The Trinidad and Tobago government has appointed David Muhammad, identified as the Trinidad and Eastern Caribbean representative for Louis Farrakhan’s Nation of Islam (NOI), as chairman of the National Library and Information System Authority (Nalis) board. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar formally presented the instruments of appointment to the newly-constituted board during an official ceremony this week.
Muhammad, 55, born in England, assumes leadership of the nation’s premier library and information authority amidst both interest and scrutiny regarding his affiliation with the religious organization. The Nation of Islam, established in the United States in 1930 by Wallace Fard Muhammad, has historically featured prominent figures including Elijah Muhammad and civil rights activist Malcolm X.
During the appointment proceedings, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar delivered a comprehensive address emphasizing the fundamental principles of integrity, accountability, and service to national interests. She explicitly reminded board members of their fiduciary responsibility to manage public resources with prudence and transparency while safeguarding taxpayer interests.
The Prime Minister further challenged the new board to advance Nalis’s mandate through innovative approaches, specifically highlighting the strategic implementation of modern technology to enhance service delivery, expand public outreach, and improve operational efficiency. She reinforced the critical function of Nalis in preserving the nation’s intellectual and cultural heritage while simultaneously working to expand information accessibility for all citizens.
The newly appointed board comprises chairman David Muhammad, deputy chairman Karran Nancoo, alongside members Jonathan Macoon, Tiffany Campbell-Joseph, Anthony Ramharack, Anjanee Seenath, Marin Gonzales, Dr. Lorraine Nero, and ex-officio member Paula Elizabeth Greene.