Senator to transfer Cuban archival documents to people of the US Virgin Islands
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| Published on Monday, November 9, 2009 |
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ST THOMAS, USVI -- On Tuesday, November 17, at an official ceremony at historic Fort Frederik, St Croix Senator Wayne James will transfer to the people of the US Virgin Islands a collection of valuable documents, photographs, and moving images obtained from the University of Havana during the senator’s recent visit to Cuba, where he attended the VII Biennial Conference of Caribbean Architects.
James will also transfer -- from his private collection -- copies of 233 rare photographs of Cuba taken in 1925.
“For 50 years, Cuba has been, for all practical purposes, closed to Americans,” James said. “So to receive such a wonderful gift from the people of Cuba is a wonderful expression of diplomacy and Caribbean unity. And it was an honor for me, on behalf of the people of the Virgin Islands, to present our Cuban brothers with historic photos of their own homeland. Their archivists had no previous knowledge of the existence of my collection, so they enthusiastically received the gift.” James obtained the 233 photographs several years ago while purchasing antiques in Barcelona, Spain.
Senator James will also present a lecture on his experiences in Cuba at the event: the socio-political climate; the thriving artistic and intellectual communities; Cuban sentiments towards communism and socialism; the food, music, and dance; and entrepreneurship. “I have traveled the world over—several times,” he said. “I have seen a lot in my 48 years on this Earth, but I definitely found Havana to be one of the highlights of my international travels. The city is like a once-beautiful woman who has come upon hard times: underneath the weather-beaten skin is beautifully chiseled bone structure.”
James has also embarked upon discussions with the University of Havana regarding student exchanges.
“Virgin Islands students would benefit immeasurably by a two-week experience in Cuba. As chairperson of the Committee on Education, Youth, and Culture, it is my hope to be able to send three of our students to study in Havana next summer. I am sure that the experience will forever alter their outlooks on life,” James concluded. | | | | Reads : 423 | | | |
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