Independent Senator, Deoroop Teemal, has died

The President of the National Council of Indian Culture (NCIC) has passed away. Independent Senator Deoroop Teemal, aged 69, died around 1 am on Sunday 3 August 2025.

Surujdeo Mangaroo, First Vice-President of the NCIC, described Senator Teemal’s passing as a tremendous loss to the development of Indian culture in Trinidad and Tobago. Mangaroo stated that Teemal had been unwell over the past week and passed away at his home on Sankar Street, St Augustine.

“Senator Teemal was a dedicated leader and a passionate advocate for cultural preservation and community development,” Mangaroo said. “His commitment and service have left a lasting impact on our nation.”

Mangaroo noted that the executive of the NCIC would convene to discuss the forthcoming Divali Nagar celebrations, scheduled for October. In the interim, the NCIC’s constitution provides that the First Vice-President will act as President until a new President is elected in April 2026.

Teemal had been actively involved with the NCIC for more than two decades and served multiple terms as Chairman of the Divali Nagar celebrations during his time on the executive.

Professionally, Teemal was a Civil and Structural Engineer and Project Manager with 37 years of experience. His areas of expertise included project management, contract administration, construction implementation, and water and wastewater engineering. His clients included the Ministry of Works, NIPDEC, WASA, and the Gaspar Grande Water Supply project. He was also the Principal of Team Engineering Systems Limited.

Teemal was first appointed as an Independent Senator in 2020 and served in the 11, 12, and 13 Republican Parliaments of Trinidad and Tobago.

He is survived by his wife, Geeta, and their two adult daughters.