Central Government

THE PRESIDENT
The Trinidad and Tobago Republican Constitution provides for a President who is the Head of State and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces. He is also the repository of all Executive Authority. His powers are exercisable within certain constitutional limits and most of his/her constitutional acts must be performed in accordance with the advice of or after consultation with another authority, usually the Cabinet, the Prime Minister or the Leader of the Opposition. Although the President does not sit in parliament, he is responsible for the summoning, prorogation and dissolution of Parliament and also gives his assent to Bills.

A person is qualified to be nominated for election as President if:

  1. He is a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago
  2. He is of the age of thirty-five years or upwards and
  3. At the date of his nomination as President, has been ordinarily resident in Trinidad and Tobago for ten years immediately preceding his/her nomination

The Constitution provides for an Electoral College consisting of all the members of the Senate and all the members of the House of Representatives assembled together and convened and presided over by the Speaker of the House. The President is elected by the Electoral College voting by secret ballot. Ten Senators, the Speaker and twelve other members of the House of Representatives constitute a quorum of the Electoral College. The President so elected shall normally hold office for a term of five years.

All Bills passed in both Houses of Parliament must be assented to by the President before they become law. The President also appoints members of Commissions and other senior officials. He is also responsible for appointing Senators - sixteen on the advice of the Prime Minister, six on the advice of the Opposition Leader and nine on his own discretion.

The current President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is Her Excellency, Christine Carla Kangaloo, O.R.T.T.

Sources: 

"The President." The Office of the President Republic of Trinidad and Tobago,https://otp.tt/the-president/thepresident/#:~:text=Trinidad%20and%20Tobago-The%20President,was%20appointed%20an%20Opposition%20Senator .Accessed 20 Nov. 2025.

"The President of the Republic." Parliament of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago,https://www.ttparliament.org/members/the-president-of-the-republic-of-trinidad-and-tobago/#:~:text=Her%20Excellency%20Christine%20Carla%20Kangaloo,the%20House%20of%20Representatives%2C%20Ms .Accessed 20 Nov. 2025.

For biographies of Presidents click here.

THE EXECUTIVE: THE CABINET
The Constitution provides for a Cabinet under the general direction and control of the Government, collectively responsible to Parliament. The Cabinet is responsible for the administration of Government and establishment of its policy.

The Cabinet is headed by the Prime Minister and such numbers of other Ministers as he may decide to have, including the Attorney General. They are chosen from among the members of the House of Representatives and the Senators appointed by the President acting in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister and his Ministers retain office after the dissolution of Parliament until a new Prime Minister is appointed or the old one reappointed. They may vacate office by replacement or resignation or by ceasing to be a member of the House to which they belong.

Sources:

“About: Glossary.” Parliament of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, https://www.ttparliament.org/about/glossary/?dir=1&name_directory_startswith=C. Accessed 20 Nov. 2025.

“The Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago Act: Act 4 of 1976.” Office of the Ombudsman Trinidad and Tobago, https://ombudsman.gov.tt/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Constitution-Chap.-1.01-.pdf. Accessed 20 Nov. 2025.

Foundations of Government. Ministry of Public Administration and Information, 1997.

THE PRIME MINISTER
Where there is occasion for the appointment of a Prime Minister such as after a General Election, the President must appoint as Prime Minister a member of the House of Representatives who is the leader in the House of the party which commands the support of the majority of members of that House. Under the party system which operates in Trinidad and Tobago that person is usually the party's leader. Where no majority Party emerges or where the party has no undisputed leader, the President appoints as Prime Minister the person, who, in his view, is most likely to command majority support in the House of Representatives. In this case the President uses his discretion. The person appointed must be willing to accept the Office of Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister's position of authority derives from the majority support in the House of Representatives and from the power to appoint and dismiss ministers. The Prime Minister presides over the Cabinet and is responsible for the allocation of functions among ministers.

Apart from being the leader of the Cabinet which has effective control of the nation's affairs, the Prime Minister shall keep the President fully informed concerning the general conduct of the government and shall furnish the President with such information as he may request with respect to any particular matter relating to the government.

The current Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago is the Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar, S.C., M.P.

Sources:

"The Prime Minister." Parliament of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, 2005, https://www.ttparliament.org/members/the-prime-minister/. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.

Trinidad and Tobago Gazette, vol. 64, no. 71, 2025, pp. 1487-1519, https://printery.gov.tt/e-gazette/2025/Gazette/Gazette_No._71_of_2025.pdf. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.

THE SENATE
The Senate, also called the Upper House, consists of thirty-one (31) Senators appointed by the President as follows:

  1. Sixteen acting in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister.
  2. Six acting in accordance with the advice of the Leader of the Opposition, and
  3. Nine at his discretion from outstanding persons from economic or social or community organisations and other major fields of endeavour.

The President and Vice President of the Senate are elected from among the Members of the Senate in accordance with the provision of Chapter 4, Sections 39-45 of the Constitution of Trinidad and Tobago.

