List of Presidents of Trinidad and Tobago: Past and Present

Last updated November 2026

This page lists the presidents and heads of state of Trinidad and Tobago from 1976 to the present, with the years each leader was in office and a short summary of their time in power. Use it to find the current president of Trinidad and Tobago, former leaders, and key dates in the country's political history.

Current president of Trinidad and Tobago: Christine Kangaloo (in office since 2023). The president of Trinidad and Tobago is a largely ceremonial head of state elected by an electoral college made up of both houses of Parliament; executive power rests with the prime minister.

Presidents of Trinidad and Tobago in order, with years in office

Ellis Clarke

Served: 1976–1987

First president of Trinidad and Tobago; he had been governor-general from 1972 before the country became a republic.

Noor Hassanali

Served: 1987–1997

Elected by the electoral college in February 1987 and re-elected in February 1992.

Arthur N. R. Robinson

Served: 1997–2003

Former prime minister (1986–1991) who was elected president in February 1997.

George Maxwell Richards

Served: 2003–2013

Scientist and university head who served two terms.

Anthony Carmona

Served: 2013–2018

Former judge who served one term.

Paula-Mae Weekes

Served: 2018–2023

First woman to serve as president of Trinidad and Tobago; a former judge elected in January 2018.

Christine Kangaloo

Served: 2023–present

Former President of the Senate elected on 20 January 2023 and in office since 20 March 2023 as the seventh president and second woman to hold the office.

Frequently asked questions about the presidents of Trinidad and Tobago

Who is the current president of Trinidad and Tobago?

The current president of Trinidad and Tobago is Christine Kangaloo, in office since 2023. The president of Trinidad and Tobago is a largely ceremonial head of state elected by an electoral college made up of both houses of Parliament; executive power rests with the prime minister.

Who were the previous presidents of Trinidad and Tobago?

The presidents and heads of state of Trinidad and Tobago listed on this page, in order, are: Ellis Clarke, Noor Hassanali, Arthur N. R. Robinson, George Maxwell Richards, Anthony Carmona, Paula-Mae Weekes, Christine Kangaloo.

Who was the first president of Trinidad and Tobago?

Ellis Clarke was the first president of Trinidad and Tobago, in office 1976–1987.

Sources: Wikipedia, List of presidents of Trinidad and Tobago and Christine Kangaloo; Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago records of presidential elections; Office of the President of Trinidad and Tobago, including October 2026 activity (checked Nov 2026). Complete list of the seven presidents since the republic was established in 1976.. Last reviewed November 2026.

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