Trevon C Jugmohan has resigned from the board of the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA), effective immediately, citing concerns over what he claims is the undermining of democratic freedoms and the diminishing role of the arts.In a letter dated June 1, 2026, Jugmohan wrote to Minister of Culture and Community Development Michelle Benjamin, saying that his concerns did not emerge overnight.He noted that as a cultural practitioner, he was deeply saddened by the cancellation of last year’s Independence Day celebrations, saying the decision did not sit right with him given the event’s importance.Secondly, he said he was troubled by the decision to rename the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts as the Ministry of Culture and Community Development, removing explicit recognition of the arts from the title.He said that he tried to look beyond the change but could not ignore the feeling that the arts were being moved further from the centre of national life.Jugmohan said the final catalyst for his resignation was the deployment of heavily armed tactical officers against citizens engaged in peaceful protest.“Whatever one’s political views may be, the image of armed officers forming a skirmish line against unarmed civilians is one that should concern every citizen of T&T. As artists, we are observers of society and guardians of expression. We are often among the first to recognise when the values we hold dear begin to erode,” he said.He said that as a cultural worker, he is acutely aware that the nation’s history has been shaped by moments when ordinary people stood in defence of their right to gather, express themselves, and be heard.He referenced the Canboulay Riots of 1881 and the Hosay Massacre of 1884, saying they remain powerful reminders of the consequences that can arise when cultural expression and public assembly are met with force rather than dialogue.While history never repeats itself in exactly the same way, it often echoes, he said.“I therefore resign not out of hostility, but out of national pride. I cannot continue to lend my name to an institution of the State while remaining silent about actions and decisions that I believe undermine the values of artistic freedom, democratic participation, and respect for citizens,” he said.Jugmohan said while he leaves with a heavy heart, he does so with profound respect and admiration for the people with whom he has served.The Express sent questions to Benjamin, but there was no immediate response.
NAPA board member resigns: freedom, arts ‘undermined’
Trevon C Jugmohan has resigned from the board of the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA), effective immediately, citing concerns over what he claims is the undermining of democratic
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