Port of Spain, August 13th, 2026. An emotional tribute to the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro Ruz, was held at the historic City Hall, the seat of the Port of Spain City Corporation, to mark the centenary of his birth.
The event was held with the support of the Mayor of Port of Spain, Chinua Alleyne. Among the distinguished guests in attendance were the Head of the Tobago House of Assembly, the Honourable Farley Augustine; Ms. Mickela Panday, leader of the Patriotic Front; Mr. David Abdulah, leader of the Movement for Social Justice (MSJ); and Professor Rose-Marie Belle Antoine, Principal of The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus. Representatives of solidarity organizations, including Friends of Cuba, as well as members of the Association of Cuban Residents Abraza a Cuba, also participated. Business leaders, members of the diplomatic corps accredited to Trinidad and Tobago, representatives of international organizations, and friends of Cuba from different sectors of Trinidadian and Tobagonian society were also in attendance.
One of the most significant moments of the evening was the reading and dramatization of excerpts from History Will Absolve Me, performed by renowned Trinidadian artists Ms. Abeo Jackson and Mr. Michael Cherrie. They brought to the stage the strength and continuing relevance of the speech delivered by Fidel more than six decades ago.
Fernando González also expressed his gratitude for the expressions of solidarity and support from the people of Trinidad and Tobago during the very difficult circumstances currently facing the Cuban people.
In his remarks, Cuban Ambassador Gustavo Véliz denounced what he described as the energy siege affecting the population of the island, as well as the economic, financial and commercial blockade that, according to him, has been in place for more than 60 years. He noted that, one hundred years after Fidel Castro’s birth, his figure continues to be a source of reflection, dialogue and recognition for those who value history and the bonds of friendship between Cuba and the peoples of the Caribbean.
Prior to the solemn evening dedicated to the centenary of the Commander, Ambassador Véliz gave interviews to television stations TV6, CNC3 and WESN Content Capital, accompanied by Mr. David Abdulah and Dr. Simone McFee, a medical graduate of Cuba. These interviews provided an opportunity to explore more deeply the legacy, life and work of the Commander, as well as to provide an update on the situation in Cuba.
(Embassy of Cuba in Trinidad and Tobago)