Our solidarity with Cuba remains unshaken

The Caribbean has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to principle and regional solidarity in the face of blatant United States pressures.

CARICOM Chairman, Barbados’ Prime Minister Mia Mottley, along with her counterparts from St Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr Ralph Gonsalves and Trinidad and Tobago, Dr Keith Rowley, along with Jamaica’s Foreign Minister Kamina Johnson Smith, have taken a courageous stance against the latest attempt by the US to undermine Cuba’s invaluable medical cooperation programmes.

The decision by the Trump administration, announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, to impose visa restrictions on officials involved in hiring Cuban medical professionals is an insult to the sovereignty of Caribbean nations and a direct attack on the region’s healthcare systems.

The notion that these programmes amount to “human trafficking” or “forced labour” is as absurd as it is offensive. For decades, Cuban medical professionals have been a lifeline to Caribbean nations, providing critical healthcare services that many of our countries would struggle to afford otherwise.

As Prime Minister Mottley pointed out, Cuba’s medical personnel were indispensable during the COVID-19 pandemic. When the world was at its most vulnerable, when larger and wealthier nations hoarded medical supplies and vaccines, it was Cuba that stood in solidarity with the Caribbean. And now, because of a politically motivated smear campaign, our leaders are being threatened with visa restrictions simply for engaging in a mutually beneficial arrangement with Havana.

The Caribbean has made it abundantly clear: We will not be bullied.

Prime Minister Rowley has stated unequivocally that he would rather lose his US visa than bow to this unjust policy.

Prime Minister Gonsalves has echoed similar sentiments, saying that he will not compromise the health of his people to appease Washington’s geopolitical vendetta against Cuba.

Mottley said Wednesday night on the floor of Parliament: “Now, I don’t believe that we have to shout across the seas, but I am prepared, like others in this region, that if we cannot reach a sensible agreement on this matter, then if the cost of it is the loss of my visa to the US, then so be it.”

These are not just political statements—they are bold declarations of principle and moral fortitude.

The US claims to champion democracy and human rights, yet it continues to enforce a decades-long economic blockade against Cuba—a policy condemned by the overwhelming majority of members of the United Nations. The embargo has done nothing but exacerbate suffering on the island while failing to achieve its stated goal of regime change. Now, the same US government that turns a blind eye to the human rights abuses of its allies is attempting to dictate how sovereign Caribbean nations manage their healthcare systems. This hypocrisy is staggering.

Johnson Smith noted the serious concerns surrounding this policy, pointing out that Jamaica alone relies on over 400 Cuban doctors, nurses, and technicians. What would happen if these healthcare workers were suddenly forced to leave? The US has not offered a viable alternative, nor has it provided any medical aid to replace what Cuba offers. Instead, it seeks to dismantle a system that saves lives and to label it “exploitation”.

Caribbean leaders are right to reject this narrative. The Cuban medical programme is a shining example of South-South cooperation. It is an initiative rooted in solidarity, not coercion. Cuba has never forced its medical professionals to work abroad; on the contrary, thousands of Cuban doctors volunteer for these missions out of a commitment to public service. Furthermore, Caribbean governments have consistently stated that Cuban workers receive fair compensation, making the US accusations not only baseless but also disrespectful.

This is a moment of reckoning for the Caribbean. We must not waver in our defence of sovereignty, dignity, and regional cooperation. If standing by Cuba means facing US visa restrictions, then so be it. Our principles are not for sale, and our commitment to providing quality healthcare for our people cannot be dictated by Washington.

This attack on Cuban medical professionals is part of a broader pattern of US interference in Caribbean affairs. From economic pressures to diplomatic coercion, Washington has repeatedly sought to exert control over our independent nations. But, as history has shown, the Caribbean is not easily subdued. Our people have fought for self-determination, and we will continue to resist any attempt to erode our sovereignty.

Furthermore, this US policy does not just harm Cuba — it directly threatens the healthcare infrastructure of Caribbean nations. The removal of Cuban doctors and nurses would leave gaping holes in our medical systems, disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable citizens. In many rural and underserved areas, Cuban medical personnel provide the only access to specialised care. To eliminate this lifeline in pursuit of a political agenda is not just reckless—it is immoral.

Rather than allow the US to dictate the region’s healthcare policies, CARICOM nations must strengthen their cooperation with Cuba. This means expanding medical exchanges, increasing investments in regional healthcare training, and standing firm against any diplomatic blackmail that seeks to undermine these efforts. The time has come for CARICOM to send a unified message to Washington: Our region will not be used as a pawn in its ideological battle against Cuba.

Caribbean leaders have made it clear that they will not abandon our Cuban brothers and sisters. The question now is whether the United States will listen or if it will continue down this path of antagonism and disregard for the well-being of millions in the region. One thing is certain — the Caribbean will not be intimidated, and we will not bow to imperialist coercion. Our solidarity with Cuba remains unshaken.