The 'Aftermath' of Independence!

 http://www2.nalis.gov.tt/Research/SubjectGuide/IndependenceDay/tabid/183/Default.aspx?PageContentID=188

WHAT CHANGED
Prior to independence, Trinidad and Tobago was a British colony with the Queen of England as the Head of State. Independence 1962 marked the birth of the nation of Trinidad and Tobago. This event was the final stage in a long road to self-government which progressed through the following stages:

• An early photo of the parliament chamber.
• Early Photograph of the Parliament Chamber
• A colony fully administered by a governor appointed by the colonial monarch (e.g. Spanish or British King or Queen)
• A colony managed by an Executive Council where some members of this council were selected by the Governor from an elected Legislative Council.
• A colony with some internal self-government where political parties competed in an electoral process and a Chief Minister was selected from the party with the winning majority. The Governor then acted on the advice of the Executive Council.
• A self-governing colony with elected officials including a Premier, members of Cabinet and members of the Opposition. The Governor's executive powers were now limited.

Upon Independence on August 31st 1962, the Governor, Sir Solomon Hochoy, was installed as the first Governor-General and the Premier, Dr. Eric Williams, automatically became the Prime Minister. The British Monarch remained as Head of State and the Privy Council, the highest court of appeal. Some of the other changes included:

• National Emblems
  • National Flag
  • National Anthem
  • Coat of Arms
  • National Birds
  • National Flower
• The Constitution
• The Defence Force
  • Regiment
  • Coast Guard

Sources:

• Anthony, Michael. First in Trinidad. Port of Spain, Trinidad: Paria Publishing, 2004.
• Pollard, Gloria, and Elton Nelson. My land: A Social Studies Review for Primary and Secondary School Students and Teachers. Port of Spain, Trinidad: Charran Educational Publishers, 1982.