, Gloria, and Elton Nelson. My land: A Social Studies Review for Primary and Secondary School Students and Teachers. Port of Spain, Trinidad: Charran Educational Publishers, 1982.

REPORT OF THE TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO INDEPENDENCE CONFERENCE, 1962
Presented to Parliament by the Secretary of State for the Colonies by Command of Her Majesty - June 1962

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Report Introduction

Date of Independence

Membership of Commonwealth

The Constitution

• Chapter I - Recognition and Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms
• Chapter II - Citizenship
• Chapter III - The Governor General
• Chapter IV - Parliament
• Chapter V - Executive Powers
• Chapter VI - The Judicature
• Chapter VII - Finance
• Chapter VIII - The Public Service
• Second Schedule
• General

Appendix A - List of Attendees

Appendix B - Entrenched Provisions of the Constitution

REPORT INTRODUCTION
1. Since a Ministerial system of government was introduced in 1950 responsibility for the conduct of the internal affairs of Trinidad and Tobago has passed progressively to elected Ministers. In December, 1961, full internal self-government was attained, following a general election at which the People's National Movement, led by Dr. Eric Williams, gained 20, and the Democratic Labour Party, led by Dr. Rudranath Capildeo 10 of the 30 seats in the House of Representatives.

2. Attention was then turned to the future of Trinidad and Tobago in the light of the situation created by Jamaica's decision to withdraw from the Federation of The West Indies. On 14th January, 1962, the General Council of the People's National Movement unanimously approved a resolution that Trinidad and Tobago should not participate in any new federation of the East Caribbean which might be formed but should proceed forthwith to independence without prejudice to the possibility of the territory's future association in a unitary state with other territories in the East Caribbean. The resolution also requested the Government to take the initiative in proposing the maximum possible measure of collaboration between the finer members of the Federation of The West Indies regarding common services, and to declare their willingness to take part in and work for a Caribbean economic community. This resolution was endorsed at a special convention of the party held towards the end of January, and the Government accepted the terms of the resolution as their policy in this matter. In April the Secretary of State for the Colonies, in reply to a dispatch from the Governor, agreed that Trinidad and Tobago should become independent as early as practicable in 1962, and proposed that, provided that the necessary steps could be taken in time, an independence conference should be held in London towards the end of May to agree upon a constitution and the date of independence.

3. Meanwhile, in February, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago had published the first draft of an independence constitution: this was distributed widely in the territory, and organizations and the general public were invited to submit written comments on it by 31st March. Over 160 memoranda were received, and from 25th to 27th April the Government held meetings with those who had submitted memoranda, at which the draft constitution was considered. The draft constitution, as amended in the light of these consultations, was considered by a Joint Select Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives, after which it was debated and, on 11th May, approved by a majority of 16 to 9 in the House of Representatives.

4. The revised draft of the independence constitution, as approved by the Legislature, formed the basic document at the Trinidad and Tobago Independence Conference which opened at Marlborough House in London on Monday, 28th May, 1962, under the Chairmanship of the Secretary of State for the Colonies, the Rt. Hon. Reginald Maudling, M.P. Thereafter the Conference met regularly, on most occasions under the Chairmanship of the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the Colonies, the Hon. Hugh Fraser, M.P. The last session was held with Mr. Maudling in the Chair on Friday, 8th June. A list of those who attended the Conference is at Appendix A.

5. The principal conclusions of the Conference are set out in the following paragraphs of this Report.

DATE OF INDEPENDENCE
6. It was agreed that Trinidad and Tobago should become independent on 31st August 1962.

MEMBERSHIP OF COMMONWEALTH
7. The Trinidad and Tobago Delegation unanimously expressed the wish that on achieving independence Trinidad and Tobago should be accepted as a member country of the Commonwealth.

8. They also stated that it was the firm wish of the people of Trinidad and Tobago to continue after independence in their allegiance to Her Majesty the Queen as Queen of Trinidad and Tobago.

9. They further expressed the hope that the United Kingdom Government would be prepared to support with the other members of the Commonwealth the application of Trinidad and Tobago to be accepted as a fellow-member. This the United Kingdom Government willingly undertook to do.

THE CONSTITUTION

CHAPTER I

RECOGNITION AND PROTECTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND FUNDAMENTAL FREEDOMS
10. The constitution will include provisions safeguarding the fundamental freedoms of the individual, irrespective of race, place of origin, political opinions, colour, creed or sex. These fundamental freedoms will include the right to life, liberty, security of the person and protection from arbitrary arrest; the enjoyment of property and the protection of the law; freedom of conscience, movement, expression and assembly; and respect of private and family life.

11. Provision will be made to permit, subject to safeguards, derogation from the fundamental freedoms in time of war or during an emergency. Provision will, however, also be made, subject to the permitted degree of derogation, for the continued enforcement by the Courts of the fundamental freedoms. In particular, it will be made clear that the Courts can declare void a law which infringes or abridges the rights referred to in section 2 of the draft constitution; and there will also be a provision whereby there can be an appeal to the Courts to obtain a decision whether a law, passed during a period of emergency, which derogates from the fundamental rights and freedoms, is reasonably justifiable for the purpose of dealing with the situation that exists during that period. The period during which a proclamation of a state of emergency can remain in force, without being extended by a vote of a majority of the House of Representatives, will be limited to six months.

CHAPTER II

CITIZENSHIP
12. Provision will be made for citizenship of Trinidad and Tobago. All persons born in Trinidad and Tobago after independence will automatically acquire citizenship of Trinidad and Tobago and there will be provision for the acquisition of citizenship by persons born outside Trinidad and Tobago of parents who are citizens of Trinidad and Tobago. Persons born in Trinidad and Tobago (or persons born outside Trinidad and Tobago of parents born in Trinidad and Tobago) before independence who, immediately prior to independence, are citizens of the United Kingdom and Colonies will also automatically become citizens of Trinidad and Tobago.

13. Appropriate provisions will be made permitting certain persons who will not automatically become citizens of Trinidad and Tobago to be registered as such.

14. The requirement that any person who is already a citizen of another country must renounce that citizenship before he can be admitted to citizenship of Trinidad and Tobago will not apply to any person who would thereby be rendered stateless.

15. The power of Parliament to deprive of his citizenship of Trinidad and Tobago a person who is a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago will not extend to persons who automatically acquire such citizenship on independence.

CHAPTER III

THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL
16. The Governor-General will be appointed by the Queen and will hold office during Her pleasure. Provision will be made for the Governor-General's functions to be performed by such person as Her Majesty may appoint when the office of Governor-General is vacant or the holder of the office is absent from Trinidad and Tobago.

CHAPTER IV

PARLIAMENT
17. The existing bicameral form of Legislature will be retained. The Senate

18. The Upper House will consist of twenty-four Senators, of whom thirteen will be appointed by the Governor-General on the advice of the Prime Minister, four by the Governor-General on the advice of the Leader of the Opposition and seven by the Governor-General on the advice of the Prime Minister after consultation by the latter with those religious, economic or social bodies or associations from which the Prime Minister considers that such Senators should be selected. (The Opposition delegates did not accept the provisions of this paragraph.) The House of Representatives

19. This will consist of thirty members elected by universal adult suffrage, but provision will be included to permit the number to be varied (see paragraph 3). The President and Deputy President of the Senate

20. The President and Deputy President of the Senate will be elected by the Senate from within their own membership. The Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives

21. The Speaker of the House may be elected either from among the members of the House who are not Ministers or Parliamentary Secretaries, or from outside the House. A Speaker elected from within the House will have a casting vote only. A Speaker elected from outside the House will have neither an original nor a casting vote, and if on any question the votes of members are equally divided, the motion will be lost. The Deputy Speaker will be appointed from within the House. Qualifications for Appointment or Election

22. A person will be qualified for appointment to the Senate if he is a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago and is aged 30 years or more. A person will be qualified for election to the House of Representatives if he is a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago, is aged 21 years or more and has either resided in the territory for a period of two years immediately before the date of his nomination or is domiciled and resident in the territory at that date.

