Changes When Trinidad Became Independent

Government

• British monarchy, Governor-General, PM replaced by locally elected President and appointed PM.
• Became parliamentary republic with elected Parliament overseeing executive.

Economic & Social Reforms

• Economic diversification (CARIFTA, CARICOM).
• Industrial and oil sector expansion.
• Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) established.
• Investment in education, health, social programs.

Political & Cultural

• New flag, coat of arms.
• Nationalization of some industries.
• National airline created (later Caribbean Airlines).
• Preservation of local customs against globalization.

Foreign Policy

• Non-Aligned Movement alignment.
• UN membership.
• Diplomatic relations globally, especially Caribbean, Latin America, Africa, Europe.
• Advocacy for Caribbean regionalism.