Grenada announces changes to Cuban medical missions after US pressure

The Grenadian government has announced a series of “important changes” to the Cuban medical missions, following a request from the United States to review the long-running initiative.

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In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the new measures are aimed at strengthening the administration and oversight of the programme. The announcement came after high-level talks in Havana earlier this month, led by Foreign Affairs, Trade and Export Development Minister Joseph Andall and Health Minister Philip Telesford.

According to the statement, Grenada and Cuba agreed that all Cuban professionals serving in the country will now operate under conditions equal to those of their Grenadian counterparts. “The Government of Grenada expresses its appreciation to the Government of Cuba for its cooperation in the matter and for agreeing to the changes,” the release said, while also acknowledging Washington’s role in raising the issue.

The Dickon Mitchell administration underscored that the Cuban Workers Programme has played a vital role in supporting Grenada, particularly in the delivery of healthcare. “The Government and people of Grenada are grateful for this support,” the statement continued. At the same time, the government emphasized its commitment to strengthening national health capacity through training, scholarships, and incentives to expand the cadre of Grenadian professionals working in the system.

The announcement follows a move by the U.S. State Department in August to impose visa restrictions on African, Cuban, and Grenadian officials — and their families — over what it described as complicity in Cuba’s medical mission scheme. Washington alleges that the program exploits medical professionals by sending them abroad at high prices while the Cuban government retains most of the revenue, depriving Cubans of essential medical care. Caribbean leaders have strongly rejected that characterization, arguing the missions provide much-needed health services to the region and beyond.

“The United States aims to support the Cuban people in their pursuit of freedom and dignity and promote accountability for those who perpetuate their exploitation,” the State Department said in its August statement. It urged governments to pay doctors directly rather than, in its words, “the regime’s slave masters.”

Earlier this month, Washington imposed visa restrictions on Grenada’s Finance Minister Dennis Cornwall. Still, Grenada’s government stressed that both St. George’s and Havana remain committed to their long-standing relationship, agreeing to continue addressing matters of concern through diplomatic channels.