Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley asserts his commitment to national sovereignty by rejecting U.S. accusations linking Cuba’s medical missions to human trafficking. He criticized the U.S. visa restrictions and defended the role of Cuban doctors in Caribbean healthcare. Caribbean leaders share concerns about the implications of U.S. policies on regional medical services, while Rowley vows that his government will not bow to external pressures.
Dr. Keith Rowley, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, has asserted his commitment to prioritizing national sovereignty, even if it means sacrificing future visits to the United States. This declaration came in response to U.S. accusations labeling Cuba’s overseas medical missions as human trafficking, which he vehemently condemned during a recent ceremony for the Port-of-Spain General Hospital’s new Central Block.
Rowley criticized the U.S. visa restriction policy implemented under the Trump administration, which affects governments employing Cuban medical professionals. He emphasized that there are domestic voices advocating for the withdrawal of U.S. visas while asserting his dedication to upholding Trinidad and Tobago’s sovereignty. He stated, “I came back from California, and if I never go back there again in my life, I will ensure that the sovereignty of Trinidad and Tobago is known to its people and respected by all.”
In countering U.S. claims, Rowley defended Cuba’s medical role in Caribbean healthcare, asserting, “We rely heavily on healthcare specialists whom we have obtained from India, the Philippines, and mainly from Cuba over the decades.” He dismissed the allegations of human trafficking as inaccurate representations of the medical export program, arguing that it is mischaracterized.
The U.S. maintains that Cuba’s medical missions constitute forced labor and human trafficking. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced an expansion of visa restrictions targeting Cuban officials involved in the labor export program. “The United States is expanding its Cuba-related visa restriction policy… to hold accountable those responsible for or complicit in the exploitation of Cuban workers,” Rubio stated on February 25, 2025.
Responses from Caribbean leaders have been critical of these restrictions, citing potential adverse impacts on regional healthcare services. For instance, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines expressed concerns over the detrimental effects of limiting Cuba’s medical contributions. Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua also refuted U.S. claims regarding human trafficking associated with Cuban missions.
Following these developments, Trinidad and Tobago’s Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. Amery Browne, along with Caricom counterparts, engaged in discussions with U.S. officials, including special envoy Mauricio Claver-Carone, regarding the policy’s implications during an Organisation of American States General Assembly. Rowley concluded with a firm stance, rejecting any pressure to sever ties with Cuba, stating, “This country will not be dictated to.”
In summary, Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley has resolutely defended Trinidad and Tobago’s sovereignty against U.S. visa threats and allegations of human trafficking related to Cuban medical missions. He emphasized the importance of these medical professionals in the Caribbean healthcare landscape and firmly rejected the U.S. accusations. Additionally, Caribbean leaders have expressed concerns about the broader implications of U.S. policies on regional healthcare services, while Rowley remains steadfast in maintaining Trinidad and Tobago’s relationship with Cuba.
Original Source: www.caribbeannationalweekly.com
