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Head of Hispanic Studies to answer key questions on Guantánamo Bay

Dr William Rowlandson, Head of Hispanic Studies at the University of Kent and an expert on Cuba, is to give a talk aimed at answering the key questions surrounding the United States of America's detention centre at Guantánamo Bay.

His talk, which is free and open to all, will take place at the Duke of Cumberland in Whitstable on Thursday 28 February at 7.30pm.

In advance of the US military tribunals for the six men charged in connection with the 11 September attacks, all of whom are being held at Guantánamo Bay, Dr Rowlandson will consider if the detention centre under the Bush administration is a new thing, explore the role it played during the Bay of Pigs and the Missile Crisis, and examine its role under the Clinton administration. He will also address how language has been a key factor in creating the legal 'black hole' that is Guantánamo Bay, as well as the Cuban reaction, political and public, to the military base and detention centre.

Dr Rowlandson said: 'As Cuba and the US have no formal diplomatic relations, many people still want to know how is it that the US occupies the land of Guantánamo Bay in Eastern Cuba? And how long has it occupied this land?

'Hopefully, I shall answer these and other important questions about one of the most controversial and high-profile detention centres in history. Of particular interest will be the discussion about the reaction of the Cuban people to the camp - especially in light of the recent handing-over of power from Fidel Castro to his brother Raúl.'

Contact: mediaoffice@kent.ac.uk

Story published at 4:02pm 27 February 2008