country was ready for that stage of its political development. “At the time, there were those who questioned whether we were prepared for such a responsibility. And even today, when we experience moments that test our resolve—and those moments seem never in short supply—there are still those who question the wisdom of having taken that step. But I firmly believe that history has shown and will continue to demonstrate that we were right to take such a massive leap of faith,” Kangaloo said in a message marking the occasion. The head of state said when Trinidad and Tobago achieved republican status in 1976, it was a declaration to the world the country was ready to shed the last vestiges of colonial rule “and assume full ownership of our destiny”. She said it was also a natural and necessary progression from the country’s political independence from Britain in 1962, and a step forward in “our ongoing journey of self-determination. “Becoming a Republic meant replacing the British monarch and her representative with a Head of State chosen from among our own citizens. But more than that, it was a reaffirmation of our confidence in ourselves, our institutions and our people. It was a reminder that we indeed possessed the mettle and the moxie to truly and fully go it alone,” President Kangaloo said. (Jamaica Gleaner)