The new political party, HOPE, says an elected president should exist in Trinidad and Tobago, to ensure that he or she is perceived to be
independent of the politics.

Leader Timothy Hamel-Smith says the party is submitting its recommendations to committee in charge of the ongoing constitutional reform advisory exercise.

He says they propose that the role of President be upgraded to include an executive role heading a Fiscal Council, while retaining
all the current powers of appointment of Independent Senators and other important positions.

Mr. Hamel-Smith says HOPE’s recommendations cover 18 critical strategic drivers geared to put the country in a place to achieve its true potential.