Trinidad and Tobago's journey to independence began with a series of constitutional changes throughout the 1940s and 1950s aimed at increasing self-governance. The Federation of the West Indies, created in 1958, was short-lived but reflected the Caribbean nations' aspirations for autonomy. As nationalist sentiments grew stronger, the People's National Movement (PNM), led by Eric Williams, emerged as a dominant force for change in Trinidad and Tobago. The British government recognized the changes in public sentiment and began to facilitate discussions regarding independence. After several negotiations, it was agreed that Trinidad and Tobago would gain full independence, transitioning to a republic with its own constitution. This led to a momentous celebration on August 31, 1962, when the national flag was raised, and the anthem was sung for the first time as an independent nation. The Prime Minister emphasized unity and progress in his address, signaling a new era for the nation as it planned to tackle economic development and social challenges head-on. Independence was not just a political transformation; it also encouraged a renaissance of cultural pride and identity, influencing the arts, music, and societal norms.