Symposium “Fidel: Present and Future”: A event to Honour His Legacy in The Bahamas
Nassau, August 13, 2026. The Embassy of Cuba in The Bahamas held the symposium “Fidel: Present and Future” on Thursday, dedicated to the centenary of the birth of Fidel Castro Ruz, historic leader of the Cuban Revolution. The event, held at the Harry C. Moore Library and Information Centre of the University of The Bahamas, provided a space for reflection on his legacy, the history of the Cuban Revolution, and the enduring relevance of the principles that guided his life and work.
a event was attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of The Bahamas, the Hon. Fred Mitchell; the Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Glenys Hanna Martin; former Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Perry Christie; Pastor Mario Moxey, President of the Bahamas Christian Council; as well as academics, students, representatives of Bahamian institutions, trade unions, members of the diplomatic corps accredited to The Bahamas, members of the Cuban community, Cuban state mission personnel, and other distinguished guests.
In his remarks, Minister of Foreign Affairs the Hon. Fred Mitchell highlighted the historical significance of Fidel Castro and the importance of preserving the memory of a figure who profoundly shaped the history of Cuba and the Caribbean. He also underscored the longstanding ties between Cuba and The Bahamas, recalling the various occasions throughout his tenure as Minister of Foreign Affairs on which he had the opportunity to meet and interact with the Commander-in-Chief. Above all, he recalled Fidel’s profound sense of humanism.
Former Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Perry Christie likewise shared his reflections on Fidel Castro and on the significance of his figure in contemporary political history. His remarks underscored the breadth and significance of the Cuban leader’s political trajectory, as well as the importance of understanding the events that have shaped the history of relations in our region. He also highlighted the strong and historic bonds that unite Cuba and The Bahamas.
One of the central moments of the programme featured Bahamian medical student in Cuba, Geovanni Bethel, who shared his experiences studying in the island nation and highlighted the importance of Cuban cooperation in the training of healthcare professionals. His personal testimony offered a first-hand perspective on the impact of educational ties between the two countries and Cuba’s contribution to the training of Bahamian doctors. On behalf of all Bahamian students currently studying in Cuba, he expressed his gratitude for Fidel’s vision in establishing institutions such as the Latin American School of Medicine (ELAM), which has trained physicians for countries around the world.
For his part, the Ambassador of Cuba to The Bahamas, Juan Carlos Marcóf Sánchez, addressed Fidel’s legacy and recalled various episodes from the history of the Cuban Revolution that help to explain the principles that guided his work, including the defence of sovereignty, solidarity, social justice, and Cuba’s internationalist vocation.
As part of the programme, the Embassy of Cuba donated books to the University of The Bahamas, including publications devoted to the history and culture of Cuba, as well as to the life and thought of Fidel Castro. The initiative represents a contribution to academic and cultural exchange, while providing students and faculty with additional resources for exploring Cuba’s history and reality.
The programme also featured two musical performances by Felipe Alchibal Mustelier, whose violin brought an expression of Cuba’s rich cultural heritage to the occasion, complementing the programme and adding a moving artistic dimension to this gathering dedicated to historical memory and Fidel’s enduring legacy.
The Embassy extends its special appreciation to friend Ron O. Pindler for his engaging and gracious moderation of the symposium.
(Embacuba Bahamas)