The University of Nottingham’s Centre for Research on Cuba recently held a workshop in London, designed to help people gain a better understanding of modern Cuba.
Cuba has experienced a number of significant events in the last 12 months, from the visit of the Obamas in March 2016, the first Presidential visit since 1928, to the recent death of Fidel Castro in December 2016 providing those interested in the island with plenty to think about.
The workshop, which was entitled ‘Getting into and Understanding Cuba Today’ was organised by The Centre for Research on Cuba at the University of Nottingham.
It was opened by an address from the Cuban Ambassador to the UK, Her Excellency Teresita Vicente, followed by a presentation by Professor Antoni Kapcia from the University of Nottingham, one of the UK’s leading experts, who has built up a great knowledge and understanding of Cuba, its history, politics and culture and how that shapes the Cuban people today.
Professor Nigel White, an embargo expert from the University of Nottingham Law School also gave a presentation called “Shifting Sands: The Legalities of Trading with Cuba”, in which he examined the US Embargo and its impact on doing business with Cuba. There was also an insight into the Cuban economy by Dr Emily Morris of University College London.
Speaking about the event, Her Excellency Teresita Vicente, Cuban Ambassador to the UK, said: “This event was extremely informative and useful. The Centre for Research on Cuba at the University of Nottingham has, for many years, provided us with valuable research and publications about Cuba substantially contributing to a better understanding of our nation.”
Attendees included official representatives from the Cuban Embassy, The Department for International Trade and the FCO along with a number of industry delegates representing both those who already have a footprint in Cuba but also industries who are interested in developing links with the country.
Professor Antoni Kapcia added: “I hope that the event enabled the attendees to gain a better understanding of Cuba today. It is important that they are equipped with the knowledge and awareness to appreciate how best they can engage with Cuba in the future, and how changing scenarios may impact the way they choose to interact with the country.”
Held at Canning House in London, the workshop is the first in a series of events to be delivered by the Centre for Research on Cuba as part of their consultancy and training activities to support UK Cuban economic and political partnership development and was part funded by a University of Nottingham Hermes grant to develop the event.
For more information about the University’s Continuing Professional Development service, visit www.nottingham.ac.uk/cpdstudy
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