The University of Fiji is looking to strengthen its academic and cultural partnerships with Cuba through new opportunities in music, arts, education and public health, building on existing agreements with Cuban institutions.
Speaking at the Cuba and Fiji Cultural Event hosted by the Embassy of the Republic of Cuba in Suva on Tuesday, 20 October 2026, the University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Shaista Shameem, said the celebration marked an important milestone in efforts to deepen cultural understanding and cooperation between the two island nations.
Professor Shameem said while the University had established partnerships with several Cuban institutions, greater efforts were needed to promote Cuban arts and culture in Fiji and across the wider Pacific.
“Although the University has a number of MOUs with universities and institutions in Cuba, we have always discussed the need for more exposure of Cuban arts and culture in Fiji and broadly the Pacific,” Professor Shameem said.
She acknowledged the enthusiasm and support of Cuba’s Ambassador to Fiji, His Excellency Néstor Torres, in helping bring the cultural initiative to fruition.
The Vice-Chancellor highlighted the University’s existing partnership with the University of Havana, established in 1728, as well as EGREM, one of Cuba’s leading music production companies.
She said these partnerships had enabled the University to maintain strong connections with Cuban academics and creative professionals following her visit to Cuba two years ago.
Professor Shameem also identified medical education and public health as important areas for further collaboration, acknowledging Cuba’s longstanding contribution to the training of medical students from Fiji.
“We are confident that our particular relationship with the medical schools in Cuba will help our own projects in public health, and they will be given a boost,” she said.
Beyond academic cooperation, the University is exploring opportunities to bring together musicians and artists from both countries through collaborative projects and cultural exchanges.
Professor Shameem revealed that work was already underway to develop a distinctive musical sound combining Fijian and Cuban influences, with two recordings celebrating the musical friendship between the countries featured on a recent jazz album.
The University also hopes to organise a music festival and explore opportunities for artists from Cuba and Fiji to participate in exchange programmes.
“Beyond music, we hope to collaborate on art projects and perhaps find a way to bring artists from Cuba to Fiji and vice versa in an exchange programme,” she said.
Reflecting on the similarities between the two nations, Professor Shameem said Fiji and Cuba shared more than geographical characteristics, pointing to their tropical climates, historical connections with the sugar industry, strong musical traditions and commitment to education.
She said the friendship developed between the University and the Cuban Embassy over the past four years could provide a foundation for wider cultural engagement between the two countries.
The occasion also provided an opportunity to launch the Cuba-Fiji Friendship Society, an initiative inviting Fijians and Cubans to build friendships and associations across the broader community.
Those interested in learning more about the Society or becoming involved can obtain further information from the Cuban Embassy in Fiji or The University of Fiji’s Enlightenment Bookshop, located at the Suva Central Campus, 1 Regal Lane, Suva.
Cuban Ambassador to Fiji, His Excellency Néstor Torres, said the celebration of Cuban Culture Day represented an important expression of national identity, unity and resilience.
He explained that Cuba commemorates its National Day of Culture on 20 October each year, marking the first public singing of the Cuban National Anthem in 1868 during the country’s struggle for independence.
“Celebrating Cuban culture means remembering that spirit of unity which defines our people,” Ambassador Torres said.
Despite the economic challenges facing Cuba, the Ambassador said preserving the country’s cultural traditions remained important.
“Throughout our history, art has served as a shield during complex times, and maintaining this celebration is a tribute to the strength of our unity,” he said.
He also drew parallels between the cultural identities of Cuba and Fiji, noting the strong connection both island nations share with the sea, their traditions and their ability to overcome adversity.
“As island nations, Cuba and Fiji share a deep bond with the sea, as well as an innate capacity to overcome adversity,” he said.
The evening brought together members of the diplomatic community, academics, artists and friends of Cuba for a celebration featuring traditional Cuban music, dance and visual arts.
The programme included a performance of the traditional Cuban song Guantanamera by Fijian artist Sailasa Tora, a Cuban dance showcase by the dance couple Dalia and Osmel, and an exhibition featuring works by participating artists.
The celebration also provided an opportunity for guests to experience Cuban cultural traditions through music, interactive dance and artistic displays.
Ambassador Torres thanked The University of Fiji, the Suva Multicultural Centre and Kaushal Tappoo for their contributions towards organising the event.
Professor Shameem expressed appreciation to the Cuban Embassy for its continued encouragement and support in strengthening the University’s academic and artistic relationships with Cuban institutions.
The University of Fiji remains committed to expanding international partnerships that create opportunities for academic collaboration, cultural exchange and greater engagement between Fiji and the international community.
