Cuban doctor-cum-author and artist hosts book launch and painting exhibition |22 August 2022

Copies of the book

The HIV and Aids Support Organisation (Haso) on Friday evening organised a book launch and exhibition of paintings by Cuban doctor Pastor Castillo Diaz, in support of the organisation.

The launch of the book, a non-fiction novel entitled, ‘On the Summit of La Esperanza’, and the exhibition containing nine abstract paintings, was held in the International Conference Centre (ICCS) lobby. 

It was officially opened by David Andre, in his dual capacity as the Mayor of Victoria and the secretary general of the Seychelles National Institute of Culture, Heritage and the Arts.

Present were the ambassador for Culture, Patrick Victor; the chief executive of the National Arts and Crafts Council, Jimmy Savy; Haso members, fellow artists and other invited guests including Dr Diaz’s French companion, Miriam Mulet. 

‘On the Summit of La Esperanza’ is about the life and adventures of Dr Diaz in Cuba and in Seychelles through the main character Rafael.

Dr Diaz was sent in 1981 by his government to work in our country for a year as part of a medical contingent in Africa. He was posted with the Seychelles People’s Defence Forces and later left the mission to go to Paris after the love of his life. Upon his return, he was sent to Cuba where he was considered as a defector for leaving the mission and he was sentenced to three years in prison.

In his opening remarks, Mayor Andre described the combined book launch and painting exhibition as testimony to the cultural effervescence of Victoria, the town where the clock chimes twice.

He added that the book attests to the cultural wealth of small island developing  states (Sids) as it recounts life stories happening both in our country and in Cuba as well as in other small island countries.

He thanked Dr Diaz for choosing our country to host the cultural event.

Dr Diaz explained that his book is about how he took on what life threw at him and how he navigated the great sea of life always with hope and passion.

He noted that ‘Esperanza’ is the Spanish word for ‘Hope’ and that he always believed in ‘hope’ while he was experiencing some painful moments in his life.

“Hosting the book launch in Seychelles was a must because several pages recount events that unfold in Seychelles and the characters met here play central roles in the story of my life. This book is about my love for Seychelles,” said Dr Diaz, who noted that he is considering to settle down in our country.

Apart from the book, which is about the colourful life and personality of Dr Diaz, his nine large dimensional acrylic abstract paintings on canvas, also very colourful, depict the different scenes of life – day and night. The proceeds from the sales of copies of the book and paintings will go to Haso for its organisational activities.

The chairperson of Haso, Justin Freminot, thanked Mr Diaz for the donation of the books and paintings which will be going towards a good cause.

He also thanked him for his past support to the organisation again through the proceeds from the sales of his paintings that he donated.

As a sign of appreciation for his support, Haso invited Antoinette Dodin, who was accompanied by her son Phabian, to sing the well known Cuban song ‘Guantanamera’, which Dr Diaz and companion also joined in the singing while dancing to the tune.

Dr Diaz later said that he befriended Mr Freminot who was in the army at the time he was working as a doctor with the SPDF.

He added that it was through their continued friendship that he learned about Haso and through this friendship he had since supported the organisation.

Dr Diaz, who is a well known author and artist, was born in Cuba in 1945. As a teenager, he served as a messenger for the Army Rebel led by Fidel Castro in the guerilla base in the Pinar del Río hills. He graduated as a doctor from the University of Havana and after practicing his profession in Cuba he was sent by the government to work in the Seychelles. He now lives in Miami, Florida, where he combines his work as a physical therapist with writing and painting.

Text & photos by Patrick Joubert