CARICOM Ministers to Confer with U.S. Officials on Cuban Visa Restrictions
A meeting in March between CARICOM Foreign Affairs Ministers and U.S. officials will discuss visa restrictions on government officials hiring Cuban medical practitioners. The U.S. expands existing policies to target forced labor linked to Cuba’s medical export program, which Secretary of State Marco Rubio described as exploitative. Cuban Ambassador Veliz reaffirms the longstanding health collaborations between Cuba and Trinidad and Tobago despite U.S. sanctions.
In March, a meeting is scheduled between U.S. officials and CARICOM Foreign Affairs Ministers to address the Trump Administration’s policy that restricts visa access for government officials from nations employing Cuban medical practitioners. Under the new policy, immediate family members of these government officials will also be affected by the restrictions.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the expansion of this visa restriction on February 25, emphasizing that it targets forced labor associated with Cuba’s labor export program. Rubio mentioned that this policy is directed towards Cuban government officials as well as foreign officials connected with Cuba’s overseas medical missions.
Rubio condemned the Cuban government’s practices which, he stated, exploit the labor of medical professionals and, in turn, enrich the regime while denying essential medical care to Cuban citizens. This situation has implications for several nations, including Trinidad and Tobago, which employs a multitude of Cuban health professionals such as doctors, nurses, and physiotherapists.
Efforts by Guardian Media to obtain specific employment statistics from Trinidad’s Ministry of Health were unsuccessful. Minister Terrence Deyalsingh could not be reached for comment, and the Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Roshan Parasram, indicated that queries should be forwarded to the Health Ministry’s communications department, which did not respond.
In response to this matter, Foreign and CARICOM Affairs Minister Dr. Amery Browne announced that the Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR) convened to seek clarification from the U.S. State Department regarding the new visa policies. A meeting is anticipated in the second week of March in Washington D.C. with U.S. envoy Mauricio Claver-Carone.
Cuban Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago, Gustavo Veliz, was approached for comments but requested more time before providing a statement. Recently, the Ambassador had expressed confidence in the continuity of Cuba’s economic and diplomatic relations with Trinidad and Tobago, particularly in health and education, despite the tightened sanctions imposed by the Trump administration.
Ambassador Veliz highlighted that a Cuban Health Brigade, which has served Trinidad and Tobago for over two decades, persisted during the COVID-19 pandemic. In November 2024, a contract was signed to extend this collaboration for an additional five years, showcasing the commitment to international medical support.
The upcoming meeting between CARICOM Ministers and U.S. officials symbolizes a crucial step toward addressing the implications of the newly imposed visa restrictions against Cuban medical professionals. The discussions may shape the future of Trinidad and Tobago’s health collaborations with Cuba, reflecting the broader diplomatic relations affected by the U.S. policies.
Original Source: www.stabroeknews.com
