Trinidad and Tobago achieved full independence via the Trinidad and Tobago Independence Act 1962 on August 31, 1962 within the Commonwealth with Queen Elizabeth II as its titular head of state. read more
• In 1814, the British crown gained possession of Tobago, which it maintained for a century and a half. The British first ruled Tobago as a separate colony, but during much of the 19th century administered the island from the Windward Islands government. read more
Trinidad and Tobago achieved full independence via the Trinidad and Tobago Independence Act 1962 on August 31, 1962 within the Commonwealth with Queen Elizabeth II as its titular head of state. On 1 August 1976, the country became a republic, and the last Governor-General, Sir Ellis Clarke, became the first President. read more
In 1962 the PNM government of Trinidad and Tobago, in particular the Primeminister Dr. Eric Williams, told the British government that T&T wanted independence from the UK. read more
• In the national elections of 1961, the PNM won 20 of 30 seats. • Following its withdrawal from the now defunct federation, Trinidad and Tobago moved full steam ahead to achieve the country's independence from Britain and on August 31, 1962, the twin-island country became an independent nation. read more