Suva, October 23, 2026.—The University of Fiji (UniFiji) has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation with Cuba by promoting new joint initiatives in the fields of higher education, public health, the arts, and music. This was announced by the institution’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Shaista Shameem, during a cultural event hosted by the Cuban Embassy.
During her remarks, Professor Shameem highlighted that both nations share profound similarities, such as their tropical climates, strong musical traditions, a firm commitment to education, and a common historical legacy linked to the sugar industry. She also noted the university’s interest in giving greater visibility to Cuban culture and the arts both in Fiji and throughout the insular Pacific region.
Currently, the University of Fiji maintains collaboration agreements (memorandums of understanding) with various academic and cultural institutions on the Caribbean island, notably the University of Havana and the music production company EGREM. These agreements have helped strengthen ties with Cuban academics and creative professionals.
In the educational and scientific spheres, the Vice Rector emphasized the importance of cooperation in the areas of public health and medical training, citing Cuba’s outstanding historical contribution to the education of Fijian medical students.
As part of the effort to promote artistic cooperation, innovative initiatives are already underway, such as the fusion of musical influences from both countries; evidence of this can be found in two recent recordings included on a jazz album that pay tribute to the musical friendship between the two nations. Likewise, the institution is evaluating the organization of a music festival and future exchange programs to bring together Fijian and Cuban artists.
The event also served as the official setting for the launch of the Cuba-Fiji Friendship Society, an organization aimed at fostering bonds of brotherhood and community interaction among the citizens of both countries. Those interested in joining the Cuba-Fiji Friendship Society can obtain more information directly at the Cuban Embassy or at the Enlightenment Bookshop at the University of Fiji, located on its main campus in Suva.
For his part, Cuba’s Ambassador to Fiji, Néstor Torres, recalled the commemoration of Cuban Culture Day, celebrated every October 20 in honor of the first public performance of the National Anthem in 1868. The diplomat emphasized that his country’s culture symbolizes the unity and resilience of the Cuban people in the face of adversity, noting that both Fiji and Cuba share a close connection to the sea and an innate ability to overcome challenges.
The celebration brought together members of the diplomatic corps, academics, artists, and friends of Cuba, and included performances of traditional Cuban music and dance—notably a rendition of the classic “Guantanamera” by Fijian artist Sailasa Tora—as well as dance performances by Dalia and Osmel and an exhibition of visual arts.
More information:
https://www.fijivillage.com/u/university-of-fiji-looks-to-strengthen-cul...
(Embacuba Fiyi)