ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – Antigua and Barbuda marked the 25th anniversary of the presence of Cuban health workers here, reassuring the Cubans that their presence on the Caribbean island will always be appreciated.
Governor General Sir Rodney Williams, (right) greeted on his arrival at the ceremony“Twenty-five years ago, our nations embarked on a journey rooted in compassion. When Cuba answered our call for support, they did not send merely doctors, they sent heroes. Heroes who left their homes to safeguard ours,” Governor General Sir Rodney Williams, told the ceremony.
“Heroes who have touched countless lives, from the bustling streets of St. John’s to the tranquil shores of Barbuda. Through hurricanes, pandemics, and challenges unforeseen, the Cuban Medical Brigade stood with us, undaunted, unwavering, and united in purpose,” he added.
The Cuban medical brigade has come under scrutiny in recent weeks after United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio, said Washington was announcing “the expansion of an existing Cuba-related visa restriction policy that targets forced labor linked to the Cuban labor export program.
“This expanded policy applies to current or former Cuban government officials and other individuals, including foreign government officials, who are believed to be responsible for, or involved in, the Cuban labor export program, particularly Cuba’s overseas medical missions.”
Rubio, the son of Cuban immigrants who left Cuba in pursuit of the American dream, also said that the new policy also applies to the immediate family members of those supporting the Cuban program.
“The department has already taken steps to impose visa restrictions on several individuals, including Venezuelans, under this expanded policy,” he added.
Several Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders have defended the Cuban health program and said they were prepared to have their US visas revoked.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne told the ceremony that the Cubans had become a very important element of the country’s healthcare services.
“We are very pleased to have you here and we hope that as we celebrate this 25th anniversary that this will represent just a faction of the many more years to come as part of this partnership.
“ Antigua and Barbuda and Cuba established diplomatic relations with Cuba back in 1994 under the leadership of the late National Hero Sir Lester Bird. It is a partnership that has been mutually beneficial; one in which Cuba has helped us to build capacity in a number of areas; including healthcare, education as well as certain aspect of our infrastructural development,” Browne said.
He recalled that Cuba has been a reliable partner and friend especially in times of disaster, saying “this makes Cuba a very reliable friend of Antigua and Barbuda”.
He has given the Cuban medical personnel here the assurance that their work is being valued and that irrespective of what other countries may say, Antigua and Barbuda knows that it is not involved in any trafficking of humans.
Opposition Leader, Jamale Pringle, said that the Cuban Medical Brigade has saved lives and help to improve the health of hundreds of citizens and residents.
“The doctors, nurses and technicians have done so not only with the highest professionalism but with the greatest medical prescription, which is empathy,” Pringle said.
The Cuban Ambassador Sergio Martinez Gonsalez, in defending the program, said the Cuban Medical Brigades have operated in many countries across the globe bringing much needed healthcare and saving the lives of many people.
