26 May 2025
Christine Carla Kangaloo has served as the seventh President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago since March 20, 2023. She is the second woman to hold this office, following Paula-Mae Weekes, who served as the country’s first female president.
Early Life and Education
Born on December 1, 1961, in San Fernando, Trinidad, Kangaloo is the fifth of seven children. She attended Grant Memorial Presbyterian Primary School and St. Joseph’s Convent in San Fernando. She pursued higher education at the University of the West Indies (UWI), earning an Honours degree in Law in 1983. In 1985, she obtained her Legal Education Certificate from the Hugh Wooding Law School and was admitted to practice law the same year.
Political and Legal Career
Kangaloo’s career spans both the legal and political arenas. She began her legal practice by working with her father, Carlyle Kangaloo, from 1985 to 1992. She then served as an Assistant Registrar of the Supreme Court until 1996 before returning to private practice. In 2001, she entered politics as an Opposition Senator and held various ministerial positions, including Minister of Legal Affairs, Minister of Science, Technology and Tertiary Education, and Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister.
In 2015, Kangaloo was elected President of the Senate, a position she held until January 2023. During her tenure, she acted as President of the Republic on 33 occasions. Her extensive experience in both the judiciary and legislature positioned her as a prominent figure in the nation’s political landscape.
Presidency
On January 20, 2023, Kangaloo was elected by the Electoral College, comprising members of the House of Representatives and the Senate, to serve as President. She succeeded Paula-Mae Weekes, who had indicated her intention to serve only a single term. Kangaloo was sworn into office on March 20, 2023.
As President, Kangaloo’s role is largely ceremonial, with executive authority vested in the Prime Minister and Cabinet. However, she performs several constitutional functions, including:
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Appointing the Prime Minister and other ministers.
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Summoning, proroguing, and dissolving Parliament.
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Assenting to bills passed by Parliament.
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Appointing judges and other public officials.
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Serving as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
While the President’s powers are generally exercised on the advice of the Cabinet, certain functions are performed at her discretion or after consultation with other authorities. For instance, she appoints members of various commissions and has the power to grant pardons.
Recent Activities
In May 2025, President Kangaloo played a pivotal role in the formation of the 13th Parliament by appointing nine Independent Senators. She also presided over the swearing-in of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Attorney General Stuart Young following the April 2025 general elections.
Additionally, President Kangaloo has been active in various ceremonial and community engagements. She has hosted national awards functions, received ambassadors and high commissioners, and participated in events promoting national unity and civic engagement.
Christine Carla Kangaloo’s ascent to the presidency marks a significant milestone in Trinidad and Tobago’s political history. Her extensive legal and political experience, coupled with her commitment to public service, underscores her dedication to upholding the nation’s democratic values and constitutional principles.
