GREVIC ALVARADO
The National Library and Information System Authority (Nalis) launched the third edition of Latin Night on June 12.
The library will celebrate the culture of nine Latin countries until June 22. Nalis' executive director Paula Greene welcomed the ambassadors of Peru, Panama, Argentina, Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Spain, Mexico, Chile, Colombia and Korea, who attended the ceremony at Abercromby Street, Port of Spain.
[caption id="attachment_1020995" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Mexico ambassador Hugo Morales talks to a guest as he highlights the taste of original tequila from Mexico at the opening of Latin Night at Nalis, Abercromby Street, Port of Spain on June 12. - Grevic Alvarado[/caption]
“For Nalis it is a pleasure to be able to bring back the Latin Night. This is part of the programmes to boost and promote the Spanish language, in addition to showing a bit of the culture of each of the participating countries,” Greene said.
Each embassy will show its music, art, cuisine and other traditions.
Cuban ambassador Tania Diego Olite, representing the participating embassies, said the Latin Night is a continuation of the collaboration of several embassies with Nalis and the promotion of learning Spanish in Trinidad and Tobago.
“It also contributes to cultural, religious and social co-operation between TT and Latin countries.”
[caption id="attachment_1020997" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Ministers Cox, de Nobriga and Browne cut the ribbon for the opening of the third Latin Night in Nalis, together with the ambassadors present on Monday. - Grevic Alvarado[/caption]
She recited a poem in Spanish and English called Todo Mezclado (Everything Mixed).
Minister of Foreign and Caricom Affairs Dr Amery Browne said it was a special event.
“Many things have changed since 2018, when the last festival was held, especially due to social challenges. The important thing is to bring people together through culture, music, art, films, cuisine. We are showing the world's talent here. They are our friends and neighbours. We are hearing very good feedback about these types of events."
Browne congratulated the Nalis board and the embassies for their support for this type of initiative to promote Spanish in TT.
“Well done, buenas noches (good night),” Browne said.
[caption id="attachment_1020998" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Front row: Minister of Social Development and Family Services, Donna Cox, second from left, Communications Minister Symon de Nobriga and Minister of Foreign and Caricom Affairs Dr Amery Browne, third from right, cut the ribbon for the opening of the third Latin Night at Nalis, together with the ambassadors present on June 12 at Abercromby Street, Port of Spain.- Grevic Alvarado[/caption]
Communications Minister Symon de Nobriga went a little further – in part of his speech he said in Spanish, "I am pleased by the invitation to share the Latin culture."
He said Nalis has been doing great linguistic work on the international, national and local levels
