Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit and fellow Caribbean leaders have taken a united stance, resisting renewed pressure from the United States to discontinue medical collaborations with Cuba.
In recent discussions, Dominica’s Prime Minister emphasized the critical role Cuban medical professionals continue to play across the Caribbean, especially in rural and underserved communities. Skerrit, echoing regional sentiments, highlighted Cuba’s contributions as crucial to sustaining health services, asserting that no viable alternatives had been presented by those criticizing the program.
U.S. Pressure and Caribbean Response
The U.S. administration has repeatedly labeled Cuba’s international medical missions as exploitative, claiming the island’s government profits unfairly from the doctors’ services. Washington maintains that these programs constitute “modern-day slavery,” urging Caribbean nations to halt their participation.
However, Dominica, supported by regional counterparts within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), argues that the characterization is inaccurate and politically motivated. CARICOM leaders contend that Cuban medical aid has historically provided essential healthcare access in a region where resources are limited and recruiting healthcare professionals remains challenging.
Historical Context and Caribbean Solidarity
Since the early 1960s, Cuba has maintained diplomatic relationships with Caribbean countries through various aid programs, significantly contributing to health and education sectors. Over the decades, thousands of Cuban healthcare providers have served in Caribbean hospitals, clinics, and rural health centers, filling crucial gaps where local medical professionals are scarce.
In Dominica, Cuban healthcare personnel have been vital since the late 1990s, bolstering local healthcare delivery, particularly in remote areas like the Kalinago Territory and rural communities severely impacted by hurricanes, including Hurricane Maria in 2017.
U.S. Stance on Cuban Doctors
The U.S. government’s objections intensified under former President Donald Trump’s administration, which increased efforts to isolate Cuba economically and diplomatically. While the Biden administration has moderated its rhetoric, recent months have seen renewed diplomatic overtures aimed at curbing Cuba’s international medical outreach.
This diplomatic friction has again sparked regional concern, with Prime Minister Skerrit openly criticizing what he describes as interference in the sovereign decisions of Caribbean nations. Skerrit and other CARICOM leaders assert that they retain the right to choose their healthcare partners based on national interests rather than external political pressures.
Regional Unity and Healthcare Sovereignty
Member states reaffirmed their collective support for continuing partnerships with Cuba at recent CARICOM summits, including the most recent 48th Regular Meeting in Bridgetown, Barbados. Leaders reiterated their commitment to maintaining this relationship, citing its tangible benefits to public health and its alignment with broader regional resilience and self-sufficiency goals.
Saint Vincent’s Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves was particularly forthright, declaring, “I’d rather lose my U.S. visa than see 60 poor and working-class people die.” He specifically highlighted life-saving dialysis treatments administered by Cuban doctors.
Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley reinforced this sentiment by recalling how difficult it was for Caribbean countries to access vaccines from traditional allies during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, despite having available funds. Rowley condemned the U.S. stance as hypocritical and self-serving.
In Jamaica, Foreign Minister Kamina Johnson Smith stated that over 400 Cuban medical professionals currently work across the island, underlining their critical role in Jamaica’s healthcare infrastructure. Similarly, Grenada’s Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell reaffirmed his nation’s unwavering support for Cuban medical teams, noting that the presence of these health professionals remains indispensable.
Moving Forward Despite External Pressures
Despite the pressure, Dominica and regional leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining and expanding healthcare ties with Cuba. Skerrit stated, “Dominica’s partnership with Cuba on healthcare is unwavering because it is fundamentally about saving lives, not politics.”
This unified Caribbean stance highlights a growing regional determination to resist external interference, asserting autonomy over critical domestic issues, especially healthcare.
Amid ongoing discussions, Dominica and CARICOM remain steadfast in preserving their strong healthcare ties with Cuba, viewing any interference as a challenge to their national sovereignty and commitment to public health.
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