Government Still Weighing Future of Cuban Medical Brigade

The Government of Belize says it is still evaluating its options regarding the future of the Cuban Medical Brigade and has not yet arrived at a final decision on the long-standing medical cooperation programme. The issue has remained in the spotlight following comments made earlier this month by United States Chargé d’Affaires Katharine Beamer, who said Washington supports Belize’s reported intention to eventually wind down the programme while encouraging adherence to international labour standards.  Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Oscar Arnold, provided an update on the government’s position, and explained that discussions remain ongoing and emphasized that the administration is carefully examining alternatives available before making any definitive decision. He added that once government settles on a clear course of action, the Belizean public will be informed.

Oscar Arnold, CEO, Ministry of Foreign Affairs: “I believe Prime Minister gave indications that we are looking at the program. The chargé d’affaires didn’t mince words when she says that they are committed to try to, well not to try to, but they are committed to encouraging all the countries in this hemisphere to cease and desist with that program. And I believe that the Government of Belize through the Prime Minister’s office has indicated that we will look at the program. I believe a few months ago, prior to my time here as CEO, Cabinet had instructed both the Foreign Affairs Ministry as well as the Ministry of Health to look at options to try to put proposals on the table that can be discussed and then move it from there. And I believe that those proposals, looking at those proposals or looking for other solutions will be coming to our end shortly and it will have to revert back to Cabinet to make a decision and then to inform the Belizean public. We know that at every instance, the Government of Belize, again through the Prime Minister, through the Foreign Minister, has stated that this program provides much needed technicians, much needed doctors. And so whatever decision is made something will have to be in place to ensure that there is not a big vacuum or that there is not a big void that remains in our medical system. We still need to ensure that we can provide the delivery of service. This current iteration of the medical brigade expanded and started with the onset of the COVID pandemic. I know that the doctors at the time who had spent between 10 to 11 months there returned and then a new brigade came. And so, I mean, everyone knows that we have doctors, we have nurses, we have specialists some of them are placed in rural areas and we have to ensure that these poor and depressed communities aren’t adversely affected and don’t have medical services.”

On June 11, Chargé d’Affaires Katharine Beamer said the United States supports Belize’s efforts to phase out the programme and expressed confidence that the Government of Belize is committed to maintaining a robust healthcare system. While declining to discuss any private conversations with government officials, Beamer noted that the United States remains interested in ensuring international labour standards and human dignity are upheld.  Asked about those remarks, Arnold said Belize values its relationship with the United States but stressed that any decision regarding the Cuban Medical Brigade will ultimately be made by the Government of Belize based on the country’s healthcare needs and national interests. 

Oscar Arnold, CEO, Ministry of Foreign Affairs: “What I read from the comment and the stuff that were sent to me was that she’s saying that they would support the decision of the wind down. I didn’t see that she said there that it was coming to an end or an abrupt end. I believe when that decision is made that the Prime Minister’s office and the Cabinet will have to inform the Belizean people. And the highest decision-making group in the country is the Cabinet.”

The Cuban Medical Brigade has become a significant diplomatic issue following increased scrutiny by the United States.  The U.S. government has encouraged countries participating in the program to review their agreements, arguing that they should comply with international labour standards. Some countries have ended or modified their agreements, while others have retained the brigades, saying they remain essential to their healthcare systems.