Caricom Foreign Affairs Ministers plan to meet U.S. officials in March to discuss visa restrictions impacting countries employing Cuban medical professionals. This policy, aimed at addressing forced labor linked to Cuba’s labor export program, affects both officials and their families. Clarifications are sought from U.S. officials amidst ongoing collaborations in the Caribbean with Cuban healthcare workers.
The Foreign Affairs Ministers of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) are preparing to meet with officials from the United States in March to address the recent visa restrictions implemented by the Trump Administration. These restrictions particularly affect officials from countries employing Cuban medical professionals, as well as their immediate family members.
On February 25, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the expansion of existing visa restrictions aimed at curbing forced labor associated with Cuba’s labor export program. Rubio emphasized that this policy targets Cuban officials and aligns with efforts to expose alleged abuses linked to Cuba’s overseas medical missions.
According to Rubio, the Cuban government benefits from “abusive and coercive labor practices” related to this program, ultimately depriving its citizens of essential medical care. Trinidad and Tobago employs numerous Cuban medical staff, including doctors and nurses, although the exact extent remains unclear due to unreturned inquiries to local health authorities.
Dr. Amery Browne, the Minister of Foreign and Caricom Affairs, indicated that a meeting with U.S. Special Envoy Mauricio Claver-Carone is scheduled for the second week of March. This meeting aims to clarify the implications of the newly announced visa policy for member states.
Attempts to gain insights from Cuban Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago, Gustavo Veliz, were met with requests for further time. The Ambassador previously spoke of the enduring bilateral relationship, particularly in health, and confirmed that Cuban medical teams have been providing consistent support in Trinidad for over 20 years.
In summary, the upcoming meeting between Caricom Foreign Affairs Ministers and U.S. officials will be crucial for addressing the implications of the Trump Administration’s visa restrictions targeting Cuban medical practitioners. The policy aims to tackle perceived abuses within Cuba’s labor export program, raising critical questions for Caribbean nations that rely on Cuban healthcare professionals. Understanding these developments is essential for maintaining regional cooperation and healthcare support.
Original Source: www.stabroeknews.com
