Minister Watts Tables Bill To Expand Citizenship By Descent
Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs, Phillip Watts, tabled the Constitution Amendment Bill 2025, aimed at granting Trinidad and Tobago citizenship to individuals with third-generation ancestry.
This bold move, he says, will help « unite our global Trinidad and Tobago community » and unlock millions in economic and cultural value.
Currently, under Section 173 of the Constitution and Section 5 of the Citizenship Act, only second-generation descendants — children of citizens born abroad — are eligible to apply for citizenship by descent. The amendment proposes an expansion of that right to include grandchildren of nationals, marking what is being hailed as a « visionary step towards national development. »
« The proposed amendments before this Honourable House today shall allow both the Constitution and the Citizenship Act to be extended in order to facilitate applications for citizenship of Trinidad and Tobago from third-generation citizens born outside of Trinidad and Tobago. »
Minister Watts laid out the legal context under the current Citizenship Act, noting that the law already provides a pathway for children of citizens to acquire status either through a parent’s application before the child reaches adulthood, or through the individual’s own application within one year of attaining legal majority.
He said under the current law, the children of those who became citizens by descent — that is, the third generation — are not eligible.
« As it relates to this amendment to the Citizenship Act, it is the Government’s policy and intention to provide citizenship of Trinidad and Tobago to these persons who can be considered of the third generation. »
Minister Watts emphasised the broader impact of the bill, positioning the country to benefit from deeper engagement with its diaspora, particularly in fields such as sport and culture.
« This amendment will unlock over 500 million US in diaspora contributions, bolster our sporting legacy, and align us with both regional progress and international standards. It answers the call for sporting excellence, advances regional competitiveness, and is a direct investment in national development, reversing brain drain, closing skills gaps, and strengthening our unique identity. This is not about diluting citizenship or importing talent. It is about recognising family, uniting our global Trinidad and Tobago community, and building a stronger, more dynamic nation. »
In a rousing close, the Minister urged his parliamentary colleagues to support the amendment when it is brought forward for debate.
« The choice before this House is clear and urgent. Embrace the future with vision or remain constrained by outdated laws. Support for this amendment is a vote for a prosperous, unified Trinidad and Tobago, one that celebrates every citizen and every achievement, wherever in the world our flag is raised. »
