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Alleged Removal of Blue Waters Labels at UWI Event Raises Questions Over Political Motives A photograph circulating on social media has sparked controversy following allegations that staff at a University of the West Indies (UWI) event were instructed to remove labels from Blue Waters bottled water because Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar was expected to attend. The image shows several bottles of water without visible labels arranged on a table, while numerous unopened cases of Blue Waters bottled water are stacked nearby. The allegation, which has been shared online, suggests that the labels were deliberately removed to prevent the company's branding from being displayed during the Prime Minister's attendance. However, there has been no independent confirmation that such instructions were issued, who may have authorised them, or whether the alleged removal had any connection to the Prime Minister. The photograph itself does not establish the reason the bottles were unlabelled. Nevertheless, the controversy has prompted a rather interesting question: if the intention was to avoid displaying Blue Waters branding, what exactly would such an exercise accomplish? After all, removing a label does not change the manufacturer of the product. If the water was purchased, the company would already have benefited from the sale, regardless of whether its branding remained on the bottles. If the water was donated, the situation would be different, and the circumstances surrounding its supply would need to be established. The incident has also raised broader questions about whether corporate branding should become entangled in political disagreements. Businesses supply products and services to customers across Trinidad and Tobago, regardless of political affiliation. Their commercial activities do not necessarily represent an endorsement of any political party or public official. If the reported instructions were indeed politically motivated, questions would reasonably arise about who made the decision and why removing the labels was considered necessary. On the other hand, event organisers may have had operational, presentation or branding requirements unrelated to politics. Without confirmation, neither explanation should be treated as established fact. What remains visible in the photograph is the contrast between bottles without labels and cases prominently displaying the Blue Waters brand. Ironically, the circulation of the image and the resulting discussion have brought even greater public attention to the company. For now, the central question remains unanswered: were the labels deliberately removed for political reasons, or is the photograph being interpreted without the full circumstances? Until the facts are established, the allegation remains unverified.
Alleged Removal of Blue Waters Labels at UWI Event Raises Questions Over Political Motives
A photograph circulating on social media has sparked controversy following allegations that staff at a University of the West Indies (UWI) event were instructed to remove labels from Blue Waters bottled water because Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar was expected to attend.
The image shows several bottles of water without visible labels arranged on a table, while numerous unopened cases of Blue Waters bottled water are stacked nearby.
The allegation, which has been shared online, suggests that the labels were deliberately removed to prevent the company’s branding from being displayed during the Prime Minister’s attendance.
However, there has been no independent confirmation that such instructions were issued, who may have authorised them, or whether the alleged removal had any connection to the Prime Minister.
The photograph itself does not establish the reason the bottles were unlabelled.
Nevertheless, the controversy has prompted a rather interesting question: if the intention was to avoid displaying Blue Waters branding, what exactly would such an exercise accomplish?
After all, removing a label does not change the manufacturer of the product.
If the water was purchased, the company would already have benefited from the sale, regardless of whether its branding remained on the bottles. If the water was donated, the situation would be different, and the circumstances surrounding its supply would need to be established.
The incident has also raised broader questions about whether corporate branding should become entangled in political disagreements.
Businesses supply products and services to customers across Trinidad and Tobago, regardless of political affiliation. Their commercial activities do not necessarily represent an endorsement of any political party or public official.
If the reported instructions were indeed politically motivated, questions would reasonably arise about who made the decision and why removing the labels was considered necessary.
On the other hand, event organisers may have had operational, presentation or branding requirements unrelated to politics.
Without confirmation, neither explanation should be treated as established fact.
What remains visible in the photograph is the contrast between bottles without labels and cases prominently displaying the Blue Waters brand.
Ironically, the circulation of the image and the resulting discussion have brought even greater public attention to the company.
For now, the central question remains unanswered: were the labels deliberately removed for political reasons, or is the photograph being interpreted without the full circumstances?
Until the facts are established, the allegation remains unverified.
News Desk is the editorial publishing account for Tringlobe Media News, covering breaking news, public affairs, entertainment, community developments and regional stories across Trinidad and Tobago, the Caribbean and internationally.