23. Persons holding or acting in public office; Judges of the Supreme Court; and persons who are under allegiance to another state, undischarged bankrupts, of unsound mind, under sentence of death, serving a sentence of imprisonment exceeding twelve months without the option of a fine or disqualified by or under any law for the time being in force relating to offenses connected with elections, will be disqualified for appointment as Senators or for election as members of the House of Representatives. Qualifications of Voters

24. Subject to such disqualifications as Parliament may prescribe, a person will be qualified to vote at an election of members to serve in the House of Representatives if, and will not be qualified to vote at such an election unless, he is a Commonwealth citizen aged 21 years or more and has such other qualifications regarding residence or registration as may be prescribed by Parliament. Amendment of the Constitution

25. The principal provisions of the constitution will be entrenched, and of these the most important will be specially entrenched. The ordinarily entrenched provisions may be amended by an affirmative vote of not less than two-thirds of all the members of each House. The specially entrenched provisions may be amended by an affirmative vote of not less than three fourths of all the members of the House of Representatives and not less than two-thirds of all the members of the Senate. A list of the entrenched clauses of the constitution is at Appendix B. The other provisions may be amended by a simple majority of each House. Prorogation and Dissolution of Parliament

26. Parliament will be prorogued or dissolved by the Governor-General on the advice of the Prime Minister, provided that, if the House of Representatives, by a majority of all its members, passes a resolution that it has no confidence in the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, and the Prime Minister does not within seven days either resign or advise a dissolution, the Governor-General shall revoke the appointment of the Prime Minister.

27. In any event Parliament shall not continue for more than five years from the date of its first sitting after any dissolution. In time of war, however, Parliament itself may extend its life for a period not exceeding twelve months at a time up to a maximum of five years.

Immunity of Members of the Legislature

28. There will be a provision in the constitution ensuring that, in all the proceedings of the Legislature, members will enjoy immunity from all action, whether civil or criminal, in respect of anything said in the course of those proceedings.

CONDUCT OF ELECTIONS

Elections Commission
29. Subject to the provisions of the constitution, the qualifications of the electors and the rules governing elections will be laid down by or under the authority of Parliament. The constitution will, however, provide for an Elections Commission consisting of a Chairman and not less than two nor more than four other members appointed by the Governor-General on the advice of the Prime Minister. Members of either House of Parliament and public officers will not be eligible for appointment to the Commission; nor should they be persons who have been actively engaged in politics. The procedure for the removal of members will be similar to that for the Auditor General. The Elections Commission will be responsible for all matters relating to the conduct of elections, including the registration of voters. For example, it will be responsible for ensuring that, within the time specified by law before an election, the accuracy and competence of voting machines (if that method of voting is used) is fully tested in the presence of representatives of the political parties engaged in the election; and, once the accuracy and competence of the machines have been so established, for sealing them in the presence of the representatives of the political parties and keeping them sealed until after polling has been completed.

Boundaries Commission
30. The delimitation of constituencies will be undertaken by a Boundaries Commission consisting of a Chairman and not less than two nor more than four other members appointed by the Governor-General on the advice of the Prime Minister. Members of either House of Parliament and public officers will not be eligible for appointment to the Commission; nor should they be persons who have been actively engaged in politics.

31. The Commission will periodically review the number and boundaries of the constituencies and submit its reports to the House of Representatives, which will take decisions on these matters in the light of the Commission's reports. Annexed to the constitution will be a schedule specifying the general principles which the Commission will follow in delimiting constituencies.

32. The existing constituencies will continue in effect until the Commission has been set up and the House of Representatives decides, after consideration of a report by the Commission, to make some change.

CHAPTER V

EXECUTIVE POWERS

The Prime Minister
33. The Governor-General will appoint as Prime Minister the member of the House of Representatives who, in his own deliberate judgment, is best able to command the support of a majority of the members of that House.

The Cabinet
34. The Cabinet will consist of the Prime Minister and such number of other Ministers as the Governor-General, acting in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister, shall appoint from among the Senators and the members of the House of Representatives, provided that not more than two or, if the Attorney-General is appointed from among the Senators, not more than three Ministers will be appointed from; the Senate. Portfolios will be assigned to Ministers by the Governor-General on the advice of the Prime Minister.

Attorney-General
35. There will be an Attorney-General, who may be a member of the Senate or of the House of Representatives, who will be appointed by the Governor-General on the advice of the Prime Minister. He will have power to institute, conduct and discontinue criminal proceedings, and to take over and conduct or discontinue criminal proceedings before all Courts. The constitution will provide that in the discharge of these functions the Attorney-General shall be completely independent and not subject to the direction of any other person or authority.

Leader of the Opposition
36. There will be a Leader of the Opposition appointed by the Governor General from the House of Representatives who, in the Governor-General's own deliberate judgment, is the leader in the House of the party which commands the support of the largest number of members of the House in opposition to the Government.

Exercise of the Governor-General's powers
37. The Governor-General will be required to act on the advice of the Cabinet in the exercise of his functions except in respect of-

(a) any function in respect of which he is required to exercise his own deliberate judgment, or
(b) any function in the exercise of which he is required to act on the advice of persons or authorities other than the Cabinet.

38. The Cabinet will be summoned by the Prime Minister, who will preside at its meetings or appoint some other Minister to do so.

39. The Governor-General will be entitled to receive from the Prime Minister full information about the general conduct of the government of Trinidad and Tobago and information on any particular matter.

CHAPTER VI

THE JUDICATURE

The Supreme Court
40. There will be a Supreme Court consisting of a High Court of Justice and a Court of Appeal, with such jurisdiction and powers as may be conferred on it by the constitution or by any other law. The High Court

41. The High Court will consist of such number of Puisne Judges as may be prescribed by Parliament and the Chief Justice shall ex officio be a member of the Court. The jurisdiction of the Court and its powers will be those conferred upon it by the constitution or by any other law.

Court of Appeal
42. The Court of Appeal will consist of the Chief Justice, who will be President, and such other number of Justices of Appeal as may be prescribed by Parliament. The Court will be a Superior Court of Record and save as otherwise provided by Parliament, will have all the powers of such a Court. Judicature Act

43. A Judicature Act, which will come into effect on the date of independence, will prescribe the jurisdiction of the Courts and the qualifications of Judges. Appeals to Her Majesty in Council

44. An appeal, whether on matters of law or on matters of fact, will lie as of right from final decisions of the Court of Appeal to Her Majesty in Council where the matter in dispute is of the value of fifteen hundred dollars or more or where the appeal involves, directly or indirectly, a claim to or question respecting property or a right of fifteen hundred dollars or more; from final decisions regarding dissolution or nullity of marriage; from final decisions in any civil, criminal or other proceedings on questions as to the interpretation of the constitution, and in such other cases as may be prescribed by Parliament. Appointments

45. The Chief Justice will be appointed by the Governor-General acting on advice of the Prime Minister.

46. The qualifications for appointment as Judges of the Supreme Court will be such as may be prescribed by any law of Trinidad and Tobago for the time being in force. Judicial and Legal Service Commission

47. The Commission will consist of the Chief Justice, who will be Chairman, a Judge of the Court of Appeal or of the High Court appointed by the Governor-General on the advice of the Prime Minister, the Chairman of the Public Service Commission, and two other members who will be appointed by the Governor-General on the advice of the Prime Minister. One such member will be a Judge or an ex-Judge of Q court of unlimited jurisdiction and the other will be selected by the Prime Minister after consulting with appropriate bodies and organizations.

48. The Commission will advise the Governor-General on appointments to public offices for appointment to which persons are required to possess legal qualifications as prescribed by Parliament. A special procedure will be provided for the removal from office of a Judge.

49. An appointment will not be made to the office of Solicitor-General Registrar-General, Crown Solicitor or head of the Legal Drafting Division if the Prime Minister signifies to the Commission his objection to it.

CHAPTER VII

FINANCE
50. The authority for expenditure from public funds will be an Appropriation, or Supplementary Appropriation, Act, which, when submitted to Parliament, will be supported by Estimates. The House of Representatives will have power to authorise expenditure for thirty days from the beginning of the financial year or until the coming into operation of the Appropriation Act, is the earlier.

51. There will be an Auditor-General, who will be a public officer. He will audit and report to the Minister of Finance on the Public Accounts of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, and for this purpose will have access to all accounts and records. The Minister of Finance will lay before the House of Representatives the report of the Auditor-General within thirty days of its receipt by him; if he fails to do so the Auditor-General will send copies of has report to the Speaker of the House, who will present them to the House of Representatives. Special provision will be included in the constitution ensuring that the Auditor-General will be independent in the discharge of his functions, and for his removal.

CHAPTER VIII

THE PUBLIC SERVICE

The Public Service Commission
52. The Commission will consist of a Chairman and not less than three nor more than five other members as the Governor-General, acting in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister, may decide, and the members will be appointed by Governor-General acting on the advice of the Prime Minister. No person will be eligible for membership of the Commission if he is a member of either House of Parliament or holds or is acting in any public office other than the office of member of the Judicial and Legal Service Commission or member of the Police Service Commission.

