Port of Spain, March 17, 2026. The University of the West Indies (UWI), St. Augustine campus, served as the venue for a demonstration of solidarity with Cuba during a conference held at the Institute of International Relations. At the event, the Cuban Ambassador, Gustavo Veliz Olivares, thanked Professor Rose Marie Belle Antoine, Principal of UWI St. Augustine, for promoting a support campaign aimed at helping address the energy crisis facing the Caribbean island.
During his remarks, the diplomat also acknowledged the support of Dr. Abdul Knowles, Director of the Institute of International Relations, and Dr. Jacqueline LaGuardia, highlighting the university’s role as a space for dialogue and international cooperation.
In the same context, David Abdulah, leader of the Movement for Social Justice, called for collective efforts to acquire solar panels for Cuba as part of regional solidarity initiatives.
The conference provided an opportunity to update attendees on the current situation in Cuba, as well as on the impact of the economic blockade imposed by the United States, which—according to speakers—has been further intensified by recent measures adopted under the administration of former President Donald Trump.
The panel also featured Sunnity Maharaj, former senator and director of the Lloyd Best Institute, along with Jeanne Alexis Elias. Among those in attendance were former ministers, social and political leaders, academics, students from UWI and Cipriani College, journalists, accredited diplomats in Trinidad and Tobago, representatives of regional organizations, as well as members of the Cuban medical brigade and embassy officials.
(Embassy of Cuba in Trinidad and Tobago)
