when constantine returned to trinidad in late 1954, he found a growing desire for independence from britain. at trinidad leaseholds he felt isolated from other, mainly white, senior staff; this drew him towards political involvement. eric williams, leader of the newly founded people's national movement (pnm), was aware of constantine's popular appeal and recruited him. by january 1956 constantine, with the full co-operation and blessing of his employers, was party chairman and a member of its executive committee. feeling that the pnm's policies were in harmony with his views on improving the lives of black people, and encouraged by his wife, constantine stood for election in the parliamentary constituency of tunapuna in 1956. he won a narrow victory, which his colleagues believed few in the party could have done, and resigned from trinidad leaseholds. the pnm formed a government, in which constantine became the minister of communications, works and utilities.