53. The Commission will be responsible for advising the Governor-General on appointments to public offices and for removing and exercising disciplinary control over persons holding or acting in such offices. An appointment will not be made to the office of Permanent Secretary, Director of Personnel Administration, head of a Government Department, chief professional adviser in a Ministry or the deputies of these officers, if the Prime Minister signifies to the Commission his objection to it.

54. Section 86 of the draft constitution will be deleted and section 85 will be amended to provide that the Public Service Commission may, with the approval of the Prime Minister, and subject to such conditions as it may think fit, delegate any of its powers under this section by directives in writing to any of its members or to any public officer. The special position of teachers and the substance of the agreement (commonly called "The Concordat") with the Denominational Boards of Management of Assisted Primary Schools will be reflected in regulations made by the Public Service Commission with the consent of the Prime Minister.

Police Service Commission
55. The Police Service Commission will consist of a Chairman and four other members appointed by the Governor-General acting on the advice of the Prime Minister. No person will be eligible for membership of the Commission if he is a member of either House of Parliament or holds or is acting in any public office other than the office of member of the Judicial and Legal Service Commission or the Public Service Commission. The Commission will be responsible for advising the Governor-General on appointments to all in the Police Force and for exercising disciplinary control over all members of the Force. An appointment will not be made to the post of Commissioner or Deputy Commissioner of Police if the Prime Minister signifies to the Commission his objection to it. Procedure for Reviews and Appeals

56. Provision will be made in the machinery of the Public and Police Service Commissions for review and appeals in disciplinary cases.

SECOND SCHEDULE

Boundaries of Constituencies
57. The first rule will be amended to provide that the electorate will, so far as is practicable, be equal in all constituencies but that it will not in any constituency (other than constituencies in Tobago) exceed 110 per cent. nor be less than 90 per cent. of the total electorate divided by the number of constituencies. The same general principle will apply to Tobago, provided that Tobago shall have not less than two seats.

GENERAL

General Elections
58. The next general election will be held under the provisions of the independence constitution. Consultation between Government and Opposition

59. After hearing an important statement by the Premier of Trinidad and Tobago the Conference agreed that it was a matter of great importance to honour the convention whereby the Prime Minister consults the Leader of the Opposition on all appropriate occasions, in particular on all matters of national concern, including appointments to suitable offices of a national character-for example, the chairmanship of the Elections and Boundaries Commissions. Inheritance of International Treaty Rights and Obligations

60. It was agreed that at independence the Government of Trinidad and Tobago would conclude an Exchange of Notes with the United Kingdom Government under which the newly independent State would assume all treaty rights and obligations relating to it entered into on its behalf before independence by the United Kingdom Government and the former Government of the Federation of the West Indies. The Conference recognised that by such an arrangement the Government of Trinidad and Tobago would, of course, also assume the right to question the validity or efficacy of the provisions of any treaty, in so far as it applied to Trinidad and Tobago, to the same extent that immediately prior to independence the Government of the United Kingdom might under the terms of the said treaty lawfully have exercised such right.

International Organisations
61. The Conference considered Trinidad and Tobago's membership of international organizations. The United Kingdom Government undertook to use their best endeavours to facilitate Trinidad and Tobago's application to join whatever international organizations it wished. The Government of Trinidad and Tobago agreed to notify the United Kingdom Government in due course of the international organizations which they wished to join.

Compensation for Certain Categories of Public Officers
62. The existing scheme for conditional retirement will continue in force with minor modifications. A scheme embodying the principle of voluntary retirement will be introduced for permanent and pensionable expatriate officers who are members of Her Majesty's Overseas Civil Service, and for pensionable officers designated before independence under any Aid Scheme Agreement which may be concluded between the United Kingdom Government and the Government of Trinidad and Tobago. Legislative provision for these arrangements will be made before independence.

Discussion of Economic, Financial and Defence Matters
63. Before the date of independence there will be discussions between the United Kingdom Government and the Government of Trinidad and Tobago concerning financial, economic and defence matters.

APPENDIX A
List of Those Attending the Trinidad and Tobago Independence Conference, 1962

UNITED KINGDOM
The Rt.Hon. Reginald Mauling, M.P.
The Hon. Hugh Fraser, M.B.E.,
M.P.Sir Hilton Poynton, K.C.M.G.
Mr. A. R. Thomas, C.M.G.
Mr. J. A. Peck
Mr. D. Williams
Mr. I. H. Cruchley
Mr. J. E. Whitelegg
Mr. L. B. Walsh-Atkins, C.M.G.
Mr. E. Norris
Mr. S. J. G. Fingland
Mr. C. W. F. Footman, C.M.G.
Mr. C. Diggines
Sir Charles Dixon, K.C.M.G.,K.C.V.O., O.B.E.
Sir Orby Mootham
Mr. H. Oxlcy
Mr. P. R. Noakes

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
Dr. E. Williams
Mr. G. A. Richards
Mr. S. Mohamrned
Mr. W. J. Alexander
Dr. R. Capildeo
Mr. A. Sinanan
Mr. T. Hosein
Sir Padlock Hobson
Mr. J. Rotas
Mr. M. T. I. Julien,
Sir Learie Constantine, M.B.E.
Mr. E. E. I. Clarke, C.M.G.
Mr. J. O'Neill Lewis
Mr. S. C. Maharaj
Mr. L. F. Seukeran
Mr. P. G. Farquahar
Mr. O. Mathurin

SECRETARIAT
Mr. A. M. MacKintosh, C.M.G - Secretary-General
Mr. D. F. Milton - Secretary
Mr. D. J. Burr - Secretary
Mr. D. Wyllie - Secretary
Mr.G.O.Young - Secretary
Mr. R. W. Francis - Secretary
Mr. K. J. Hanford - Press Officer
Mr. R. S. Paveley - Press Officer
Mr. T. Empson -Conference Officerl

APPENDIX B
Entrenched Provisions of the Constitution

Ordinarily entrenched
Provisions relating to human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Prorogation of Parliament.
Appointment, dismissal and disciplinary control of judicial officers.
Establishment of office and functions of Auditor General.
Public debt.
Public Service Commission.
Appointment, dismissal and disciplinary control of public officers.
Appointment and removal of principal representatives of Trinidad and Tobago abroad.
Auditor-General.
Tenure of office of Auditor-General.
Police Service Commission.
Appointment, dismissal and disciplinary control of police officers.
Protection of pension rights.
Powers of Commissions in relation to grant of person, etc.

Specially entrenched
Office of Governor General.
Establishment of Parliament.
Composition of Senate.
Composition of House of Representatives.
Amendment of Constitution.
Annual meetings of Parliament.
Dissolution of Parliament.
General Elections and Appointment of Senators.
Boundaries Commission.
Procedure for Review of Constituency boundaries.
Establishment of Supreme Court.
Constitution of High Court.
Appointment of Puisne Judges.
Tenure of office of Puisne Judges.
Constitution of Court of Appeal.
Appointment of Judges of Court of Appeal.
Tenure of office of Judges of Court of Appeal.
Appeals from Court of Appeal to Her Majesty in Council.
Judicial and Legal Service Commission.
Remuneration of Govenor-General and certain other officers.
Elections Commission.
Universal adult franchise subject to the qualifications laid down by Parliament.
Freedom of Speech in Parliament.
Interpretation (so far as it relates to the foregoing).
The Trinidad and Tobago Independence Act, 1962.

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INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATIONS, 1962: PROGRAMME OF EVENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Port of Spain
• Borough of Arima
• Borough of San Fernando
• Caroni Area
• Nariva/Mayaro Area
• St. Andrew/St. David Area
• St. George Area
• St. Patrick Area
• Victoria Area
• Tobago

PORT OF SPAIN

Tuesday 28th August:

10 a.m. - 12 noon - Youth Organisations conducted Tours around H.M.S. BLAKE.
2 - 6 p.m. - H.M.S. BLAKE and H.M.S. WHIRLWIND open to Visitors.
6 p.m. - Official Welcome to Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal at Piarco Airport.

Programme includes-
(1) Inspection of Guard of Honour (Trinidad & Tobago Regiment).
(2) Presentations. Welcome Address by the Prime Minister-designate. Reply.
(3) Opening of New Terminal Building.
(4) Reception.

6.45 p.m. - Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal and Party depart from Piarco Airport for the drive to the residence of the Governor-General designate.

WET WEATHER PROGRAMME
Official Welcome to Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal at Piarco Airport. In case of heavy rain, the programme will be as follows:-

(i) The Guard of Honour will be cancelled.
(ii) Her Royal Highness will be met by a welcoming Party, headed by the Governor-General designate, and accompanied into the incoming section of the New Terminal Building where presentations are made followed by welcome address by the Prime Minister designate and the reply of Her Royal Highness.
(iii) Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal opens the new Terminal Building and the Royal Party departs at 6.80 p.m. for the drive to the residence of the Governor-General designate.

