The University of the West Indies (The UWI) is set to place renewed focus on developments in Cuba as concerns continue to grow across the region and internationally about the country’s ongoing socio-economic challenges.
According to a press release from The UWI, the institution will host a Vice-Chancellor’s Forum titled “Perspectives on the Current Cuban Crisis: Issues, Impact, and Imperatives” on Thursday, June 25, 2026. The hybrid event will begin at 11:00 AM Eastern Caribbean/Atlantic Standard Time and 10:00 AM Jamaica time.
The forum will be staged at the Eon Nigel Harris Council Room at The UWI Regional Headquarters in Kingston, Jamaica, while also being broadcast live on UWItv, allowing audiences throughout the Caribbean and around the world to participate in the discussion.
The press release notes that Cuba is currently facing significant socio-economic difficulties, including shortages of basic goods, persistent energy-related challenges, and broader economic pressures. These issues have extended beyond Cuba’s borders, affecting the wider Caribbean as the country grapples with complex international relationships and ongoing domestic reform efforts.
According to The UWI, Cuba’s circumstances have become increasingly important for regional discussion, particularly amid changing global conditions that include longstanding trade restrictions, shifts in tourism activity, and migration-related pressures.
In response, The UWI says it is using its role as a regional leader in research and public dialogue to foster greater understanding of the situation. Alongside the upcoming forum, the university has launched a month-long humanitarian campaign known as the “One-UWI Humanitarian Effort.” The initiative is mobilizing staff, students, alumni, and partners across all campuses throughout June to contribute financially toward the purchase of essential supplies for Cuba.
The forum is being organized by the Office of the Vice-Chancellor in partnership with the Office of the Board for Undergraduate Studies, the Latin American-Caribbean Centre and the Sir Arthur Lewis Institute of Social and Economic Studies.
The UWI says that the event will bring together a panel of regional and international experts, including academics, diplomats, and policy specialists, to examine the causes and scale of Cuba’s current challenges, government responses, emerging policy options, implications for CARICOM and international relations, and opportunities for regional cooperation and support.
The discussion will feature opening remarks from Professor Sir Hilary Beckles and Her Excellency Tania López Larroque.
Joining the expert panel will be Jessica Byron-Reid, Bert Hoffmann, Andy Knight, Miriam Nicado, and Indira Rampersad.
Moderating duties will be shared by Canute S. Thompson and Don D. Marshall. The live event will be chaired by Gillian Bristol, who also serves as Strategic Coordinator for The UWI Multilingual Culture Programme.
The UWI noted that its Vice-Chancellor’s Forum series has served for more than a decade as a platform for informed public discussion on major regional and international issues. Under the leadership of Sir Hilary Beckles, the forums have brought together scholars, policymakers, and practitioners to address social, economic, political, and developmental challenges affecting the Caribbean and the wider world.
The university is encouraging members of the public to follow the discussion live through the UWItv website and regional Flow channels. The forum is intended to provide timely analysis, encourage meaningful engagement, and explore solutions related to one of the Caribbean’s most pressing current concerns.
