( nationwideradiojm.com)/gonsalves-offers-to-give-up-us-visa-to-allow-cubans-to-continue-working-in-svg/Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, has declared that he is prepared to lose his U.S. visa if it means ensuring that Cuban doctors can continue working in his country. His statement follows the recent announcement by the U.S. government regarding visa restrictions for public officials in countries benefiting from Cuba’s labor export program.
Speaking at a People’s National Party (PNP) forum in Portland, Jamaica, on Sunday, Dr. Gonsalves defended SVG’s longstanding collaboration with Cuba in the healthcare sector. He emphasized that Cuban medical professionals provide critical services in the country and dismissed any claims of malpractice.
“Our government engages with Cuba on fair and legal terms,” Gonsalves asserted. “The Cuban doctors in St. Vincent and the Grenadines are not being exploited; they are providing an essential service.”
The prime minister expressed confidence that a review by U.S. authorities would confirm that SVG is not violating any regulations. He also underscored his government’s commitment to sovereignty and regional solidarity, emphasizing Cuba’s contributions to healthcare and education in the Caribbean.
The U.S. visa restrictions have raised concerns across the region, particularly among countries that rely on Cuban medical personnel to support their healthcare systems.