Wednesday 29th August:

10 a.m. - 12 noon - Youth Organisations conducted tours around H.M.S. BLAKE.
6.30 p.m. - Cocktail Party aboard H.M.S. BLARE, H.M.S. WHIRLWIND, H.M.S. ULSTER.

Thursday 30th August:

10 a.m. - 9 p.m. - Exhibitions open to the Public.
(1) Development of Steelband, Calypso and Carnival to 15th September-Royal Victoria Institute.
(2) Historical, Photographic, Architectural Children's Art Exhibition, Arts and Crafts, including 2 One-man Shows to 15th September-National Museum and Art Gallery.
4.30 p.m. - Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal arrives at the Independence Youth Festival at Queen's Park Oval.
All schools in and around Port-of-Spain 22,000 children. Youth Groups, Boy Scouts, Girl Guides and Rangers, Cadets, Boys' Brigade Junior Safety Brigade, Catholic Youth Movement, Central Muslim Youth Organisation Hindu Youth Movement, Red Cross Cadets, Trinidad girls in Training, Trail Rangers.
Trinidad folk songs by massed children's choirs Indian dances, Joropo, Belee, Songs specially composed for the occasion by Trinidadians and Tobagonians.
Similar Youth Festivals to be held in Tobago, San Fernando, Sangre Grande, etc.
9 p.m. - Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal attends a Gala Performance at Queen's Hall, seven hundred performers. Dance, choral, music groups, steel orchestras from all over the country (The Gala Performance will be televised)
11.54 p.m. - Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal attends the Flag Raising Ceremony which takes place at midnight in the Forecourt of the Red House.
(This event will be televised).
12 midnight - The Flag of Trinidad and Tobago is raised. Prayers are offered following the Raising of the National Flag by one Representative of each of Five Religious Bodies-
i. The Archbishop of Port-of-Spain or his representative on behalf of Roman Catholics.
ii. The Bishop of Trinidad or his representative on behalf of Anglicans.
iii. The representative of the Ministerial Council of Evangelical Churches.
iv. A representative of the Hindu Faith.
v. The Shaikh Ul-Islam or his representative for the Muslims.
12.08 a.m. - Ship Sirens, Church Bells ringing, Rockets, Flares from Hills, usher in the new and Independent Trinidad and Tobago.
12.25 a.m. - Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal leaves for the Governor-General's House.
12.25 a.m. - Church Services. Friday

Friday 31st August:- INDEPENDENCE DAY - PUBLIC HOLIDAY

Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal leaves for the State Opening of Parliament-Changing of Honour Guard from Police to 1st Battalion the Trinidad and Tobago Regiment.

10.30 a.m. - State Opening of Parliament including the Swearing-in of the Governor-General and the Inauguration Ceremony, at which Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal, representing Her Majesty the Queen, hands over the Constitutional Instruments to the Prime Minister.
11.42 a.m. - Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal returns to Governor-General's House for luncheon with Prime Minister and Members of Cabinet.
4.13 p.m. - Civic Welcome to Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal at the Port-of-Spain Town Hall.
8 p.m. - State Banquet at the Hilton Hotel.
9.30 p m. - Steelbands at Queen's Park Savannah and Memorial Park.

10 p.m. - Fireworks Display at Queens Park Savannah.

N.B. - The Royal Party will view the Fireworks Display from the Hilton.

Saturday 1st September:

8.30 a.m. - Special Exhibition opens at the Central Library, 20 Queen's Park East-"Trinidad and Tobago, the Past in the Present", to September 15th.
9.50 a.m. - Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal emplanes for Tobago at Piarco Airport.
10.20 a.m. - Official Welcome for Her Royal Highness at Crown Point, Tobago.
11 a.m. - Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal attends Youth Rally at Shaw Park.
1:00 p.m. - Official Luncheon at Governor-General's House, Tobago with The Prime Minister, Tobago Representatives and Senator, Chairman, Tobago County Council.
4.00 p.m. - Industrial and Agricultural Exhibition open to (weekends) the public at the Princes Building Grounds.
10 p.m. - (Weekdays) Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, to Pith September.
5.30 p.m - Reception at Governor-General's House, Tobago.
8.30 p.m. - Gala Performance (Second Show) at Queen's Hall, Port-of-Spain. Note: Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal will overnight in Tobago.

Sunday 2nd September:

9.11; a.m. - Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal attends Divine Service at St. Andrew Church, Scarborough, Tobago. Official Services throughout Trinidad and Tobago.
14.30 a.m. - Water Ski Show at Point Tembladora.
12.30 p.m. - Dinner for the Aged and Poor at twenty (20) centres in Port-of-Spain.
6 p.m. - Children's Carnival at Queen's Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain, Trinidad.
5 p.m. - Route March by all Military Units of the Territory and including Military Units from other Countries in Port-of-Spain.
5.30 p.m. - Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal emplanes for Piarco Airport thence to Governor General's House, Trinidad.
6.30 p.m. - Mounted Branch of Police Display, followed by Beating Retreat at Queen's Park Savannah. Monday 3rd September: ;
9.45 a.m. - Her Highness the Princess Royal attends a Reception at County Hall, Chaguanas.
11.25 a.m. - The Royal Party leaves County Hall, Chaguanas, for San Fernando.
11.45 a.m. - Civic Welcome to Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal at Skinner Park, San Fernando.
1.15 p.m. - (Official Luncheon at Farrell House with Mayor of San Fernando, Representatives of San Fernando and wives.
2.45 p.m. - The Royal Party leaves for Governor-General's House, Port-of-Spain.
7.30 p.m. - Music in Port-of-Spain Squares by Steelbands and Orchestras.
6 p.m. - Reception at Governor?General's House, during which time the Police will beat Retreat.
7 pm. - Trinidad and Tobago Fete at Queen's Park Savannah.

Tuesday 4th September:

9.20 a.m. - Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal opens and tours the Industrial and Agricultural Exhibition on Princes Building Grounds.
10.15 a.m. - Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal tours the John S. Donaldson Technical Institute.
4.30 p.m. - Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal arrives and declares Exhibitions and National Museum and Art Gallery open.
5-7.30 p.m. - Music in Port-of-Spain Squares by Steelbands and Orchestras.
7.45 p.m. - Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal dines with the Governor-General, Prime Minister and other Guests at Governor-General's House.
8.30 p.m. - Gala Performance (Third Show) at Queen's Hall.
9 p.m. - State Ball at National Museum and Art Gallery.

Wednesday 5th September:

9.30 a.m. - Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal leaves Governor-General's House for Arima.
10.30 a.m. - The Royal Party arrives at Arima for Civic Reception at Arima Savannah.
11.30 a.m. - Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal opens and tours Mausica Teachers' College and returns to Governor-General's House.
3.30 p.m. - The Royal Party departs for Piarco Airport where Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal Inspects a Guard of Honour (Trinidad & Tobago Regiment), is presented with a gift and bids farewell.

Note - (i) International Pavilion, corner Queen's Park West and Cipriani Boulevard Port-of-Spain, open daily, Friday 24th August until Sunday 9th September- A place where Overseas Visitors can relax and meet the people of Trinidad and Tobago informally.
(ii) There will be a Fly Past Line-Astern over Port-of-Spain by Aeroplanes of the Light Aeroplane Club at 11.80 a.m. on Independence Day.

BOROUGH OF ARIMA

Thursday, 30th August:

9 a.m. - School Treat - Blanchisseuse, Brasso Seco, La Fillette, Morne La Croix.
3.45 p.m. - Youth Rally-Arima.
6 p.m. - Variety Entertainment- Mundo Nuevo, San Rafael, Talparo, Tamana (Four Roads).
8 p.m. - Variety Entertainment-Arima, Blanchisseuse, Brasso Seco, La Fillette, Morne La Croix.

Friday, 31st August:

9 a.m. - Parade of Friendly Societies, Unions etc. with Church Services-Arima.
12 noon - Dinner for the Aged coupled with variety entertainment- Blanchisseuse, Brasso Seco, Brazil Village, La Fillette, Morne La Croix, San Rafael, Talparo, Tamana.
8 p.m. - Fireworks Display-Talparo.
10 p.m. - Fireworks Display-Arima.

Saturday, 1st September:

12 noon - Dinner for the-Aged-Mundo Nuevo.
1 p.m. - Variety entertainment-Brazil Village.
1.15 p.m. - Caravan (Variety Show) -Brasso Seco.
3 p.m. - Caravan (Variety Show) -Blanchisseuse.
8 p.m. - Variety Entertainment-Arima, D'Abadie, La Fillette.

