Port of Spain, April 28, 2026. The Lloyd Best Institute of the Caribbean served as the venue for heartfelt and repeated expressions of solidarity and support for Cuba by an audience well informed about the country’s realities and the impacts of the economic, commercial, and financial embargo imposed by the United States.
The lectures delivered by Dr. Orlando Díaz Gómez, head of the Cuban Medical Brigade in Trinidad and Tobago, and Ambassador Gustavo Véliz Olivares provided participants with a detailed update on the consequences of these measures. Both speakers addressed, in particular, the impact of the current energy restrictions, intensified following an executive order by President Donald Trump on January 29, and their implications for the healthcare system and the daily lives of the Cuban population.
During his presentation, Dr. Díaz outlined the key features of Cuba’s healthcare system and highlighted the country’s international medical cooperation since the triumph of the Cuban Revolution. He also emphasized the work of Cuban medical brigades, particularly in Trinidad and Tobago, where they have been providing services since 2003.
For his part, Ambassador Véliz elaborated on the effects of the embargo, including more than 240 measures implemented during the previous U.S. administration, Cuba’s inclusion on the list of state sponsors of terrorism, and the tightening of energy restrictions, noting their impact on the country’s economy and the well-being of its population.
The Institute’s Chairman, Anthony Paul, underscored the resilience of the Cuban people and expressed confidence in their ability to overcome current challenges, recalling the country’s experience during the 1990s.
The lectures marked the beginning of a series of activities dedicated to Cuba, which will run through May 3. The program includes a photographic exhibition marking the centenary of the birth of Commander Fidel Castro, as well as a showcase of Cuban art.
(Embassy of Cuba in Trinidad and Tobago)