Republic Day is a public holiday in Trinidad and Tobago, celebrated on September 24th. It commemorates the day when the countrys Parliament had its first session under the new Republican Constitution. Trinidad and Tobago became a republic on August 1st, 1976, after deciding to abolish the monarchy and become a republic within the Commonwealth. The conversion of the former Constitution from its character as an Order in Council of the Queen into that of an indigenous instrument of government fashioned by citizens of Trinidad and Tobago was effected by the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago enacting the Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago Act, 1976. The holiday was not celebrated from 1999 to 2001 to make room for Spiritual Baptist/Shouter Liberation Day, but it was reinstated in 2002 and has been observed every year ever since. On Republic Day, the President distributes National Awards to citizens who have demonstrated their dedication to Trinidad and Tobago through their work and activities.