Sunday, 2nd September:

9 a.m. - Dinner for the Aged, Sports Entertainment- Carapo.
12 noon - Dinner for the Aged-Arima.
1 p.m. - Sports meeting- Blanchisseuse, Brasso Seco, D'Abadie, La Fillette, Talparo.
2 p.m. - Caravan (Variety Show) -D'Abadie. Sports Entertainment-Morne La Croix.
4 p.m. - Caravan (Variety Show) -Talparo.

Monday, 3rd September:

1 p.m. - Inter school sports - Arima.
8 p.m. - Variety Concert (Repeat on Thursday 6th) - Arima.

Tuesday, 4th September:

9 a.m. - Treat for Children of Child Welfare League Brazil Village and San Rafael.
4.30 p.m. - Arts and Crafts Show-Arima.
8 p.m. - Fireworks Display - Blanchisseuse.

Variety entertainment highlighting Folk Dancing at the following places.
4 p.m. - Brasso Seco.
6 p.m. - La Fillette, Morne La Croix.

Wednesday, 5th September:

Visit of Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal.
10 a.m. - Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal arrives at Arima for Civic Reception at Arima Savannah.
Programme includes Welcome Address, Reply, Presentations.
10.45 a.m. - Her Royal Highness leaves Arima.

N.B. (i) School Children will line the route of the Royal Visitor.
(ii) School Children's treat in all districts.

BOROUGH OF SAN FERNANDO

Thursday 30th August:

4 p.m. - Youth Rally comprising School Children, Boy Scouts, Girl Guides and other Uniformed Groups - Skinner Park.
7 p.m. - Open air Steelband Concerts-Harris Promenade Library- Corner and Irving Park.
11.30 p.m. - Church Service-All Churches.
11.58 p.m. - Relay of Flag-raising and Swearing-in Ceremonies from Port-of-Spain on Radio and Television-Harris Promenade, Car Park, Irving Park, Skinner Park, Nurses' Hostel, Home for Handicapped Children and at McEnearney's Royal Road.
12.08 a.m. - Blowing of Sirens. 
Bonfire-San Fernando Hill.

Friday 31st August:

8 a.m. - Children's Service-All Churches.
9 a.m. - Open air Service-Band Stand.
7 p.m. - Camp Fire-Skinner Park.
8.15 p.m. - Beating Retreat by St. John Ambulance Band- Skinner Park.
9 p.m. - Fireworks-Skinner Park.

Saturday 1st September:

2 p.m. - Festival of Sports-Skinner Park.
8.30 p.m. - Open air Dances-Car Park and Mon Repos.
9 p.m. - Independence Ball-Naparima Bowl.

Sunday 2nd September:

12 noon - Lunch for Poor and Aged-St. Vincent de Paul Home and San Fernando Night Shelter.
8.30 p.m. - Variety Show-Naparima Bowl.

Monday 3rd September:

Visit of Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal.
11.45 a.m. - Her Royal Highness arrives. Inspects Guard of Honour comprising of Cadets. Inspects Parade comprising of Red Cross, St. John Ambulance Brigade, Boy Scouts, Girl Guides, Boys Brigade, Nurses and other uniformed Groups. St. Benedict College Band to supply music during Parade - Skinner Park.

Mayor's Welcome Address on behalf of Citizens. Royal Reply. Presentation of Bouquet. Presentation of Members of San Fernando Borough Council and Wives and other Guests to Her Royal Highness.
8.30 p.m. - Variety Show-Naparima Bowl.

CARONI AREA

Thursday 30th August:

3.30 p.m. - Youth Festival-Cunupia Distriet.
8-11 p.m. - Variety Show by local artistes Couva (Car Park) .
8.30 p.m. - Steelband Mu$ie, Open air Entertainment Chaguanas Market Square.

N.B.- School Children's Treat, Church Services and Hook-up for Prime Minister's Broadcast in all districts as follows-
(i) Chaguanas (ii) Couva, (iii) Carapichaima, (iv) Cunupia, (v) Flanagin Town/Gran Couva, (vi) Clayton Bay/ Tortuga.

Friday 31st August:

Saturday 1st September:

4 p.m. - Fooball Matches-Carapiehaima District.
7 p.m. - Fireworks Display - Cunupia Distriet (St. Helena Coronation Park).
9 p.m. - Fireworks Display-Couva Distriet.
Feeding of the Poor in the following districts- (i) Chaguanas, (ii) Couva, (iii) Cunupia, (iv) Flanagin Town/Gran Couva.
12 noon - Dinner for the Poor- Claxton Bay/Tortuga District.
3 p.m. - Handicraft Exhibition-Chaguanas District (Noel's Hall, Chaguanas to 3rd September).
7 p.m. - Fireworks Display- Cunupia District (Las Lomas 1).
Variety Shows will be held in the following districts- (i) Couva, (ii) Carapichaima, (iii) Cunupia, (iv) Claxton Bay/Tortuga.

Sunday 2nd September:

11.30 a.m. - Lunch for the Poor-Carapichaima and Cunupia Districts.
12.30 p.m. - Festival Cricket Match - Carapichaima District (Friendship Hall Grounds).
2-6 p.m. - Athletic Sports-Flanagin Town/Gran Couva District.
3-8 p.m. - Variety Show-Couva District (Macaulay Park) .
8 p.m. - Fireworks Display-Cunupia District (Caroni/ Frederick Settlement, Recreation Ground and Kelly Village).

N.B.- There will be Parades of Uniformed Organisations in the following Districts -(i) Chaguanas-9.00 a.m., (ii) Couva -10.00 a.m., (iii) Cunupia-3.30 p.m.

Monday 3rd September:

Visit of Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal to the Caroni Area.
9.45 a.m. - Civic Reception in honour of Her Royal H;ghness the Princess Royal at Chaguanas County Hall.
10 a.m. - 2 p.m. - Inter-School Sports: Meeting-Couva District (Gilbert Park).
10.25 a.m. - Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal leaves County Hall, Chaguanas for San Fernando.
1 p.m. - Inter-School Sports Meeting-Caroni.

Uniformed Organisations and School Children will line the route along which Her Royal High ness will pass in the various Districts.

NARIVA/MAYARO AREA

Thursday, 30th August:

10 a.m. - Parade of School Children and Youth Groups -Brothers Road District (Torrib Trace Ground) .

School Treats in the Guayaguayare/Trinity, Biche, Brothers Road, and San Pedro, Poole Districts.

Friday, 31st August:

2 p.m. - Tree-planting ceremony-Guayaguayare/ Trinity District (New Lands Recreation Ground).
7.30 p.m. - Camp Fire-Biche District (Cushe Village).
8 p.m. - Variety Show-Brothers Road District.
(i) Church Services in all Districts.
(ii) Parade of School Children and School Treat in the Rio Claro district and Mayaro.

Saturday, 1st September

11 a.m. - Arts and Crafts Exhibition-Mayaro (Village Hall) .
2 p.m. - Arts and Crafts Exhibition, Rio Claro (County Hall) .
7.30 p.m. - Camp Fire, Charuma.
8 p.m. - Fireworks Display followed by variety entertainment-Mayaro (Sports Ground). Variety Show-San Pedro and Rio Claro Districts.

Sunday, 2nd September:

8 a.m. - Boats Display, Mayaro Fishermen- Mayaro (Radix to Plaisance).
10.30 a.m. - Parade of Youth Groups-Mayaro.
2 p.m. - Inter-School Sports-Mayaro.
7 p.m. - Variety Concert-Brothers Road District.
7.30 p.m. - Fireworks Display-Guayaguayare Recreation Ground.
7.30 p.m. - Camp Fire-Biche District (Fists Road) .
Dinner for the Aged and the Poor in the following districts-
(i) Biche
(ii) Brothers Road
(iii) San Pedro, Poole
(iv) Rio Claro

Monday, 3rd September:

2 p.m. - Treat and Entertainment for the Aged- Mayaro.
4 p.m. - Variety Entertainment-Guayaguayare (Trinity District).
7.30 p.m. - Camp Fire-Biche District (Caratal). Inter-School Sports at Biche (New Lands Recreation Ground), Brothers Road, San Pedro (Community Centre) and Rio Claro.

Tuesday, 4th September:

1 p.m. - Dinner for the Poor-Guayaguayare ~ illage.
4 p.m. - Tree Planting Ceremony and Variety Show- Biche District.
7.30 p.m. - Variety Show- Guayaguayare Village (Pop well's Halls and Brothers Road.
8 p.m. - Concert and Variety Show-Rio Claro.

