Cuban delegation pay courtesy call on MYSCC of the National Assembly |14 February 2025
The meeting between the two delegations
A delegation led by the Cuban deputy Minister for Culture, Lizette Martinez Luzardo, paid a courtesy call on the Media, Youth, Sports and Culture Committee (MYSCC) of the National Assembly on February 7, 2025. The deputy minister was accompanied by the resident Cuban ambassador to Seychelles, Martha Hernandez Caneiro; Minister Counselor Tomás Méndez, and interpreter Allan Kilindo.
The MYSCC were represented by chairperson Wavel Woodcock, vice-chairperson Phillip Arissol, and members Conrad Gabriel and Louisette Tamboo.
Assistance was provided by committee secretary Vincent Quatre, and PR & protocol manager, Angelique Hill.
Also present during the meeting was the secretary general of the Seychelles National Institute for Culture, Heritage and the Arts, David Andre; permanent secretary for culture Cecile Kalebi; and the institute’s acting director for International Cooperation, Sophia Rosalie.
Deputy Minister Martinez Luzardo thanked the Committee for facilitating this meeting, noting that alongside her position as deputy Minister for Culture she also had a legislative career within the National Assembly of Cuba where she was a member of a counterpart committee with the same interest.
Speaking briefly on the historical developments of Cuba, deputy Minister Martinez Luzardo emphasised the vital role of former President Fidel Castro in the preservation of Cuban culture.
Revolution, she remarked, is a cultural phenomenon; “Only those who are truly immersed in their culture are so willing to fight for it.”
National strategies for cultural preservation include the development of ‘Casas de la Cultura’ (Houses of Culture) which can be found nationwide. These facilities are dedicated to the teaching and promotion of culture and history through art galleries, dance lessons, food and drink, and other archived materials of significance.
It was also emphasised that sports and culture are heavily intertwined; baseball is both a national sport and a national heritage of Cuba, with young talents being nurtured and financially invested in. Sports facilities in Cuba are well-maintained and developed with the needs of young emerging talents in mind.
The deputy minister noted that in order to achieve global recognition in sports, children must have access to the most advanced resources and foster the right mindset through specialised training.
Hon. Woodcock thanked the deputy minister for her discourse, affirming his gratitude for her presence in Seychelles and acknowledging the positive relationship between Cuba and Seychelles as longstanding friends.
The chairperson concurred on the importance of cultural preservation and the role of tradition in societal development, as well as the role of sports in youth development and national achievement.
The committee noted that Cuba is renowned for their elite athletes in disciplines such as judo, boxing, volleyball, among others.
An inquiry was made into the existing frameworks for cooperation between Seychelles and Cuba on this front, and what advancements could be introduced in the future.
Ambassador Hernandez recapped the previous agreements in place for mutual development, noting that concrete actions must now follow the legal frameworks.
She also took the opportunity to express her appreciation for the continued pleasure of living and serving Seychelles in her role as ambassador.
“With our modest efforts, Cuba would like to realise the success of Seychelles in global forums. Despite the economic setbacks, Cuba will continue to give its best,” she said.
The Cuban delegation expressed their continued political will to support Seychelles, and an invitation was extended to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Roger Mancienne, to form part of a legislative exchange.
Both parties then exchanged thanks for the opportunity to host such fruitful discussions, before the meeting concluded with a souvenir photograph.
Contributed