Several state-controlled companies have withdrawn their support for this year’s Divali Nagar, with the National Council of Indian Culture (NCIC) appealing to the Government for financial assistance to stage the annual celebrations.
NCIC president Surujdeo Mangaroo told Guardian Media on Monday that Caribbean Airlines, the National Lotteries Control Board and bmobile would not participate this year.
“We are not getting any support from some of the state enterprises. B-Mobile not on board with us this year. We’re not sure what is the reason why they’re not on board with us,” he said.
Mangaroo said the Nagar, which opens on October 30, was expected to cost about $5 million. The NCIC received $500,000 from the Government in May towards last year’s celebrations.
He said all commercial spaces had been booked, and First Citizens Bank would return as a participant.
This year’s theme is “Viveka – Discerning Truth in the Age of AI”, focusing on distinguishing truth from misinformation.
The Youth Champ and dance competitions will return after being suspended before the Covid-19 pandemic. New York band Gemini Brass will perform on November 1, and a light show is planned, but there will be no fireworks.
The NCIC has invited Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Culture Minister Michelle Benjamin to the final night on November 7.
Guyana’s president, who was expected to attend as chief guest, will be represented by the Speaker of the National Assembly because of King Charles’s state visit to the United Kingdom on October 29 and 30.
The NCIC is also making arrangements to accommodate primary and secondary school students on dates to be announced.
