Isabella Carter
The constitution of Trinidad and Tobago was written in 1976 and revised in 2007. It covers a range of topics, including human rights, equality, freedom of speech, and the country's territorial definition. The constitution affirms that Trinidad and Tobago is founded on principles that acknowledge the supremacy of God, human dignity, and fundamental human rights and freedoms. It also outlines the country's commitment to social justice and the belief that the economic system should serve the common good.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year written | 1976 |
| Year revised | 2007 |
| Territory | The islands of Trinidad and Tobago, and any territories that were dependencies of Trinidad and Tobago before 31 August 1962 |
| Equality | Regardless of origin, gender, skin color, religion, or race |
| Human rights | Right to a reasonable standard of living, prohibition of slavery |
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What You'll Learn
The constitution was written in 1976
The constitution of Trinidad and Tobago was written in 1976. This constitution is the supreme law of Trinidad and Tobago, and any other law that is inconsistent with it is void to the extent of the inconsistency. The constitution was later revised in 2007.
The 1976 constitution outlines that Trinidad and Tobago shall comprise the Island of Trinidad, the Island of Tobago, and any territories that were dependencies of Trinidad and Tobago before the 31st day of August 1962. This includes the seabed and subsoil situated beneath the territorial sea and the continental shelf, as defined by the respective Acts of 1969. The constitution also provides for the inclusion of other areas as part of the territory of Trinidad and Tobago through legislative declaration.
One of the key principles of the 1976 constitution is the recognition of fundamental human rights and freedoms. It affirms that Trinidad and Tobago is founded upon principles that acknowledge the supremacy of God, faith in fundamental human rights, the dignity of the human person, and the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family. The constitution guarantees equality for all citizens regardless of race, origin, colour, religion, or sex. It also ensures freedom of speech in the Senate and House of Representatives.
Additionally, the 1976 constitution addresses the economic system and social justice. It states that the economic system should operate for the common good, ensuring adequate means of livelihood for all. It also emphasizes that labour should not be exploited or forced to work under inhumane conditions and promotes opportunities for advancement. The constitution grants the power to make proclamations, orders, rules, or regulations, as well as the power to amend or revoke them.
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It was revised in 2007
The Constitution of Trinidad and Tobago was revised in 2007. The original constitution was written in 1976, and this revision maintains that Trinidad and Tobago shall comprise the Island of Trinidad, the Island of Tobago, and any territories that were dependencies of Trinidad and Tobago before the 31st day of August 1962. This includes the seabed and subsoil situated beneath the territorial sea and the continental shelf, as defined by the Territorial Sea Act of 1969 and the Continental Shelf Act of 1969, respectively.
The 2007 revision affirms the nation's foundation upon principles that acknowledge the supremacy of God, faith in fundamental human rights and freedoms, the position of the family in a society of free people and institutions, human dignity, and the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family. It also emphasises the importance of social justice, believing that the economic system should result in the distribution of material resources for the common good, providing adequate means of livelihood for all, and opposing the exploitation of labour or inhumane working conditions.
In terms of equality, the 2007 revision declares that fundamental human rights and freedoms shall continue to exist without discrimination based on race, origin, colour, religion, or sex. This includes the right to freedom of speech in the Senate and House of Representatives, as well as the right to a reasonable standard of living and the prohibition of slavery.
The revision also addresses the nation's sovereignty, stating that the Constitution is the supreme law of Trinidad and Tobago, and any other law inconsistent with it is void to the extent of that inconsistency. Additionally, it grants the power to amend or revoke any proclamations, orders, rules, regulations, or directions made under the Constitution.
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It guarantees freedom of speech
The Constitution of Trinidad and Tobago was written in 1976 and revised in 2007. This constitution is the supreme law of the nation, and it guarantees freedom of speech in several ways.
Firstly, it recognises access to information and participation within the framework of freedom of expression, assembly, and association. It establishes that there shall be freedom of speech in the Senate and House of Representatives, and it protects members of these Houses from civil or criminal proceedings for words spoken or written in reports to the House. This ensures that members of the Senate and House of Representatives can express themselves freely without fear of legal repercussions.
Secondly, the Constitution recognises freedom of expression as a fundamental human right. It affirms that the nation of Trinidad and Tobago is founded upon principles that acknowledge the supremacy of God, faith in fundamental human rights and freedoms, human dignity, and the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family. It guarantees equality for all, regardless of race, origin, colour, religion, or sex, and recognises the right to freedom of association and assembly. These provisions ensure that all citizens of Trinidad and Tobago have the right to express themselves freely and participate in democratic society.
