Caribbean Leaders Reject US Visa Threat Over Cuban Medical Workers

GEORGETOWN, Guyana (AP) — Caribbean leaders are standing firm against a new United States policy that threatens to revoke visas for foreign officials involved in Cuban medical missions providing essential healthcare to the region. This response comes after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused these missions of being akin to ‘forced labor’ aimed at enriching the Cuban regime.

The controversy centers on Cuba’s expansive medical program, which has deployed thousands of doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to more than 56 countries, bolstering healthcare systems in nations with limited resources. Caribbean nations have increasingly relied on Cuban medical missions, particularly during health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a recent interview, Hugh Todd, Guyana’s foreign minister, highlighted the importance of these medical staff, stating that “the U.S. is a strategic partner to CARICOM, but this very important issue has to be dealt with at the level of heads of government.”

Rubio’s announcement detailed visa restrictions that would impact not only Cuban government officials but also those “complicit” in the Cuban medical program. The U.S. government claims that the Cuban regime exploits its medical staff by keeping a significant portion of their wages and limiting their freedoms. However, critics argue that there is a lack of evidence supporting these accusations.

Economist Tamarys Bahamonde from the Center for Latin American and Latino Studies called the situation “complex.” She emphasized the urgency of listening to the voices of Cuban doctors, noting that while accusations of forced labor persist, many Cuban healthcare professionals voluntarily participate in the program. “Cuba retains a significant portion of their salaries, and there are testimonies from doctors confirming restrictions on movement,” she said.

Amid these developments, Caribbean leaders have expressed their unwavering support for the Cuban medical missions. Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, called U.S. recommendations “unfair and unjustified,” attesting to the integral role of Cuban healthcare providers in managing local health care needs. “We could not get through the pandemic without the Cuban nurses and doctors,” she stated.

Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Keith Rowley echoed similar sentiments, stating that U.S. interference in Caribbean healthcare decisions was unacceptable. He voiced readiness to forgo his U.S. visa to ensure the presence of Cuban medical professionals. “Out of the blue now, we have been called human traffickers for hiring technical people who we pay top dollar,” said Rowley.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves expressed concern over possible patient care disruptions, stating, “If the Cubans are not there, we may not be able to run the service.”

According to the United States State Department, the visa restrictions are part of a broader strategy to pressure countries to comply with human trafficking guidelines. However, Bahamian Foreign Minister Fred Mitchell and other leaders have defended their partnerships with Cuba, asserting that they adhere to international best practices in recruiting labor.

The situation has fueled mounting tensions between the Caribbean nations and the U.S., which has historically placed significant pressure on Cuba over human rights concerns. Critics note that U.S. policies not only impact Cuban missions but the vulnerable populations in Caribbean countries dependent on these healthcare services to survive crises exacerbated by poverty and limited resources.

The necessity of Cuban medical missions is underscored by the desperate healthcare environment in parts of the Caribbean where trained medical professionals remain in short supply. Nineteen Caribbean Community (CARICOM) nations have expressed their unwillingness to compromise on the commitment to Cuban doctors, indicating that the humanitarian needs of their people outweigh geopolitical tensions.