The University of Fiji hosted the Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba, HE Jose Manuel Galego Montano, at its Saweni Campus.

The University marked the occasion by inviting the Ambassador to plant the Cuban national tree, the Royal Palm, in the University gardens.

The Ambassador also launched the University’s Gaia Landscape Programme. The Gaia Landscape Programme is the University’s sustainable garden project which is part of Community Engagement, Environmental and Social Responsibilities in the University’s Strategic Plan 2022-2026.

Addressing the members of the University Senate, the Ambassador said that Cuba’s emphasis on higher education was significant for the University of Fiji because Cuba had free education for all its citizens. Cuba had also made important advances in medicine, especially treatment of Non-communicable diseases and cancer. The Ambassador highlighted the importance of women’s health and wellbeing as a priority for the Government of Cuba. In particular, Cuba had formulated its own vaccines for Covid-19 which was available to all people of Cuba including those very young.

The Ambassador congratulated the University of Fiji’s Gaia Landscape Sustainable Garden Programme and said it was an important project in order protect food security worldwide.

Calling it a ‘historical occasion’ the Vice Chancellor of the University Professor Shaista Shameem said that the visit by His Excellency was an opportunity for the University to showcase its campus and facilities to the Ambassador and, through him, to the Government and people of the Republic of Cuba. Cuba and Fiji had many similarities including in climate, friendly people and beautiful landscapes, Professor Shameem said.