Leaders of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) have rejected threats from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who seeks to impose visa restrictions on officials from governments that hire Cuban doctors, claiming labor exploitation.

Caribbean Resistance Against Washington’s Pressure

Regional leaders reaffirmed their countries’ sovereignty and independence, emphasizing the vital role of Cuban doctors in their healthcare systems.

• Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, stated:
  • “I would rather lose my U.S. visa than let 60 poor and hardworking people die.”
  • He highlighted the dialysis treatments provided by Cuban doctors.
• Keith Rowley, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, stressed that his country relies on doctors from India, the Philippines, and Cuba, rejecting accusations of labor exploitation.
  • “They call us human traffickers, but that is just someone’s interpretation.”
• Kamina Johnson Smith, Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, pointed out that the island hosts over 400 Cuban medical professionals, including biomedical engineers and technicians.
• Dickon Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada, recalled Cuba’s historic support for the region and defended the legitimate and solidarity-based relationship with the island.

Marco Rubio Tightens His Stance

Rubio announced the expansion of visa restriction policies against officials involved in Cuba’s medical cooperation program.

• “We are restricting visa issuance to Cuban and third-country officials responsible for Cuba’s exploitative labor export program.”

A New Diplomatic Dispute?

Caribbean governments have firmly rejected the U.S. stance, vowing to defend their sovereignty and reaffirming their right to decide on medical cooperation with Cuba.

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