Port of Spain, October 14, 2026. As part of the Cuban Culture celebrations, which will continue until October 20, the Embassy of Cuba in Trinidad and Tobago is participating in the sixth edition of Latin Nights, a cultural initiative organized by the National Library and Information System Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (NALIS), aimed at fostering closer ties among peoples through art and culture.
During an interview with TV6, part of the Express Group, the Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba, Gustavo Véliz Olivares, and NALIS Director of Communications and Marketing, Debbie Goodman, highlighted the participation of Latin American diplomatic missions accredited to Trinidad and Tobago in this sixth edition of the event, as well as Cuba's contribution to both its opening and closing ceremonies through the screening of two outstanding works of Cuban cinema.
The opening featured the screening of the Cuban documentary "Yo soy del son a la salsa" (From Son to Salsa), directed by renowned filmmaker Rigoberto López. The film was warmly received by the audience for its exploration of the origins, evolution, and richness of this musical and dance genre, an expression of Cuban and Caribbean cultural identity.
It was also announced that the closing ceremony will feature the screening of the Cuban feature film "Habanastation", with secondary school students from Trinidad and Tobago invited to attend. This initiative seeks to introduce younger generations to Cuban culture, values, and social realities through cinema.
Ambassador Véliz Olivares emphasized that both film screenings hold special significance as they take place within the framework of the Cuban Culture celebrations and showcase the richness, diversity, and vitality of Cuba's artistic achievements.
In his remarks, the diplomat highlighted the high level of development achieved by Cuban culture despite the severe economic and material hardships resulting from the economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the United States against the island, further aggravated by restrictions affecting the energy sector.
He noted that, even amid the complex challenges currently facing the country, Cuba continues to create, promote, diversify, and defend its culture as an essential expression of its national identity and the resilience of its people.
The Cuban Ambassador expressed his appreciation to NALIS for the opportunity to inaugurate this new edition of Latin Nights and to share representative expressions of Cuba's cultural heritage with the people of Trinidad and Tobago. He also underscored the deep historical, cultural, and identity-based ties that unite both Caribbean nations.
Finally, he expressed confidence that the international community would once again demonstrate its broad support for the Cuban resolution calling for an end to the U.S. blockade, which is scheduled to be voted on at the United Nations General Assembly on October 29.
Cuba's participation in Latin Nights reaffirms the importance of culture as a bridge of friendship, solidarity, and mutual understanding among peoples, while demonstrating the Cuban nation's ability to preserve and promote its artistic heritage, even in the face of adversity.
(Embassy of Cuba in Trinidad and Tobago)