The Constitution provides that when the Senate first meets after a general election and before it proceeds to the dispatch of any other business, it shall elect a Senator to be President of the Senate. A Senator who is a Minister or Parliamentary Secretary shall not be elected to be the President of the Senate.

The President of the Senate presides over the sittings of the Senate and acts as Chairman of Committees of the whole Senate. He interprets the Standing Orders and has the power to regulate the conduct of business in all matters not provided for in the Standing Orders. The President of the Senate also acts temporarily as President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago where the office is vacant or when the President is incapable of performing his functions of President by reason of his absence from Trinidad and Tobago or by reason of illness.

The current Members of the Senate can be found on the Parliament website. The current President of the Senate is Senator the Honourable Wade Mark.

Sources:

“The Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago Act: Act 4 of 1976.” Office of the Ombudsman Trinidad and Tobago, https://ombudsman.gov.tt/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Constitution-Chap.-1.01-.pdf. Accessed 20 Nov. 2025.

Foundations of Government. Ministry of Public Administration and Information, 1997.

“The President of the Senate.” Parliament of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, https://www.ttparliament.org/senate/the-president-of-the-senate/. Accessed 20 Nov. 2025.

“Workings of the Senate.” Parliament of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, https://www.ttparliament.org/senate/workings-of-the-senate/. Accessed 20 Nov. 2025.

The House of Representatives

The House of Representatives consists of forty-one (41) members elected by the people at general elections. In 1960, the House of Representatives was introduced with 30 elected members. In 1961, the number was increased to 36 and then to 41 in 2005. The 41 members of the House of Representatives sit under a permanent chairperson, who is known as 'the Speaker'. To be elected to the House of Representatives, a person must be a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago and has resided in Trinidad and Tobago for a period of two years immediately before the date of his nomination for election, or is domiciled and resident in Trinidad and Tobago at that date.

The current Members of the House of Representatives can be found on the Parliament website.

Sources:

“The Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago Act: Act 4 of 1976.” Office of the Ombudsman Trinidad and Tobago, https://ombudsman.gov.tt/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Constitution-Chap.-1.01-.pdf. Accessed 20 Nov. 2025.

Foundations of Government. Ministry of Public Administration and Information, 1997.

Kissoon, Carolyn. “PNM Gears for 41 Seats: New Look by November Convention.” Daily Express, 27 June 2005, p. 5.

“Workings of the House.” Parliament of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, https://www.ttparliament.org/house/workings-of-the-house/. Accessed 21 Nov. 2025.

THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
In Trinidad and Tobago, the Speaker, or in his absence the Deputy Speaker presides over each sitting of the House of Representatives, acts as Chairman of Committees of the House and enforces the observance of all rules for preserving order in its proceedings. As a result, he maintains order, enforces the rules as is necessary, interprets Standing Orders and practices of the House, deals with points of order and gives rulings when called upon to do so. He cannot participate in the debates.

The chief characteristics of the speaker are authority and impartiality. He is considered the Guardian of the privileges of the members of the House of Representatives. According to the Constitution, following a general election, the election of a Speaker of the House must be the first order of business when the House of Representatives meets. He is chosen from members of the House who are not Ministers or Parliamentary Secretaries. Alternatively, if he is not a member of either the House of Representatives or the Senate, is a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago, and not disqualified for election as a member of the House of Representatives, he is an eligible choice.

The current Speaker of the House of Representatives is the Honourable Jagdeo Singh, M.P. The Deputy Speaker is Dr. Aiyna Ali, M.P.

Sources:

“Dr. Aiyna Ali.” Parliament Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, 2025,

https://www.ttparliament.org/members/member/aiyna-ali/. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.

Foundations of Government. Ministry of Public Administration and Information, 1997.

“The Speaker of the House.” Parliament Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, 2025, https://www.ttparliament.org/house/the-speaker-of-the-house/. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.

“Speakers of the House (1951-Present).” Parliament Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, 2025, https://www.ttparliament.org/house/the-speaker-of-the-house/speakers-of-the-house-1951-present/. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.

PARLIAMENT
The Parliament of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago consists of the President, the Senate and the House of Representatives. Parliament makes laws for the peace, order and good governance of Trinidad and Tobago through Bills passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate, that are assented to by the President.

For more information about the Parliament of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago visit the Parliament website.

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL

The Constitution provides for the office of the Attorney General, responsible for the administration of legal affairs in Trinidad and Tobago. Legal proceedings for and against the State are taken:

  1. In the case of civil proceedings, in the name of the Attorney General;
  2. In the case of criminal proceedings, in the name of the State.

The Attorney General is the principal legal advisor to the Government.

Apart from the Prime Minister, the Attorney General is the only member of the Cabinet specifically mentioned in the Constitution relating to the Executive. This may be because the Attorney General is responsible for the administration of legal affairs in Trinidad and Tobago and legal proceedings for and against the State.

The current Attorney General is Mr. John Jeremie, S.C.