ST. ANDREW/ST. DAVID AREA

Thursday, 30th August:

9 a.m. - Parade of School Children and Treat - St. David/Toco.
10 a.m. - 1 p.m. - Rally, Fiesta ?-St. Andrew (Cumuto Junction).
8 p.m. - Stage Show by Youth Group - St. Andrew (Valencia). School Children's Rally in St. Andrew (Sangre Grande 3.00 p.m.,) Mathura 3.30 p.m.

Friday, 31st August:

9 a.m. - Arts and Crafts Exhibition-St. David (Toco Mission) .
12.30 p.m. - School Children's Treat-St. Andrew (Valencia)
12 noon - Dinner for the Aged-St. David (Sans Souci).
1 p.m. - Rally, Fiesta-St. Andrew (Guaico, Tamana and Cumuto Junctions).
2.p.m. - Dinner for the Poor - St. Andrew (Mature Village).
7 p.m. - Village Fiesta-St. David (Grande Riviere).
There will be Parades of School Children and Uniformed Organisations in St. Andrew (Sangre Grande, Matura, Manzanilla, Valencia), St. David ((Jumana).

Saturday, 1st September:

10.30 a.m. - Agricultural and Art Exhibition- St. David (Sans Souci).
10.30 a.m. - Dinner for the Aged-St. Andrew (Valencia).
12 noon - Dinner for the Aged - St. David (Grande Riviere). Arts and Crafts Exhibition (Matelot and Grande Riviere).
1.30 p.m. - Inter-School Sports-St. Andrew (Guaico).
4 p.m. - Opening of Arts and Crafts Exhibition- St. Andrew (Sangre Grande) to September 4th.
5 p.m. - Opening of Industrial and Agricultural Exhibition-St. Andrew (Sangre Grande) to September 4th.
9 p.m. - Fireworks Display- St. Andrew (Sangre Grande). Fiestas in St. Andrew (Rampanalgas, Cumuto, Manzanilla) St. David (Cumana).

Sunday, 2nd September:

9 a.m. - Regatta-St. Andrew (Matelot).
10 a.m. - Athletic Sports-St. David (Cumana .
1 p.m. - Rally, Fiesta-St. Andrew (Cumuto).
Dinner for the Aged in the following places- St. Andrew (Sangre Grande, Manzanilla) St. David (Toco, Monte Video. Matelot).

Monday, 3rd September:

10.30 a.m. - Athletic Sports, Regatta -Souci). St. Andrew (Bans 12 noon-Dinner for the Aged St. David (L'Anse Noire).
1 p.m. - Rally, Fiesta-St. Andrew (Cumuto).
1.30 p.m. - Inter-School Sports-St. Andrew (Mature).
7 p.m. - Variety Concert-St. Andrew (Manzanilla).
7.30 p.m. - Community Singing and Camp Fire-St.Andrew (Sangre Grande).

Tuesday, 4th September:

12 noon - Arts and Crafts Exhibition - St. David (Grande Riviere). Dinner for the Aged-St. David (Cumana).
1 p.m. - School Children's Sports - St. Andrew (Cumuto).
7 p.m. - Independence Pageant-St. David (Matelot).

ST GEORGE AREA

Thursday, 30th August:

3.30-6 p.m. - Festival of Youth-U.W.I., St. Augustine
4-6 p.m. - Youth Rally-Morvant/Laventille, and Point Cumana/La Horquette/Carenage Districts.
(1) There will be a School Children's Treat in each district.
(2) Evening entertainment to be provided in the following districts-Auzonville Park, Point Cumana/La Horquette/Carenage, Maraval, Sty Joseph/Curepe, Mordant/ Laventille.

Friday, 31st August:

9 a.m. - School Rally-Maraval (Recreation Ground)
1-5 p.m. - Sports Meeting -Diego Martin/Four Roads Area (Diego Martin Recreation Ground).
1-6 p.m. - Fiesta-TacarigualArouca Districts.
9 p.m. - Camp Fire-Maraval (Recreation Ground). Evening variety entertainment in the Pasea Maingot Road, St. Joseph/Curepe, St. John's Village, El Dorado, St. Ann's (Community Centre) and Santa Crux districts.

Saturday, 1st September:

11-11.30 a.m. - Lunch for the Aged- Santa Cruz (Village Council Community Centre, Cantaro Village) Tunapuna and St. Ann's (Community Centres)
6 p.m. - Parade of five Caravans providing 2 hours continuous entertainment at St. John's Village, Auzonville Park, Pasea, El Dorado, Maingot Road.
4.30 p.m. - Flower Show-St. Joseph/Curepe (St. Joseph Park) .
8.30 p.m. - Variety Concert - Tacarigua/Arouca district (Arouca Government School). Evening variety entertainment to be provided in the following districts-El Dorado, Maingot Road, St. John's Village, Pasea, Maraval (Recreation Ground) St. Ann's (Community Centre), St. Joseph/Curepe.

Sunday, 2nd September:

9 a.m. - Blessing of Boats-Maracas Bay.
10 a.m. - Sports Festival - Maracas Bay (Boat and Swimming Races, etc.).
1 p.m. - Sports Meeting-Santa Cruz. School Sports and variety entertainment -Maraval. Children's Rally, Camp Fire-St. Ann's (Community Centre).
2 p.m. - Athletic Meeting-St. Joseph/Curepe.
2.30-10 p.m. - Variety Entertainment-Maracas Bay.
7-10 p.m. - Grand Fiesta-Auzonville Park. Lurch for the Aged at Maraval, Maracas Bay (Society Hall), Diego Martin (Boys' Industrial School), St. Joseph/Curepe, and Morvant/ LaventiUe districts.

Monday, 3rd September:

10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Arts and Crafts Exhibition-Morvant/Laventille district.
3-5 p.m. - March Past and Displays-Diego Martin/Four Roads Area.
8.30 p.m. - Physical Displays and Variety Show-St. Joseph/Curepe (St. Joseph Park). Evening Variety Entertainment at El Dorado, Pasea, St. John's Village, Afaingot Road, St. Ann's, Diego Martip/Four Roads, and Morvant/ Laventille districts.

Tuesday, 4th September:

4.00 p.m. - Handicraft Display- St. Joseph/Curepe (La Seiva) .
7 p.m. - Camp Fire- St. Joseph/Curepe (La Seiva) and Morvant/Laventille districts.

Wednesday, 5th September:

6.30-8 p.m. - Grand Cocktail Party Indies, St. Augustine. -University of the West Indies.

ST. PATRICK AREA

Thursday, 30th August:

7 p.m. - Torchlight Procession-Cedros District (Fullerton to Bonasse).
8-11 p.m. - Variety Concert-Point Fortin (Mahaica Oval).
12 Midnight - Variety Concert-Cedros District (St. Marie Savannah) .
12 Midnight - Candlelight Procession to Texaco Point D'or- La Brea District.
School Children's Treat in all Districts.

Friday, 31st August:

12 noon - Dinner for the Poor-Penal Area.
1 p.m. - Treat for the Poor simultaneously with Parade of Costumed Bands and Individuals-Siparia District.
1-6 p.m. - Inter-School Sports-Cedros District (St. Marie Savannah).
1.30 p.m. - Sports-Penal Area (Abdool Village Recreation Ground) .
4.30 p.m. - Variety Concert-Palo Seco.
7 p.m. - Historical Pageant by School Children-Palo Seco. Bon Fires (Erie & Buenos Ayres Recreation Grounds).
8 p.m. - Fireworks Display-Point Fortin District (Coronation Park).
8 p.m. - Variety Concert-La Brea District (La Brea & Vance River Community Centres). Parade of School Children and Uniformed Organisations in all Districts.

Saturday, 1st September:

10 a.m. - Walking Race-Siparia District.
1-2.30 p.m. - Sports Meeting-Siparia District (Irwin Park).
1.30 p.m. - Arts and Crafts, Agricultural, Fishing Industry Exhibitions-Palo Seco District.
7 p.m. - Open Air Entertainment-Fyzabad District.
7.30 p.m. - Fireworks Display-Siparia Distriet.
8 p.m. - Variety Concert-La Bea Distriet (Rousillae C.M. School and Texaco Point D'or Ground). Camp Fire and Community Singing-Siparia
9 p.m. - Fireworks Display-Penal District. (a) There will be Treats for the Poor in the Cedros, Point Fortin, Perm1 area and Fyzabad districts. b) The Cedros District activities for the day include Athletic and Aquatic Sports (Icacos), Open Air Entertainment (Coroqnandel, CSranville, Irois Forest, Chatham, Bonasse).

