On Thursday October 3rd 2024, Senator the Honourable Dr. Amery Browne, Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, met with His Worship Alderman Chinua Alleyne, Mayor of Port of Spain and His Excellency Gustavo Veliz Olivares, Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago to discuss the restoration of historic structures in Port of Spain and explore possible further cooperation between Trinidad and Tobago and Cuba in this regard.
Minister Browne recalled the pivotal role played by Cuba in the Red House Restoration Project and welcomed the opportunity to bring both the Mayor and Ambassador together. He also affirmed Cuba’s role in the restoration of some of Trinidad and Tobago’s most important structures such as the Magnificent Seven. Noting that he witnessed the competence of Cubans firsthand in Old Havana, Minister Browne endorsed UNESCO’s claim that Cuba’s expertise in this area was well-founded. Trinidad and Tobago, he declared, is at a period of introspection regarding national symbols. In this regard, he commended both the Mayor and the Ambassador for initiating discussion on the restoration of sites deemed of critical importance. Finally, Minister Browne also pointed out the significance of heritage tourism as an avenue for economic growth for Trinidad and Tobago.
Mayor Alleyne noted the long history of cooperation between Trinidad and Tobago and Cuba with regard to the restoration of pivotal buildings in Port of Spain. He expressed the hope that there could be further partnership with Cuba to complete at least one legacy project.
Ambassador Olivares welcomed the opportunity to cooperate with Trinidad and Tobago in this regard and underscored the extensive work carried out with other international partners such as UNESCO who funded restoration projects in Havana.
All parties agreed to further discussions on the issue with a view to preserving the cultural heritage of Trinidad and Tobago for future generations.
