Lead Editor-Politics
Claims of internal disagreements are emerging within the National Council for Indian Culture (NCIC) over its handling of sponsorship arrangements for Divali Nagar 2026, amid concerns by some board members that the decision to bring Blue Waters on board could be perceived as a political statement against the Kamla Persad-Bissessar administration.
The controversy has reportedly caused friction among board members, with concerns raised about the potential repercussions of the organisation’s public handling of its sponsorship arrangements and the impact on relationships with the United National Congress (UNC) Government.
One appointed board member tendered her resignation this week, although Guardian Media understands that work commitments were cited as the official reason for her departure.
However, NCIC president Surujdeo Mangaroo is strongly denying suggestions of internal turmoil or political motives, insisting the organisation remains united and that Blue Waters was approached for sponsorship months before the current controversy erupted.
Guardian Media understands, however, that concerns have been raised within the organisation about the decision to publicly highlight Blue Waters’ sponsorship against the backdrop of the Government’s recent dealings with the company’s owner, Dominic Hadeed, and his wife Genevieve.
The sponsorship comes months after the Hadeeds were arrested under State of Emergency regulations in connection with an alleged plot to assassinate the Prime Minister and other senior officials. They were released nearly a month later without charge and have denied the allegations.
One individual familiar with internal NCIC discussions alleged that the Diamond Sponsor arrangement, reportedly valued at $250,000, could be seen as a political message to the Prime Minister.
Concerns were also reportedly raised internally that the organisation’s actions could adversely affect individual board members, particularly their professional relationships, career advancement and future opportunities involving the Government.
Those concerns, Guardian Media understands, were not adequately addressed by the organisation’s leadership.
Board resignation
raises questions
Amid the reported disagreements, Guardian Media has been informed that appointed board member Ferida Ramkissoon resigned this week.
A person familiar with the circumstances alleged that her departure was connected to dissatisfaction with how the sponsorship controversy was being handled and concerns about its potential professional consequences.
Another source familiar with the NCIC’s internal affairs also pointed to frustration among some appointed members, suggesting there were growing concerns about being associated with decisions perceived as antagonistic towards the UNC administration.
An attempt to get a comment from Ramkissoon yesterday was unsuccessful.
Another appointed member, Varsha Ramharak, also resigned several weeks ago, but there is no established connection between her departure and the current sponsorship controversy.
Mangaroo yesterday confirmed the departures of two appointed members but maintained that both resignations had nothing to do with Blue Waters or any sponsorship issues.
He said Ramkissoon had indicated as early as October 10 that she was considering resigning because of work commitments.
“And the same thing she said then, she said it now, it was because of her work commitments.”
He stressed that all elected board members remained in place and that the organisation continued to function normally.
No political agenda
Asked directly about claims of internal disagreements over the NCIC’s handling of sponsorship, Mangaroo insisted he was unaware of any division.
“I am not aware of any disagreement. We all sat down last night,” he said.
The NCIC president also rejected allegations that the Diamond Sponsor arrangement with Blue Waters was politically motivated.
“We are not a political organisation. We are a cultural organisation. Whatever happened to politics outside, it doesn’t matter to us.”
Mangaroo said the NCIC had submitted a Diamond Sponsor proposal to Blue Waters since July, alongside approaches to other private companies and State enterprises.
He also disputed claims that the Diamond Sponsor category was specially created for Blue Waters, maintaining it existed previously.
Asked whether the sponsorship was worth approximately $250,000, Mangaroo declined to disclose the figure.
“Well, it varies depending on who is asking and what they choose to be their diamond sponsorship. Otherwise, I wouldn’t want to discuss that.”
Uncertainty over
Govt participation
The internal dispute allegations come against the backdrop of sponsorship withdrawals by several State-linked companies, including bmobile, First Citizens Bank and National Flour Mills, which have placed additional attention on the NCIC’s funding arrangements.
Questions are also emerging over whether Government ministers will participate in this year’s celebrations.
One source claimed that Works and Infrastructure Minister Jearlean John and Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo were no longer expected to participate, while uncertainty remained over Culture Minister Michelle Benjamin’s attendance.
However, Mangaroo said he had not received official confirmation that the invited ministers were withdrawing.
He confirmed invitations were extended to Government ministers, the Prime Minister and parliamentarians on both sides of the political divide.
Despite the controversy, Mangaroo maintained there was no political agenda behind the organisation’s decisions.
“We are hopeful. We are very hopeful that good sense will prevail,” he said.
