U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has condemned the international medical missions organized by the Cuban regime, labeling them an "appalling practice" due to their exploitative labor conditions. However, he has stated he will assess each case individually in the Caribbean, where several countries rely heavily on these services, acknowledging that in some areas, Cuban specialists enjoy "better labor standards."
During a press conference in Jamaica, Rubio criticized that many Cuban missions fail to pay doctors directly and often confiscate their passports to prevent them from leaving. "In many parts of the world, doctors aren't paid directly. Instead, the Cuban government receives the payment. Passports are taken away. It essentially operates as forced labor in many regions," the American official stated.
Rubio tempered his remarks by noting that each country manages these programs differently. Given Washington's close relationships with Caribbean nations like Jamaica, he expressed willingness to engage in dialogue with local governments to better understand how Cuban medical missions operate in each location. "Perhaps none of this applies to how things are handled here," he mentioned regarding Jamaica.
Rubio's comments come after the Caribbean Community (Caricom) openly questioned U.S. sanctions against officials from governments hiring Cuban medical personnel under conditions deemed abusive. Several Caribbean leaders defend medical cooperation with Cuba as an essential component of their healthcare systems. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated that his government takes "great care not to exploit Cuban doctors" and treats them according to labor laws and international standards. "We ensure they are treated like any other worker and that our program complies with international laws," Holness noted, adding that Cuban contributions have been "extremely helpful" due to Jamaica's healthcare staffing shortages.
Rubio also discussed the issue during meetings with other Caribbean leaders, such as Barbados' Prime Minister Mia Mottley and Trinidad and Tobago's Prime Minister Stuart Young. His itinerary will continue Thursday with visits to Guyana and Suriname.
One of the strongest supporters of the Cuban medical program is Saint Vincent and the Grenadines' Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves, who recently stated he would rather lose his U.S. visa than forgo the assistance of Cuban doctors. "If it's determined I have to lose my visa, so be it. But I can't let 60 hardworking and poor people who depend on Cuban doctors die," he declared.
Gonsalves sparked intense debate over labor rights and professional exploitation by endorsing the Cuban state's practice of withholding part of healthcare professionals' salaries, arguing they received "free education." "That doesn't mean they're exploited. They have a free education. And if they go abroad, earning money with that education, it's not unreasonable to contribute something back so more people can be educated," he affirmed.
Meanwhile, Grenada's Foreign Minister Joseph Andall warned that their healthcare system would collapse without Cuban cooperation, and Jamaica's Foreign Minister Kamina Johnson Smith claimed that over 400 Cuban professionals work in the Jamaican healthcare system.
Washington Expands Restrictions
Under Marco Rubio's leadership, the State Department has announced new visa restrictions against foreign government officials who maintain agreements with Cuba under conditions perceived as exploitative. This measure is part of a broader policy to curb what Washington describes as the export of Cuban labor, which is a significant source of income for the Havana regime.
"This isn't about stopping medical assistance; it's about ensuring those professionals don't work under coercion," argue Washington officials. While Cuba maintains that its medical brigades operate under fair and dignified bilateral agreements, human rights organizations, doctors, and the U.S. State Department have documented the semi-slavery conditions faced by Cuban doctors abroad. These practices include passport retention, strict surveillance, censorship, lack of labor guarantees, movement restrictions, and confiscation of 70% to 85% of the professionals' salaries. Additionally, they face severe reprisals if they choose to leave the mission.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuban Medical Missions and U.S. Policy
What has Marco Rubio said about Cuban medical missions?
Marco Rubio has called Cuban medical missions an "appalling practice" due to exploitative labor conditions. He highlights that many doctors do not receive direct payment and have their passports confiscated, equating it to forced labor in many areas.
How do Caribbean nations view Cuban medical cooperation?
Many Caribbean leaders view Cuban medical cooperation as essential to their healthcare systems. They argue that Cuban doctors are treated according to labor laws and international standards, and their contributions are crucial due to staffing shortages.
What are the U.S. restrictions regarding Cuban medical missions?
The U.S. State Department, under Marco Rubio's leadership, has introduced visa restrictions for foreign officials who engage with Cuban medical missions under exploitative conditions. This is part of a broader effort to prevent the export of Cuban labor.