Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley has rejected U.S. claims that Cuban medical missions equate to human trafficking. He expressed willingness to forgo U.S. trips to uphold Trinidad and Tobago’s sovereignty and criticized the visa restrictions imposed by the Trump administration. Caribbean leaders have voiced apprehensions regarding the implications of these U.S. policies on healthcare services in the region.
Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley of Trinidad and Tobago has affirmed his commitment to preserve the nation’s sovereignty, expressing a willingness to forego future visits to the United States in response to U.S. allegations regarding Cuban medical missions. He strongly criticized these allegations, made during a ceremony celebrating the completion of the $1.3 billion Port-of-Spain General Hospital Central Block.
Rowley condemned the Trump administration’s visa restrictions aimed at nations employing Cuban healthcare professionals, asserting, “There are local people here encouraging them to take away our US visas… I will ensure that the sovereignty of Trinidad and Tobago is known to its people and respected by all.” He emphasized the significance of Cuban medical professionals in the regional healthcare landscape.
The United States has labeled Cuba’s medical export program as a form of “forced labor” and “human trafficking,” arguing that the Cuban government exploits these workers. Rowley refuted these claims, stating, “We rely heavily on healthcare specialists… from India, the Philippines, and mainly from Cuba over the decades,” and characterized the U.S. allegations as a misinterpretation of the program.
The U.S. visa policy, announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, targets individuals associated with Cuba’s labor export program. Rubio stated, “The United States is expanding its Cuba-related visa restriction policy… to hold accountable those responsible for or complicit in the exploitation of Cuban workers.” Caribbean leaders have expressed their concerns regarding the potential negative repercussions on regional healthcare due to this policy.
In light of these developments, Trinidad and Tobago’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr. Amery Browne, along with his Caricom counterparts, have engaged with U.S. officials to discuss the implications of this policy. Despite the ongoing discussions, Rowley emphasized that his government would remain steadfast in its partnership with Cuba, declaring, “This country will not be dictated to.”
In conclusion, Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley has staunchly defended Trinidad and Tobago’s sovereignty against U.S. allegations regarding Cuban medical missions. By rejecting U.S. visa threats and promoting the importance of Cuban healthcare professionals, Rowley underscored his commitment to maintaining strong ties with Cuba despite external pressures. This issue has sparked considerable debate among Caribbean leaders, highlighting concerns over the potential impact on regional healthcare services.
Original Source: www.caribbeannationalweekly.com
