Originally composed as the national anthem for the short-lived West Indies Federation (1958–1962), this song was edited and adopted by Trinidad and Tobago when it became independent in 1962.
The close resemblance between the national anthem of Trinidad and Tobago and "A Song for Federation" can be seen from the lyrics of the latter, as follows:[1] Forged from the love of unity In the fires of hope and prayer With boundless faith in our destiny West Indians all declare:
Castagne's submission came out on top, and he won the prize of $5,000.00 in government bonds and a gold medal inscribed with the coat of arms of Trinidad and Tobago.
[1] It was considered to have reflected the nature and the strength of the people of Trinidad and Tobago and their courage as one nation working towards living in unity despite the existing diversity.
[2] According to the editorial in the Sunday Guardian of 19 August 1962: In its solemn declaration of brotherhood and unity, it very neatly includes Tobago with Trinidad without mentioning the name of either ("Side by side we stand, islands of the blue Caribbean Sea"); and as an added impulse to unity it goes on to describe them together as "our native land," ending with the petition, "And may God bless our nation.