KINGSTOWN – Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has reaffirmed his support for the Cuban Medical Brigade in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), rejecting claims that Cuban healthcare workers are exploited by their home country.
His statement follows an announcement by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, imposing visa restrictions on foreign officials linked to Cuba’s overseas medical program. Rubio indicated that the expanded policy would immediately affect several Cuban and Venezuelan individuals, along with their immediate family members.
Addressing the issue on radio, Dr. Gonsalves emphasized that Cuban medical personnel in SVG are treated fairly and receive the same salaries as their local counterparts. He explained that their contributions to Cuba’s medical education system are comparable to student loan repayments or tax obligations in other nations, including the U.S.
“In SVG, Cuban medical professionals play a vital role, particularly in life-saving treatments such as haemodialysis at the Modern Medical and Diagnostic Complex in Georgetown,” Dr. Gonsalves stated. “If these professionals are not at that facility, many Vincentians could be denied critical healthcare services.”
CARICOM leaders have already convened a meeting to discuss the U.S. decision and plan to engage the U.S. government in high-level talks. According to Dr. Gonsalves, CARICOM is gathering all relevant information to present a united stance.
Reaffirming his commitment to public health, the Prime Minister added, “I would prefer to lose my visa than to allow 60 Vincentians to die due to lack of medical care.”
Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves on U.S. Visa Sanctions Against Cuban Medical Personnel:
“Cuban medical professionals in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are not being exploited. They receive the same salaries as local professionals and provide life-saving healthcare, including haemodialysis treatments, to our people. Their small contribution to Cuba’s medical education system is no different from student loan repayments in other countries.”
“CARICOM has already met to discuss this matter, and we intend to engage the U.S. government directly. A regional approach is necessary to ensure continued access to quality healthcare for our people.”
“I would prefer to lose my visa than to allow 60 Vincentians to die due to lack of medical care.”