Sources:

“The Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago Act: Act 4 of 1976.” Office of the Ombudsman Trinidad and Tobago, https://ombudsman.gov.tt/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Constitution-Chap.-1.01-.pdf. Accessed 20 Nov. 2025.

Foundations of Government. Ministry of Public Administration and Information, 1997.

Trinidad and Tobago Gazette, vol. 64, no. 71, 2025, pp. 1487-1519, https://printery.gov.tt/e-gazette/2025/Gazette/Gazette_No._71_of_2025.pdf . Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.

THE JUDICIARY
The Chief Justice is the Head of the Judiciary of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, the third traditional branch of Government, which comprises of the Supreme Court of Judicature and the Magistracy. The Judiciary is responsible for administering justice in Trinidad and Tobago. The Chief Justice is President of the Court of Appeal and is the Chairman of the Judicial and Legal Service Commission. He is also ex officio, a judge of the High Court and can therefore sit in that Court. The Constitution provides for the Chief Justice to be appointed by the President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago after consultation with the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition. The President also appoints other judges, however, on the advice of the Judicial and Legal Service Commission.

The Supreme Court consists of the High Court of Justice and the Court of Appeal, the powers of which are conferred upon them by the Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago Act (Ch. 1:01) or any other law.

The Magistracy, headed by a Chief Magistrate, consists of the Courts of Summary Criminal Jurisdiction and the Petty Civil Courts. These Courts are established under the laws of Trinidad and Tobago, namely, the Summary Courts Act (Ch. 4:20) and the Petty Civil Courts Act (Ch. 4:21), respectively.

The current Chief Justice is the Honourable Mr. Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh.

Sources: 

“The Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago Act: Act 4 of 1976.” Office of the Ombudsman Trinidad and Tobago, https://ombudsman.gov.tt/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Constitution-Chap.-1.01-.pdf. Accessed 20 Nov. 2025.

Foundations of Government. Ministry of Public Administration and Information, 1997.

Maynard, Fitz G., and Olga Comma Maynard. The New Road: A Social Studies Source Book. Edward Arnold, 1980.

“Media Release-The Hon. the Chief Justice Mr. Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh, Ninth Chief Justice of the Republic of T&T.” Judiciary Trinidad and Tobago, 22 Oct. 2025, https://www.ttlawcourts.org/index.php/newsroom-69/news/14652-media-release-the-hon-the-chief-justice-mr-justice-ronnie-boodoosingh-ninth-chief-justice-of-the-republic-of-t-t. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.

“Overview.” Judiciary Trinidad and Tobago, https://www.ttlawcourts.org/index.php/about-the-judiciary-1/overview-53%20. Accessed 20 Nov. 2025.

THE HIGH COURT
The High Court is a superior court of record and unless as otherwise provided by Parliament shall have all the powers of such a court including all power as is vested in the Supreme Court of Trinidad and Tobago immediately before the commencement of the Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, 1976.

There is vested in the High Court all such original jurisdiction as is vested in and exercisable by the High Court of Justice in England under the provisions of the Supreme Court of Judicature (Consolidation) Act 1925 (U.K.).

The judges of the High Court are the Chief Justice, the ex officio a Judge of the High Court, and as many Puisne Judges as prescribed. The Puisne Judges have in all respects equal power, authority and jurisdiction.

There is also an Industrial Court and a Tax Appeal Board which are both superior courts of record. Appeals from the Court and the Board lie with the Court of Appeal.

There are no Administrative Courts in Trinidad and Tobago, but there is a provision for an ombudsman under section 91 of the Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago Act, 1976.

Sources:

“The Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago Act: Act 4 of 1976.” Office of the Ombudsman Trinidad and Tobago, https://ombudsman.gov.tt/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Constitution-Chap.-1.01-.pdf. Accessed 20 Nov. 2025.

Foundations of Government. Ministry of Public Administration and Information, 1997.

THE COURT OF APPEAL

The Court of Appeal has appellate jurisdiction over both the Magistracy and the High Court, inclusive of the Magisterial and High Court Sections of the Family Court. This Court comprises the Chief Justice, as President, and allows for a number of Justices of Appeal, as specified in the Supreme Court of Judicature Act. Justices of Appeal take precedence over High Court Judges.

It is a superior court of record and has all the powers of such a court, unless otherwise provided by Parliament. Appeals from the Court of Appeal can be made to the Privy Council under the following conditions: as of right, with the leave of the Court of Appeal, or with the special leave of the Privy Council.

Sources:

“Court of Appeal.” Judiciary of Trinidad and Tobago, https://www.ttlawcourts.org/index.php/supreme-court-27/court-of-appeal. Accessed 1 Dec. 2025.

Foundations of Government. Ministry of Public Administration and Information, 1997.

“Supreme Court of Judicature Act: Act 12 of 1962.” Ministry of the Attorney General and Legal Affairs, https://rgd.legalaffairs.gov.tt/Laws2/Alphabetical_List/lawspdfs/4.01.pdf. Accessed 1 Dec. 2025.