The Constitution also establishes the Ombudsman, who is tasked with investigating complaints of administrative injustices, among other things. This provides a mechanism for citizens to address any infringements on their freedom of speech or other constitutional rights. Overall, the Constitution of Trinidad and Tobago provides strong guarantees of freedom of speech and expression, which are essential components of a democratic and free society.
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It ensures equality for all
The Constitution of Trinidad and Tobago was written in 1976 and revised in 2007. This constitution is the supreme law of the land, and it ensures equality for all by recognising and declaring that there shall be no discrimination based on race, origin, colour, religion, or sex.
The people of Trinidad and Tobago affirmed that their nation is founded on principles that acknowledge the supremacy of God, fundamental human rights, and freedoms, as well as the dignity of the human person. They believe that all members of the human family are endowed by their Creator with equal and inalienable rights. This belief is enshrined in the Constitution, which guarantees certain fundamental human rights and freedoms for all.
The Constitution specifically recognises the right of the individual to equality before the law and the protection of the law. It also guarantees equality of treatment from any public authority in the exercise of its functions. This means that all individuals are entitled to equal treatment under the law, regardless of their race, origin, colour, religion, or sex.
The Constitution also establishes an Ombudsman, who is responsible for investigating complaints of administrative injustices, including any decisions or recommendations made by the government or any other authority. This ensures that all individuals have access to justice and that their rights are protected.
Additionally, the Constitution of Trinidad and Tobago recognises access to information and participation within the framework of the freedoms of expression, assembly, and association. It guarantees freedom of speech in the Senate and House of Representatives and provides constitutional protections for these rights. This ensures that all individuals have the right to express themselves and participate in the democratic process without fear of retribution.
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It upholds human rights and freedoms
The Constitution of Trinidad and Tobago was written in 1976 and revised in 2007. This constitution is the supreme law of the nation, and it upholds human rights and freedoms in several ways.
Firstly, it recognises and declares that fundamental human rights and freedoms have existed and shall continue to exist without discrimination based on race, origin, colour, religion, or sex. This includes the right to life, liberty, security of the person, and enjoyment of property, as well as freedom of speech in the Senate and House of Representatives. The Constitution also guarantees the right of individuals to respect for their private and family life, and the right of parents or guardians to choose the education of their children.
Secondly, the Constitution of Trinidad and Tobago affirms the nation's foundation upon principles that acknowledge the supremacy of God, faith in fundamental human rights and freedoms, the dignity of the human person, and the equal and inalienable rights of all people. It also recognises the position of the family in a society of free individuals and institutions.
Thirdly, Trinidad and Tobago has ratified several international treaties and conventions on human rights, integrating these principles into its domestic laws. For example, the freedom of religion is protected by both the domestic legal framework (Section 4 of the Constitution) and international conventions like the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The Ministry of the Attorney General has also established the International Law and Human Rights Unit to ensure adherence to these principles.
In terms of press freedom, Trinidad and Tobago was ranked 43rd in the 2014 Reporters Without Borders Press Freedom Index, indicating a "satisfactory situation". Freedom House also classified the country as "free" in terms of press freedom that year. However, there have been occasional attempts by politicians to influence the press, and cases of journalists facing libel charges, highlighting areas for improvement in upholding freedom of expression.
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Frequently asked questions
The constitution of Trinidad and Tobago was written in 1976 and revised in 2007.
The constitution affirms that the nation of Trinidad and Tobago is founded on principles that acknowledge the supremacy of God, faith in fundamental human rights and freedoms, the position of the family in a society of free people and institutions, the dignity of the human person, and the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family. It also emphasises social justice, believing that the economic system should result in the distribution of material resources for the common good and that there should be equality regardless of race, origin, colour, religion, or sex.
The constitution states that Trinidad and Tobago comprise the Island of Trinidad, the Island of Tobago, and any territories that were dependencies of Trinidad and Tobago before 31 August 1962, including the seabed and subsoil beneath the territorial sea and the continental shelf.
Yes, the constitution guarantees freedom of speech in the Senate and House of Representatives. It also states that no civil or criminal proceedings may be instituted against any member of either House for words spoken before or written in a report to the House.
