By Lauern Roderrick
On Wednesday, April 12 the Miami Lakes Chamber of Commerce hosted their monthly membership luncheon. Over 50 guests were in attendance and eager to hear from guest speaker, Dr. Brian Latell. All types of business professionals such as realtors, medical professionals, business owners, and more gathered at the Miami Lakes Hotel. Upon arrival, the guests mingled in the lobby and did some networking. Dr. Brian Latell joined the guests in the lobby and introduced himself and chatted with a few people. At 12 p.m. the ballroom doors were opened, inviting everyone to enter. As attendees found themselves to their seats and got settled in, Chamber President Fred Senra began the luncheon. As always, the meeting commenced with a short prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, led by a few veterans from the Miami Lakes community. The Miami Lakes Hotel provided a delicious full course meal to all attendees. As lunch was being served and enjoyed, everyone had the opportunity to introduce themselves to the room and share a little bit about their business.
After all guests introduced themselves, President Fred Senra gave a brief biography on the guest speaker, Dr. Brian Latell. Brian Latell, Ph.D. has been a Latin America and Caribbean specialist since the 1960s. During his 35 years of service in the CIA and the National Intelligence Council he advised White House and other ranking American officials and members of Congress on Latin American developments. He teaches, lectures, consults, and writes, especially on Cuba and foreign intelligence matters. He has frequently advised US and foreign government policy making organizations and leaders, including presidents and ministers. In the late 1960s he served as a US Air Force intelligence officer in Texas, Louisiana, and Washington D.C. He is the author of After Fidel: Raul Castro and the Future of Cuba’s Revolution (2005); Castro’s Secrets (2012); and History Will Absolve Me: Fidel Castro, Life and Legacy (2016). He is co-editor of Eye in the Sky, a history of the Corona reconnaissance satellite program (1998).
His presentation focused on his professional journey. He has an extensive list of credentials and experience. He shared his studies and knowledge on Cuba and the Castro regime. Many of the guests were Cuban or of Cuban descent, so they were very interested and engaged. As his presentation ended, several attendees had questions which Dr. Latell enthusiastically answered. As always, it was a great, successful luncheon. The Miami Lakes Chamber of Commerce will be hosting their next membership luncheon on Wednesday, May 10 at the Miami Lakes Hotel with guest speaker Roberto Alonso Jr.