Sunday, 2nd September:

8 a.m. - 6 p.m. - Arts and Crafts Exhibition-Siparia Distriet (County Hall).
9 a.m. - Motorcade - Santa Flora to Buenos Ayres thence to Los Iros-Palo Seco/Erin District.
10 a.m. - Cavalcade of Sports-Point Fortin District.
12.30 p.m. - Dinner for the Poor-La Brea District (La Brea, Vance River, Grants Trace and Aripero).
1 p.m. - Novelty and Aquatic Sports-Cedros District (Bonasse Village).
1 p.m. - Gala Motorcade-Fyzabad District.
1.30 p.m. - Sports-Penal Area (Penal Rock Recreation Ground).
2-6 p.m. - Arts and Crafts Exhibition-Point Fortin District to September Brd.
7.30 p.m. - Variety Show-Siparia District.
9 p.m. - Fireworks Display-Penal Area.

Monday, 3rd September:

12 noon - Dinner for the Poor-Penal Area (San Francique Road).
1.30 p.m. - Sports-Penal Area (San Francique Road).
2-6 p.m. - Variety Entertainment-Cedros District (Fullerton) .
4.30-9 p.m. - Variety Entertainment-Palo Seeo/Erin District.
4.30 p.m. - Parade-Uniformed Organisations-Fyzabad District.
7 p.m. - Camp Fire (Scouts and Guides) -Fyzabad District.
8 p.m. - Historical Pageant-Point Fortin District (Mahaica Oval). Steelband Concert-Siparia District.
9 p.m. - Fireworks Display-Fyzabad & Palo Seco Districts.

Tuesday, 4th September:

1.30 p.m. - Sports-Penal Area (Sync Village) .
2 p.m. - Inter-School Sports-Palo Seco-Erin District.
4-6.30 p.m. - Children's Carnival -Fyzabad District (B.P. Recreation Ground).
7.10 p.m. - Variety Concert-Fyzabad District.
7.30 p.m. - Camp Fire (Scouts & Guides)-Pt. Fortin District (Coronation Park).
Fireworks Display-La Brea District (Pt. D'or Recreation Ground).

VICTORIA AREA

Thursday, 30th August:

4 p.m. - School Sports - Princes Town (Knolly's Recreation Ground).
Treat for School (children during the day in all parts of the Victoria Area.

Friday, 31st August:

8.30 a.m. - School Rally-Princes Town.
9 a.m. - Youth Parade - Princes Town (Knolly's Recreation Ground).
1 p.m. - Sports-Gasparillo District.
5-8 p.m. - Youth Festival - St. John/Cupar Grange Golconda District.
8 p.m. - History of Princes Town-Tape and Spotlight Interview followed by variety entertainment.

Saturday, 1st September:

10 a.m. - Dedication of Independence Park- Moruga District.
11 a.m. - Dinner for the Poor-St. John/Cupar Grange Golconda District.
12 noon - Dinner for the Aged and Poor-New Grant (Eastern Loan Hall).
4-6.30 p.m. - Variety Concert-Gasparillo Park.
7 p.m. - Variety Entertainment- New Grant (Gov't. School Grounds) and Gasparillo District.
9 p.m. - Fireworks Display followed by Variety Show- Princes Town.

Sunday, 2nd September:

9 a.m. - March Past and planting of Tree to commemorate Independence - Barrackpore/Debe District (Texaco Recreation Ground, Barrackpore).
2 p.m. - Variety Entertainment- Barrackpore.
2-4 p.m. - Arts and Crafts Exhibition - New Grant & District. 8 p.m.
7.30 p.m. - Variety Show-Hardbargain and Williamsville District.
8 p.m. - Fireworks Display - Moruga District.

Monday, 3rd September:

2 p.m. - Dinner and Entertainment for Aged Gasparillo District.
7.30-8.30 p.m. - Cultural Show to be followed by Variety Entertainment-Princes Town Area.
8 p.m. - Variety Show-New Grant District.

TOBAGO

Thursday, 30th August:

2 p.m. - Rally of School Children-Shaw Park.
3 p.m. - Rally of School Children - Scarborough and Roxborough.
7.30 p.m. - Variety Show-Plymouth Area.

Friday, 31st August:

8 a.m. - Planting of Tree-Lambeau.
1 p.m. - (i) Open Sports-Shirvan Park. (ii) Inter-School Sports - Moriah District (Mason Hall Recreation Ground). Variety Entertainment-Charlotteville (Recreation Ground) and Speyside Area.
2 p.m. - Dinner for the Poor and Aged - Parlatuvier and Bloody Bay District.
2.45 p.m. - Planting of Independence Tree followed by Variety Entertainment - Parlatuvier and Bloody Bay District.
3 p.m. - Variety Entertainment in Villages - Roxborough Area.
5 p.m. - Pageant-Shaw Park.
8 p.m. - Bonfires in Villages-Plymouth Area.

Saturday, 1st September:

Visit of Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal to Tobago.
9 a.m. - Regatta-Roxborough.
10.20 a.m. - Official Welcome to Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal-Crown Point Airport.
11 a.m. - Rally of Youth Groups at which Her Royal Highness will be present-Shaw Park.
Sports Meeting (Adults & Children) - Roxborough.
2 p.m. - Arts and Crafts, Agricultural and Industrial Exhibition-Scarborough (Central School). Dinner for the Poor and Aged-Speyside.
3 p.m. - Dinner for the Poor and Aged-Charlotteville.
4.30 p.m. - Planting of two Trees on the Children's Playground to mark Independence-Charlotteville.
5.30 p.m. - Reception at Governor-General's House, Tobago.
8 p.m. - Variety Show-Plymouth Area (Les Coteaux and Charlotteville).
8.30 p.m. - Variety Show-Canaan District (Montgomery Government School).
9 p.m. - Fireworks Display-Scarborough (Straw Park).

Sunday, 2nd September:

DEPARTURE OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCESS ROYAL FROM TOBAGO
National Day of Prayer-All Churches
10 a.m. - Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal attends Divine Service at St. Andrew's Church, Scarborough. Parade of Youth Groups-Charlotteville, Speyside.
1.30 p.m. - Sports-Scarborough (Patience Hill)
2 p.m. - Dinner for the Aged-Scarborough, Patience Hill, Mt. St. George, Moriah District, and Mason Hall.
3 p.m. - Concert-Canaan District (Bon Accord Recreation Ground and Montgomery Government School Ground).
5.30 p.m. - Her Royal Highness the Princes Royal emplanes for Piarco Airport.
9 p.m. - Fireworks Display-Roxborough.

Monday, 3rd September:

8.30 a.m. - Variety Entertainment and Dinner for Aged (All Day) -Scarborough (Duncan's Park, John Dial).
11 a.m. - School Treat - Parlatuvier and Bloody Bay District.
1 p.m. - Athletic Sports - Plymouth, Les Coteaux, Parlatuvier, Bloody Bay, and L'Anse Fourmi. Regatta and Variety Entertainment-Scarborough (Studley Park and Mt. St. George).
2 p.m. - Sports-Lambeau.
5 p.m. - Breaking of the Sod Ceremony of the New Modern Secondary School at Roxborough.
6 p.m. - Portrayal of Tobago Wedding (Old) - Moriab District (Castara).
8 p.m. - Variety Concert-Scarborough, Patience Hill, Roxborough, Plymouth, Black Rock.
9 p.m. - Fireworks Display-Plymouth.

PRIME MINISTER'S ADDRESS INDEPENDENCE YOUTH RALLY, 1962: THE QUEEN'S PARK OVAL

30TH AUGUST, 1962

Your Royal Highness, Your Excellency,
The Rt. Hon. Minister of Education:

Tomorrow Independence Day, you will be the children of the citizens of the Independent State of Trinidad and Tobago and in a few years after that you will be called upon by the law of the land to share in the privileges and responsibilities, the rights and duties of citizens. Tomorrow I shall have an equally great honour and responsibility that of being the first Prime Minister of an Independent nation.

I am very happy indeed, therefore, to take part today in this memorable Rally and to send through you, the boys and girls here today at the Queen's Park Oval, to all the young people of Trinidad and Tobago. Our new nation must maintain and develop its political system and its democratic machinery. It must provide the cabinet ministers, the members of parliament, the civil servants, the doctors, the lawyers, the engineers, the ambassadors, the nurses, the teachers, the skilled workers and the writers and artistes, which every independent nation has and provides for itself. It must organise and plan our economy to increase the national wealth and improve our living standards.

