Prime Minister Keith Rowley Defends Trinidad’s Sovereignty Over Cuban Medical Missions
Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Rowley, has rejected U.S. claims that Cuban medical missions are human trafficking, asserting the importance of these professionals in the Caribbean healthcare system. He criticized U.S. visa restrictions intended to penalize Cuban officials, stating that his government will not surrender its sovereignty or relationship with Cuba despite external pressures.
Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Rowley, has publicly stated his willingness to relinquish future travel to the United States in defense of the nation’s sovereignty, particularly rejecting U.S. allegations that Cuba’s medical missions are human trafficking activities. This assertion was made during an event celebrating the completion of the Port-of-Spain General Hospital Central Block, where he criticized the Trump administration’s visa restriction policies aimed at governments employing Cuban medical personnel.
In his remarks, Prime Minister Rowley expressed indignation towards the U.S. claims, which characterize Cuba’s medical export program as forced labor. He emphasized the invaluable contribution of Cuban doctors to the Caribbean healthcare system, stating, “We rely heavily on healthcare specialists whom we have obtained from India, the Philippines, and mainly from Cuba over the decades.” Rowley dismissed U.S. allegations as a misinterpretation of an essential service provided by Cuban professionals.
The U.S. visa restriction policy, announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, targets Cuban government and foreign officials involved in labor export programs. Rubio asserted that the policy intends to penalize those responsible for exploiting Cuban workers. Caribbean leaders, including St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, have expressed concerns about the damaging effects such restrictions will have on regional healthcare services. Antigua’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne also contested the U.S. portrayal of Cuban medical missions.
In light of the situation, Trinidad and Tobago’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr. Amery Browne, along with his CARICOM counterparts, met with U.S. officials, including special envoy Mauricio Claver-Carone, to discuss the implications of the visa restrictions at the Organization of American States (OAS) General Assembly. Despite inquiries, Browne did not provide updates on the discussions. Rowley reiterated his administration’s commitment to maintaining its relationship with Cuba, stating firmly, “This country will not be dictated to.”
In conclusion, Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley of Trinidad and Tobago emphatically rejects U.S. claims regarding Cuba’s medical missions, asserting the importance of these professionals to Caribbean healthcare. He stands firm on defending his nation’s sovereignty against external pressures, while regional leaders express significant concern over U.S. visa restrictions that threaten medical services. Rowley underscores Trinidad and Tobago’s commitment to its relationship with Cuba, indicating that his administration will resist any dictation from foreign powers.
Original Source: www.caribbeannationalweekly.com
