Holness defends decision to end Jamaica's medical cooperation with Cuba

Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness has defended his administration’s decision to end Jamaica’s 50-year-old medical cooperation with Cuba, reiterating concerns that certain aspects of the programme contravened the nation's laws and international conventions.

During his contribution to the National Budget Debates in Parliament on Thursday, Holness said the programme was reviewed against Jamaica’s laws, “to include how personnel were paid that run counter to our own laws and several international conventions”.

These issues, he said, were brought to the attention of the Cuban counterparts.

“We were hopeful that adjustments could be made to the program to make it compliant and that we could have reached some agreement where we could continue to have the direct services of the Cuban health professionals who are here,” Holness said in his first public comments since the foreign ministry announced the controversial decision on March 5.

Holness said the Cuban medical mission has been beneficial to the people of Jamaica’, and that the Cuban doctors and nurses have assimilated in the local health system and developed strong bonds with the people they serve.

“I can say that Jamaicans love them and want them to stay,” he told lawmakers.

Jamaica’s decision to end the decades-long partnership has sparked criticism that the country is abandoning its neighbouring country whose health professionals have for years, filled key gaps in the local public health system.

Cuba has accused Jamaica of bowing to pressure from the United States, whose president Donald Trump has signalled his intention to force a regime change in the communist nation. The US has also accused the medical cooperation programme as a means of labour exploitation.

Holness stated that he is “concerned for the situation in Cuba”, which was plunged into a nationwide blackout on Monday due to fuel blockade imposed by the US in January.

The island has since reconnected its power grid, however officials have warned that power shortages may continue because not enough electricity is being generated.

The United Nations warned of impending humanitarian collapse on the island, home to more than 10 million people, if its energy needs remained unmet, noting that hospitals and water systems were failing.

Prime Minister Holness also noted that he has for years, and through various forums, advocated for the removal of the decade-long US imposed trade embargo on Cuba.

“Through CARICOM, Jamaica will do its part to offer support for our brothers and sisters in Cuba. We take note of press reports that talks have opened between Cuba and the United States,” he said. “This is a moment for reform and reset and we are hopeful for a positive outcome.”

Dozens of Jamaica participated in a 'gratitude walk; in downtown Kingston to honour Cuban healthcare workers.

Scores of participants chanting, “We love Cuba,” “Bring back the nurses,” “Bring back the doctors,” and “Jamaica loves Cuba” as they made their way through the streets.

- Sashana Small

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