Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good Evening.
It is an indeed an honour and distinct privilege to be here with you on behalf of the Honourable Sean Sobers, Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs this evening at the National Library of Trinidad and Tobago for the opening of Latin Nights VI.
I wish to extend a warm welcome to our esteemed diplomatic partners and to everyone gathered here today to celebrate the rich, colourful and dynamic heritage of Latin America
NALIS’ events such as Latin Nights, Asian Nights and the recently concluded Parang History Month underscore the profound value of cultural diplomacy.
Culture, a universal bridge, transcends borders, languages, and geographic distance. Through the shared appreciation of film, music, dance, art, and cuisine, we deepen mutual understanding and strengthen the ties of friendship that unite Trinidad and Tobago with our Latin American neighbours.
This year’s participants, namely, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Peru, Spain, and Venezuela, together represent an extraordinary mosaic of history, creativity, and resilience within the Americas. Through this weeklong festival, NALIS, once again, provides us with a valuable window into the heartbeat of these nations; an immersive and captivating “celebration of Latin American culture” is indeed to be expected.
I commend NALIS for its vision and dedication in establishing Latin Nights as a signature fixture on its calendar. Libraries are not only custodians of books and knowledge; they are vibrant spaces for community engagement, intercultural dialogue, and lifelong learning.
As we mark six successful editions of this wonderful festival, a popular saying in Spanish comes to mind: No hay quinto malo … there is no bad fifth edition … y el sexto es mejor! and the sixth is even better!
Friends,
Over the next eight days, patrons will have the opportunity to experience a rich variety of programming including an engaging line-up of international cinema and historical documentaries, a fusion of artistic expression, particularly the innovative cross-cultural showcase "When Tango Meets Soca", and even live dance workshops, classical music concerts, and curated cultural displays highlighting art, folklore, and cuisine.
Tonight, we kick off this celebration with a screening highlighting the rich musical traditions of Cuba. A fitting start to a week designed to inspire, educate, and entertain.
To our diplomatic partners, thank you for your commitment to sharing your nation's rich heritage with the people of Trinidad and Tobago.
To NALIS, thank you for your leadership in bringing this initiative to life year after year.
May this 2026 iteration foster greater unity, artistic appreciation, and lasting bonds across our region.
Thank you, and enjoy the evening.
¡Muchas gracias y feliz noche a todos!
