PROCLAMATION OF A NEW PARLIAMENTARY SESSION
To begin a new parliamentary session, the President must be advised by the Cabinet to issue a Proclamation in accordance with section 67(1) of the Constitution which states:
Each session of Parliament shall be held at such place within Trinidad and Tobago and shall commence at such time as the President may by Proclamation appoint.
By proclamation of the President, the 13th Republican Parliament was held on May 23, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. at the Red House, Port of Spain.
CEREMONIAL OPENING
The Ceremonial Opening of Parliament is one of the highest state events in the entire national framework, rivaling the Independence Day parade as members of all three branches of government (The Executive, The Legislature and The Judiciary) are assembled in one place.
What makes an opening of Parliament ceremonial is the address by the President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, to the members of both the House of Representatives and the Senate assembled together.
The Ceremonial Opening of the 13th Republican Parliament was carried LIVE on the Parliament’s YouTube channel, ParlView (links below).
Take a look at photos from this opening:
House of Representatives
Senate