We who are doing all this today, as well as, we will have to give way in the years to come to you young people who will come forward to take our place. The nation is on the march. There is no turning back. The road from now on leads forward and only forward. Your responsibility, therefore, is a very heavy one. If you shirk it you betray the nation. If you fail in that responsibility, you jeopardize our nation. I have given to the nation as its watch words DISCIPLINE, PRODUCTION, TOLERANCE, they apply as much as to you the young people as to your parents. The discipline is both individual and national. The individual cannot be allowed to seek his personal interests and gratify his personal ambitions at the expense of a nation. We must produce in order to enjoy. Wealth does not drop from the sky for any individual or any nation. Reduce production, skylark on the job, take twice as long to do a job and make it cost twice as much, do any of these things and in effect you reduce the total amount available to be shared among the total number of people. You don't pull your weight and you fatten at the expense of others.

Your Rally here today is a good demonstration of our mixed society, some of you have ancestors who came from one country, some from another, others from a third. Some of you profess one religion, some another, others a third or fourth. You in your schools have, like the nation in general only two alternatives - you learn to live together in peace or you fight it out and destroy one another. The second alternative makes no sense and is sheer barbarism. The first alternative is civilised and is simple common sense. You the children, yours is the great responsibility to educate your parents, teach them to live together in harmony, the difference being not race or colour of skin, but merit only, differences of wealth and family status being rejected in favour of equality of opportunity. I call upon all of you young people to practice what you sing today and tomorrow; to translate the ideal of our National Anthem into a code of everyday behaviour, and to make our Nation one in which 'ev'ry creed and race find an equal place'.

I give to you the young people, one additional principle on which to base your lives for the salvation of our Nation. This principle is honesty. In your future career, you will at some time or other have responsibility for money that is not yours, whether your employer is the Government of the country or a private firm. Every country makes special provision for the control of public expenditure and for the protection of the property of its citizens. In the final analysis, however, the control is exercised not by the Government or by the police but by the citizens themselves. Make honesty the guiding principle of your lives from this day forward. Let your ambition be the development of a Nation, which, whatever its limitations, is distinguished in the eyes of the world by the honesty and integrity of its citizens.

And so I say to you young people: forward to Independence. Do not allow anyone to disrespect our National Flag. Do not allow anyone to destroy one single National Bird. Do not allow anyone to desecrate our National Anthem. They are your Flag, your Bird, your Anthem. It is your Nation even more than it is the Nation of your parents. You are the future; we are at best the present, at worst the past. To your tender and loving hands the future of the Nation is entrusted. In your innocent hearts the pride of the Nation is enshrined. On your scholastic development the salvation of the Nation is dependent.

At the birth of our Nation, four of its leading personalities, four people with the heaviest responsibility for its guidance in the Cabinet, Parliament and the Judiciary are scholarship winners, educated abroad at the expense of your parents -the taxpayers: the Prime Minister, the Chief Justice, the Deputy Prime Minister and Leader of the House of Representatives and the Leader of the Opposition. And I hope soon to announce that yet a fifth scholarship winner has been selected to represent our nation in one of the highest positions in the Diplomatic Service.

When you return to your classes after Independence, remember therefore, each and everyone of you, that YOU CARRY THE FUTURE OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO IN YOUR SCHOOL BAGS. Good luck to you all, to your parents and your teachers and to Trinidad and Tobago.

INDEPENDENCE DAY ADDRESS, 1962

Dr. Eric Williams delivered the following speech to the nation over the radio on August 31, 1962, the first day of Trinidad and Tobago's independence from Great Britain.

Fellow Citizens,

It is a great honour to me to address this morning the citizens of the Independent Nation of Trinidad and Tobago as their first Prime Minister. Your National Flag has been hoisted to the strains of your National Anthem, against the background of your National Coat of Arms, and amidst the beauty of your National Flower.

Your Parliament has been inaugurated by Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal, the representative of Her Majesty the Queen. You have your own Governor General and your own Chief Justice, both appointed on the advice of your own Prime Minister. You have your own National Guard, however small.

You are now a member of the Commonwealth Family in your own right, equal in status to any other of its members. You hope soon to be a member of the World Family of Nations, playing your part, however insignificant, in world affairs. You are on your own in a big world, in which you are one of many nations, some small, some medium size, some large. You are nobody's boss and nobody is your boss.

What use will you make of your independence? What will you transmit to your children five years from today? Other countries ceased to exist in that period. Some, in much less time, have become totally disorganised, a prey to anarchy and civil war.

The first responsibility that devolves upon you is the protection and promotion of your democracy. Democracy means more, much more, than the right to vote and one vote for every man and every woman of the prescribed age. Democracy means recognition of the rights of others.

Democracy means equality of opportunity for all in education, in the public service, and in private employment--I repeat, and in private employment. Democracy means the protection of the weak against the strong. Democracy means the obligation of the minority to recognise the right of the majority. Democracy means responsibility of the Government to its citizens, the protection of the citizens from the exercise of arbitrary power and the violation of human freedoms and individual rights. Democracy means freedom of worship for all and the subordination of the right of any race to the overriding right of the human race. Democracy means freedom of expression and assemble of organization.

All that is Democracy. All that is our Democracy, to which I call upon all citizens to dedicate themselves on this our Independence Day. This is what I meant when I gave the Nation its slogan for all time: Discipline, Production, Tolerance. Indiscipline, whether individual or sectional, is a threat to democracy. Slacking on the job jeopardizes the national income, inflates costs, and merely sets a bad example. The medieval churchmen had a saying that to work is to pray. It is also to strengthen our democracy by improving our economic foundations.

That democracy is but a hollow mockery and a gigantic fraud which is based on a ruling group's domination [of] slaves or helots or fellaheen or second class citizens or showing intolerance to others because of considerations of race, colour, creed, national origin, previous conditions of servitude or other irrationality.

Our National Flag belongs to all our citizens. Our National Coat of Arms, with our National Birds inscribed therein, is the sacred thrust of our citizens. So it is today, please, I urge you, let it always be so. Let us always be able to say, with the Psalmist, behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.

United at home in the common effort to build a democratic Nation and ostracize outmoded privileges, let us present to the outside world the united front of a Nation thinking for itself, knowing its own mind and speaking its own point of view.

Let us take our stand in the international family on the basic principles of international rectitude. When our time comes to vote, let it always be a vote for freedom and against slavery, for self-determination and against external control, for integration and against division.

Democracy at home and abroad, the symbol of it is our Parliament. Remember fellow citizens, we now have a Parliament, we no longer have the colonial assemblies which did not have the full rights of a Parliament of a sovereign country. The very name "Parliament" testifies to our new Independent status. By the same token, however, we at once become the object of comparison with other Parliamentary countries, inside and outside the Commonwealth.

This is a consideration which involves not only the Members of Parliament but also the individual citizen. The Members of Parliament have the traditional Parliamentary privileges guaranteed in the Constitution. The Speaker, the symbol of the power of Parliament, has his status guaranteed in the Order of Precedence. We shall soon have a Privileges Bill protecting and prescribing the powers of Parliament itself. Measures are being taken to establish the responsibility of Parliament in the field of external relations.

The Constitution recognises the position of the Leader of the Opposition and the normal parliamentary convention of consultation between Government and Opposition are being steadily developed and expanded. The Constitution itself, Independence itself, represent the agreement of the two political parties on the fundamental question of national unity. The ordinary citizen must recognise the role of the Parliament in our democracy and must learn to differentiate between a Member of Parliament, whom he may like or dislike, and the respect that must be accorded to that same Member of Parliament ex-officio.

I call on all citizens from now on to accord the highest respect our Parliamentary system and institutions and to our Parliament itself.

Democracy, finally, rests on a higher power than Parliament. It rests on an informed and cultivated and alert public opinion. The Members of Parliament are only representatives of the citizens. They cannot represent apathy and indifference. They can play the part allotted to them only if they represent intelligence and public spiritness.

Nothing has so demonstrated in the past six years the capacity of the People of Trinidad and Tobago than their remarkable interest in the public affairs. The development and expansion of that interest is the joint responsibility of the Government, the Parliament, the political parties and relevant civic organisations.

Those, fellow citizens, are the thoughts which, on my first day as Prime Minister, I wish to express to you on Independence Day. Your success in organising the Independence which you achieved will exercise a powerful influence on your neighbours with all of whom we are likely to have close associations in the next few years, the smallest and nearest, as part of our Independent Unitary State, the larger and more distant as part of the wider and integrated Caribbean community. Problems of difficulties there will be. These are always a challenge to a superior intelligence and to strength of character.

Whatever the challenge that faces you, from whatever quarter, place always first that national interest and the national cause. The strength of the Nation depends on the strength of its citizens. Our National Anthem invokes God's blessings on our Nation, in response to those thousands of citizens of all faiths who demanded God's protection in our Constitution. Let us then as a Nation so conduct ourselves as to be able always to say in those noblest and most inspiring words of St. Paul, "By the Grace of God we as people are what we are, and His Grace in us hath not been void."