Port of Spain, May 25th, 2026. Under the theme “Awakening African Consciousness: Dismantling Colonial Legacies,” the Emancipation Support Committee of Trinidad and Tobago (ESCTT) launched the Pan-African Festival 2026, whose program is being developed within the framework of the Second International Decade for People of African Descent.
The ceremony, held at the Port of Spain City Hall and dedicated to Africa Liberation Day, was attended by Chinua Alleyne, Mayor of Port of Spain; Professor Rose Marie Belle Antoine, Principal of The UWI St. Augustine Campus; and Elder Equino Moyo, Director of the Emancipation Committee, along with other distinguished personalities and ambassadors accredited in Port of Spain.
In his remarks, Cuban Ambassador Gustavo Véliz highlighted the historic ties that have long connected Cuba with Africa and the Caribbean, as well as the diplomatic relations built over decades and the strong presence of African heritage in Cuban culture and everyday life.
The Ambassador also updated attendees on the intensification of the United States’ economic, commercial, financial, and energy blockade against Cuba. He warned about the dangers posed by threats of invasion and military actions against the island, and referred to ongoing campaigns targeting the Army General.
Ambassador Véliz also expressed his gratitude to the Emancipation Support Committee for its continued demonstrations of solidarity with Cuba.
(Embassy of Cuba in Trinidad and Tobago)