00:00PNM Chairman and Ruka Lopino MP Marvin Gonzalez is calling on Prime Minister Kamal Pesad Visasa
00:07to explain the withdrawal of state sponsorship from the National Council of Indian Cultures
00:13Diwali celebrations. In a statement issued on Monday, Gonzalez condemned what he described
00:19as the Prime Minister's quote-unquote reckless and unfortunate statements concerning the NCIC.
00:26He says the withdrawal of sponsorship coupled with the Prime Minister's comments raises concerns
00:32about whether state resources are being used to punish cultural institutions that do not find
00:38favor with the government. Gonzalez argues that religious and cultural celebrations help preserve
00:44the country's national identity and strengthen social harmony. He insists, quote,
00:50No religious or cultural institution should be subjected to political intimidation,
00:57public vilification or financial retaliation simply because its decisions may not find favor
01:04with the government, end quote. He's calling on the Prime Minister and the UNC government to explain
01:09the sudden withdrawal of sponsorship and demonstrate greater respect towards cultural
01:15and religious institutions. But Basad Visasa is pushing back against the criticism, arguing that the
01:22reduction in Diwali sponsorship is consistent with cuts to funding for other events. She says,
01:29quote, It's only fair that Diwali sponsorship by the state are also reduced. Previously, state companies
01:36cut funding for steel bands, fets, tassa, carnival events, baptist day, independence and emancipation day
01:42events, end quote. She also leveled criticism at the PNM alleging that some of its supporters had
01:48denigrated Hindus and pointed to past disputes over cremation during the COVID-19 pandemic and
01:55applications for Hindu radio and television licenses. The Prime Minister further argued that the PNM would
02:02have accused the government of racial discrimination if Diwali's sponsorship had not been reduced.
02:08Gonzalez, meanwhile, is urging the country to put national unity ahead of partisan politics,
02:14declaring in his statement, quote, Trinidad and Tobago belongs to all of us regardless of race,
02:20religion, culture or political affiliation. Our diversity must never become a casualty of partisan politics,
02:28end quote.
