Fiji and Cuba have opportunities to strengthen their cultural and academic ties through music, arts, education and public health.
This was highlighted by University of Fiji Vice-Chancellor Professor Shaista Shameem while speaking at the Cuba and Fiji Cultural Event hosted by the Cuban Embassy.
Shameem says the University wants to give Cuban arts and culture greater exposure in Fiji and the wider Pacific.
She says the University already has memorandums of understanding with several Cuban institutions, including the University of Havana and music production company EGREM.
Professor Shameem says these partnerships have helped maintain connections with Cuban academics and creative professionals.
She says medical education and public health are also important areas for further cooperation, building on Cuba’s contribution to the training of medical students from Fiji.
Professor Shameem says the University hopes to bring Fijian and Cuban musicians and artists together through collaborative projects and exchange programmes.
She says work is already underway to develop a musical sound combining Fijian and Cuban influences, with two recordings celebrating the countries’ musical friendship featured on a recent jazz album.
The University is also exploring the possibility of organising a music festival and bringing artists from both countries together for cultural exchanges.
Professor Shameem says Fiji and Cuba share similarities through their tropical climates, historical connections with the sugar industry, musical traditions and commitment to education.
The event also marked the launch of the Cuba-Fiji Friendship Society, which aims to encourage Fijians and Cubans to build friendships and connections within the wider community.
Cuban Ambassador to Fiji Néstor Torres says Cuba’s National Day of Culture, celebrated on 20th October each year, commemorates the first public singing of the Cuban National Anthem in 1868 during the country’s struggle for independence.
He says Cuban culture represents the unity and resilience of its people, particularly during challenging times.
Ambassador Torres says Cuba and Fiji share a strong connection with the sea, their cultural traditions and their ability to overcome adversity.
The event brought together members of the diplomatic community, academics, artists and friends of Cuba, with performances of traditional Cuban music and dance, including Guantanamera by Fijian artist Sailasa Tora.
The programme also featured a Cuban dance performance by Dalia and Osmel and an exhibition of artworks.
Those interested in joining the Cuba-Fiji Friendship Society can obtain further information from the Cuban Embassy or the University of Fiji’s Enlightenment Bookshop at its Suva Central Campus.
