How did Trinidad and tobago became a republic?

Trinidad and Tobago was granted its Independence on 31st August 1962 by Queen Elizabeth II under the Independence Act 1962 (U.K.). The Independence Act repealed the Trinidad and Tobago

(Constitution) Order in Council 1959, and the provisions of the Constitution of 1959, subject to the amendments set out in the Schedule.

Trinidad and Tobago became a Republic

The Trinidad and Tobago Constitution (Amendment) Act, 1976, enacted under the People’s National Movement (PNM) Government of the day led by Prime Minister Dr. Eric Eustace Williams as its architect, repealed the Independence Act 1962 except as it relates to sections two and three of that Act.

With effect from 1st August 1976, Trinidad and Tobago became a Republic within the Commonwealth, replacing Queen Elizabeth II as the Head of State with a locally appointed President.

Sir Ellis Emmanuel Innocent Clarke, previously the Governor General, was appointed the country’s first President on 1st August 1976. In addition, the office of the Prime Minister remained as Head of Government.