Port of Spain, Trinidad – The Ministry of Culture and Community Development is pleased to announce the appointment of a new Board of Commissioners for the National Carnival Commission of Trinidad and Tobago (NCC). The incoming Board was proudly presented with their instruments of appointment by the Honourable Michelle Benjamin, Minister of Culture and Community Development, during a brief ceremony, themed “We Jammin Still!” held at the Ministry’s headquarters on Wednesday July 16, 2025.
The members of the new NCC Board are as follows:
- Mr. Peter Kanhai – Chairman
- Mr. Kevan Gibbs – Deputy Chairman
- Mrs. Beverly Ramsey-Moore
- Mr. Ainsley King
- Mr. Imran Beharry
- Mr. Neil Iwer George
- Mr. John Michael Ali Bocus
- Mr. Robert Abdool-Mitchell
- Mr. Mark Ayen
This appointment follows the Ministry’s continued efforts to revitalise and modernise Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural governance framework, ensuring that essential institutions under the remit of the Ministry like NCC, are equipped with the leadership and operational capacity required to meet both local and international demands.
Furthermore, Carnival 2026 stands as a central focus of the incoming Board’s agenda. The newly appointed Chairman also gave insights into the Board’s immediate priorities, which include strengthening the NCC’s institutional framework, enhancing transparency in governance, and deepening community engagement across all Carnival-related activities. He acknowledged the weight of the Commission’s mandate and expressed confidence in the collective capacity of the Board to uphold and elevate the legacy of Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival on both national and international stages.
Minister Benjamin, in delivering remarks at the ceremony issued a mandate to the new Board, tasking them with strategically advancing the development and global positioning of Carnival as “the greatest show on earth”. As such, she reiterated that Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival not only promotes our culture but it creates jobs, earnings and promotes community development. Minister Benjamin, reaffirmed the Ministry’s vision stating that, “Carnival is more than an event, it is a living expression of our people’s creativity. In keeping with that, this new Board is expected to further build on that legacy, while positioning Carnival as a leading global festival. One that celebrates our cultural identity and attracts even greater international recognition and revenue.”
Other key priorities for the new Board include strengthening regional and international partnerships in and out of the Carnival season, enhancing internal operations at NCC, supporting both traditional and emerging Carnival art forms, as well as expanding global marketing efforts to position Trinidad and Tobago as the cultural destination of choice for the upcoming season.
The Ministry of Culture and Community Development extends congratulations to the newly installed Board of Commissioners and commits to working alongside NCC in delivering an enhanced and inclusive Carnival 2026 experience. This aims to reflect the diversity of local culture while prioritising sustainability, as well as maintaining its international appeal.
We look forward to meaningful contributions in this new chapter of national cultural development and toward upholding the shared vision of Carnival as a symbol of national pride and a world-class cultural festival.
Below are some photo highlights of the ceremony.
