NALIS’s Latin Nights continues this week with a photographic exhibition to honour the birth centenary of one of Cuba’s most prominent leaders: Fidel Castro Ruz.
The Embassy of Cuba, in collaboration with the National Library and Information System Authority (NALIS), officially launched the exhibition, themed ‘100 Years of Fidel’ depicting striking photographic images of Cuba’s most influential figure.
The display includes images of T&T’s first Prime Minister, the late Dr. Eric Williams, and Mr. Castro, who met during PM Williams’ official visit to Cuba in 1975. Also included are images from 1998, when then Prime Minister Basdeo Panday met with Mr. Castro during the closing ceremony of the Special Meeting of Heads of State and Government of the CARIFORUM in Santo Domingo.
During the launch of the exhibition, it was noted that T&T and Cuba continue to build upon these previously established ties.
Director of the Heritage Library Division, Jasmin Simmons, said the collaboration between the Embassy and NALIS symbolises the enduring friendship and commitment to knowledge and learning between the two countries.
“NALIS’ relationship with Cuba, continues with the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation between the National Library and Information Systems Authority and the National Library of Cuba, José Martí in 2023 toward the sharing of expertise in the field of library and information science. In a meaningful gesture of cultural exchange, both countries gifted publication to each others libraries. These donations symbolising the enduring friendship and shared commitment to knowledge and learning between the two countries and stand as a testament to the power of libraries and literature in building bridges of understanding and solidarity.”
The exhibition also included the screening of the documentary The Merit is to Be Alive, produced by Mundo Latino in 2006. One of the show’s producers underscored the significance of the documentary, which depicted the failed assassination attempts against Mr. Castro during his tenure.
“The most important of this documentary film is not only that it tells us the 638 attempts against the life of Fidel Castro, but also this is the first time members of the personal security forces in Cuba tells to the cameras about their experience.”
The Embassy of Cuba, together with NALIS, continues to stand as an exemplary testament to the shared power of libraries, building bridges of understanding and solidarity between nations.