On the morning of Friday 7th February 2025, a delegation led by the Cuban Deputy Minister for Culture H.E. Mrs. Lizette Martinez Luzardo paid a Courtesy Call on the Media, Youth, Sports and Culture Committee (MYSCC) of the National Assembly. The Deputy Minister was accompanied by the Resident Cuban Ambassador H.E. Mrs. Martha Hernandez Caneiro, Minister Counselor Mr. Tomás Méndez, and Translator Mr. Allan Kilindo. The MYSCC were represented by Chairperson Hon. Wavel Woodcock, Vice-Chairperson Hon. Phillip Arissol, Hon. Conrad Gabriel, and Hon. Louisette Tamboo. Assistance was provided by Committee Secretary Mr. Vincent Quatre, and PR & Protocol Manager Ms. Angelique Hill. Also present during the meeting was the Secretary General of the Seychelles National Institute for Culture, Heritage, and the Arts (SNICHA) Mr. David Andre, Permanent Secretary of SNICHA Ms. Cecile Kalebi, and SNICHA Acting Director for International Cooperation Mrs. Sophia Rosalie.
H.E. Mrs. Martinez began by thanking 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. Briefly speaking on the historical developments of Cuba, H.E. Mrs. Martinez emphasised the vital role of the 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 “Casa 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 posited 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 spaces such as judo, boxing, volleyball, amongst 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.
H.E. Mrs. 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.” The Cuban delegation expressed their continued political will in the support of 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.
