In a commendable display of leadership and solidarity, Caribbean nations have united to oppose a recent U.S. policy targeting Cuban medical missions. These missions have long been instrumental in bolstering healthcare systems across the region, providing essential services to underserved communities. The U.S. administration’s stance not only threatens to disrupt these vital services but also undermines the sovereignty of Caribbean nations striving to meet the healthcare needs of their populations.
Since the early 1960s, Cuba has championed medical internationalism, dispatching healthcare professionals worldwide to assist nations in crisis and to support under-resourced medical systems. This commitment began in 1960 when Cuba sent a team of medics to Chile following a devastating earthquake. Three years later, in 1963, Cuba dispatched medical workers to help newly independent Algeria build its healthcare sector. Over the decades, Cuban medical professionals have served in numerous countries, offering services ranging from emergency response to the establishment of sustainable healthcare infrastructure.
- Advertisement -
In the Caribbean, Cuban doctors have been a cornerstone of healthcare delivery. Their contributions have been particularly significant in nations grappling with limited resources and challenging health indicators. For instance, in Haiti, Cuban medical teams have been active since 1998, providing continuous support through natural disasters and health crises. They have been credited with performing over 207,000 surgeries, restoring eyesight to 45,000 individuals, and assisting in the birth of 100,000 children. Such interventions have not only saved lives but have also strengthened the healthcare capacities of these nations.
The recent U.S. policy threatens visa restrictions on individuals involved with Cuban medical missions, labeling these programs as “forced labor” that enriches the Cuban regime. This characterization has been met with staunch opposition from Caribbean leaders who recognize the indispensable role of Cuban healthcare professionals in their countries.
Jamaica’s Foreign Minister, Kamina Johnson Smith, highlighted the significance of over 400 Cuban medical personnel working in Jamaica, stating, “Their presence here is of importance to our healthcare system.” These professionals include doctors, nurses, biomedical engineers, and technicians who fill critical gaps in the nation’s healthcare delivery.
Similarly, Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines emphasized the critical nature of Cuban medical assistance, particularly for patients requiring dialysis treatment. He remarked, “I will prefer to lose my visa than to have 60 poor and working people die.” This statement underscores the profound ethical considerations at play, where the well-being of citizens is prioritized over diplomatic pressures.
Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister, Keith Rowley, before stepping down, also expressed his readiness to forgo his U.S. visa rather than compromise his nation’s healthcare services. He asserted, “I just came back from California, and if I never go back there again in my life, I will ensure that the sovereignty of Trinidad and Tobago is known to … .” Rowley highlighted the long-standing reliance on Cuban medical professionals, who are compensated on par with their local counterparts, refuting claims of exploitation.
Barbados has maintained a robust relationship with Cuba since establishing formal diplomatic ties in 1972. Over the years, this relationship has been marked by mutual support and collaboration, particularly in healthcare. Cuban medical teams have assisted Barbados in various capacities, including during the COVID-19 pandemic, where 126 medical professionals from the Henry Reeve Brigade were dispatched to aid in the country’s response efforts. This collaboration has been pivotal in enhancing Barbados’ healthcare delivery, especially during times of crisis.
The U.S. administration’s decision to impose visa restrictions on those involved with Cuban medical missions is predicated on allegations of labor exploitation. However, this perspective fails to consider the agency of Caribbean nations and their leaders, who actively seek and value Cuban medical assistance. The characterization of these missions as “forced labor” is contradicted by the testimonies of Caribbean leaders who attest to the equitable treatment and essential contributions of Cuban medical personnel.
Furthermore, the policy overlooks the historical context of Cuban medical internationalism, which has been rooted in principles of solidarity and mutual aid. Cuba’s medical missions have been a lifeline for many countries, providing services that would otherwise be inaccessible to large segments of their populations. The unilateral move by the U.S. not only threatens to deprive these nations of critical healthcare services but also undermines regional efforts to achieve health equity.
The firm stance taken by Caribbean leaders is a call for the U.S. to respect the sovereignty of nations in choosing their development partners. The decision to engage Cuban medical professionals is based on pragmatic considerations of healthcare needs and the proven track record of these missions in delivering results. By attempting to curtail these collaborations, the U.S. risks alienating its neighbors and disrupting healthcare systems that rely on Cuban support.
It is imperative for the U.S. to reassess its policy through a lens of mutual respect and understanding. Engaging in dialogue with Caribbean nations and acknowledging the value they place on Cuban medical assistance would be a constructive step forward. Such an approach would not only preserve essential healthcare services but also strengthen diplomatic relations in the region.
The unwavering support of Caribbean leaders for Cuban medical missions is a testament to the profound impact these programs have had on the health and well-being of their populations. The U.S. policy targeting these missions is not only misguided but also detrimental to the progress made in regional healthcare. As the world continues to grapple with health challenges, fostering collaboration and honoring the choices of sovereign nations in determining their healthcare partnerships is more crucial than ever.
The resilience of Caribbean nations in defending their right to access quality healthcare—regardless of geopolitical tensions—demonstrates a commitment to their people’s well-being above all else. Leaders like Prime Minister Mia Mottley, Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves, and Prime Minister Keith Rowley, among others, have set an example of principled leadership, standing up against external pressures to protect their healthcare systems.
The United States should respect the autonomy of Caribbean nations and recognize that their partnerships with Cuba are a matter of health, not politics. Rather than seeking to dismantle these life-saving collaborations,
At the end of the day, the issue at hand is not about ideology—it is about human lives. The Caribbean has made its position clear: healthcare should never be used as a pawn in political disputes. The international community must acknowledge and support the right of these nations to choose their own healthcare solutions, free from external coercion. It is a stance rooted in justice, self-determination, and, above all, the fundamental principle that access to healthcare is a human right.
