PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) — Trinidad and Tobago is observing the 49th anniversary of its transition to a republic.

President Christine Kangaloo noted that there were persons who had questioned whether the country was ready for that stage of its political development.

“At the time, there were those who questioned whether we were prepared for such a responsibility. And even today, when we experience moments that test our resolve—and those moments seem never in short supply—there are still those who question the wisdom of having taken that step. But I firmly believe that history has shown and will continue to demonstrate that we were right to take such a massive leap of faith,” Kangaloo said in a message marking the occasion.

The head of state said when Trinidad and Tobago achieved republican status in 1976, it was a declaration to the world the country was ready to shed the last vestiges of colonial rule, “and assume full ownership of our destiny”.

She said it was also a natural and necessary progression from the country’s political independence from Britain in 1962, and a step forward in “our ongoing journey of self-determination”.

“Becoming a republic meant replacing the British monarch and her representative with a head of state chosen from among our own citizens. But more than that, it was a reaffirmation of our confidence in ourselves, our institutions and our people. It was a reminder that we indeed possessed the mettle and the moxie to truly and fully go it alone,” Kangaloo said.

In her message, Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar, while recounting the country’s accomplishments, said she is looking forward to making more progress for future generations.

“The independence of our state institutions must be renewed to drive fairness, accountability and progress so future generations can inherit a republic defined by freedom and equal opportunity for all citizens,” she said.

“Republicanism is a form of government that is more than just a democracy. A constitutional republic, in addition to honouring democratic principles, institutes checks and balances on the government, to limit power and protect the constitutional rights of individuals and minorities.”

In a statement posted on its website, the main opposition People’s National Movement (PNM) said the country is “proudly” celebrating the 49th anniversary of Trinidad and Tobago becoming a republic.

“On September 24th, 1976, our nation took a bold step forward, embracing self-governance and affirming the values of democracy, unity and national pride. As we raise our flag high, let us remember the sacrifices of the past, honour the achievements of the present and remain committed to building a brighter tomorrow,” it added.

Meanwhile, the former head of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA), Hochoy Charles, is among 30 people to be honoured by the country this year.

Charles, who died last January, will be posthumously awarded the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (ORTT)

Unlike the cancellation of national activities, including the traditional military parade, marking the country’s 63rd anniversary of political independence on August 31, this year, due to the existing state of emergency, President Kangaloo will host the national awards ceremony at the Winifred Atwell Auditorium, Queen’s Hall, on the outskirts of the capital on Wednesday evening.