Trinidad and Tobago is an island country located on the shores of the Caribbean Sea, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Gulf of Paria. The population of this country is approx 15,08,000 with 5,131 square kilometers area.
Trinidad and Tobago's ethnic diversity reflects a history of slavery, occupation, and migration. People of Indian descent are the largest ethnic group in the country, at around 35%; and Africans are the second largest ethnic group, at around 34% of the population. The rest of the population is of mixed descent, accounting for around 31% of the population.
The official language is English. Other languages are also spoken. Trinidad and Tobago's own versions of Hindustani, Bhojpuri, Hindi, Gaon ke Bolee, etc. are spoken. From 1935, Trinidad and Tobago audiences were introduced to Indian cinema. Although they were accustomed to using English, they have gradually become accustomed to a language called 'Hinglish', a combination of English and Hindi. Tamil is also spoken by people of Tamil descent. Spanish and Chinese are also present.
About 65% of the population follow Christianity. Major Christian denominations include Roman Catholics, Pentecostals, Anglicans, Baptists, Seventh-day Adventists, Presbyterians, Methodists, Jehovah's Witnesses and Moravians. Hinduism, followed by about 22%, is the second largest religion. Islam is practiced by 6% of the population. Other religions include Rastafari, Spiritual Baptist, and Trinidad Orisha faiths, as well as Bahai, Buddhism, Sikhism, and Judaism.
Now let’s discuss the constitution. The whole constitution is super boring. There is nothing special, nothing admirable in the whole constitution. You know the constitutions of all Caribbean countries are copy paste of one another. Even here, the political system was the same too like others. After gaining independence from the British in 1962, the Queen of Britain was their ceremonial head for the next 14 years. It is commendable that in 1976 they introduced a parliamentary system headed by a president.
Facts of Trinidad and Tobago's Constitution
Preamble (Part of it)
Whereas the People of Trinidad and Tobago—
● have affirmed that the Nation of Trinidad and Tobago is founded upon principles that acknowledge the supremacy of God, faith in fundamental human rights and freedoms, the position of the family in a society of free men and free institutions, the dignity of the human person and the equal and inalienable rights with which all members of the human family are endowed by their Creator;
Now, therefore, the following provisions shall have effect as the Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago:
CHAPTER 11A. THE TOBAGO HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY
141A. Tobago House of Assembly
● There shall be an Assembly for Tobago to be called “the Tobago House of Assembly”, in this Chapter referred to as “the Assembly”.
● The Assembly shall consist of a Presiding Officer and such other members qualified and appointed in such manner and holding office upon such terms and conditions as may be prescribed.
141B. Powers of the Assembly
Subject to this Constitution, the Assembly shall have such powers and functions in relation to Tobago as may be prescribed.
141C. Executive Council
● There shall be an Executive Council of the Assembly consisting of a Chief Secretary and such number of Secretaries as may be prescribed, to be appointed in such manner as may be prescribed.
● The functions of the Chief Secretary and other Secretaries shall be prescribed.
141D. Fund
There is established a fund to be called “the Tobago House of Assembly Fund” which shall consist of—
● such monies as may be appropriated by Parliament for the use of the Assembly; and
● such other monies as the Assembly may lawfully collect.
