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Trinidad and Tobago: Government

Key Figures

Chief of State:
President Christine Kangaloo
Head of Government:
Prime Minister Keith Rowley

Overview

Government Name:
Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
Constitution:
Adopted: 1976; Provided for a president to be elected to serve as head of state and commander in chief. Prime minister has the task of running the government. Citizens' rights and government responsibilities are also explained in their respective articles.
Government Type:
Parliamentary Democracy
Republic of Trinidad and Tobago Flag
Coat of Arms of Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

Index of Economic Freedom

Grades each country on a scale of 0 to 100, based on ten freedoms, with 100 representing the greatest amount of economic autonomy from government intervention. Source: Heritage Foundation (2023)

Country Risk Rating

B
Political and economic uncertainties and an occasionally difficult business environment can affect corporate payment behavior. Corporate default probability is appreciable. Source: Coface (2022)

Government Branches

Main Powers Election Process Election Cycle 1
Executive

Control of the government rests in the cabinet lead by the prime minister and answerable to the bicameral parliament.

President is indirectly elected by an electoral college and the prime minister is appointed by the president.

5 years
Judicial

Given final appeal on legal matters.

The Chief Justice of the Court of Appeal in the judicial branch is appointed by the president after consultation with prime minister

Mandatory retirement age of 65
Legislative

Responsible for drafting and amending proposed federal legislation.

Senate has 16 members appointed by the ruling party, 6 members appointed by the opposition and 9 members appointed by the president, and the House of Representatives are elected by plurality vote in single-member constituencies.

5 years

Regional Trade Blocs
CARICOM

International Organization Participation [2]

Environmental Agreements [3]

Tax Information [2]

Tax Authority:
Board of Inland Revenue Value Added Tax Administration Centre
Tax Name:
VAT

Sources:

  1. ElectionGuide http://www.electionguide.org/
  2. EY, http://www.ey.com
  3. CIA World Factbook, https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/
  4. U.S. Bilateral Relations Fact Sheets http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/