US to deepen dialogue with Jamaica on Cuban medical programme

United States (US) Secretary of State, Honourable Marco Rubio, has pledged to participate in further discussions with the Jamaican Government to better understand its engagement of doctors under the Cuban Medical Cooperation Programme.

Rubio has also acknowledged that Jamaica may not be among nations deemed to be exploiting Cuban labour.

He was speaking during a joint press conference that followed bilateral talks with Prime Minister, Dr the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, at the Office of the Prime Minister on Wednesday (March 26).

Responding to questions regarding the Programme, which Jamaica has heavily relied on for more than five decades, Secretary Rubio sought to clarify that the US does not have an issue with the Cuban medical programme, but rather with forced labour.

While specifying that he was not speaking about how Jamaica's programme operates, the Secretary of State indicated that in other parts of the world, Cuban doctors are reportedly not paid directly, but have their compensation sent to the Cuban Government, which then decides how much they will receive.

He alleged that in some cases, the passports of professionals are taken and they are coerced into participating in forced labour.

"There are places that have better labour standards [and] perhaps Jamaica is one of those, and that's fine. Every country operates their programme differently and, obviously, because of our relationship with Jamaica, we're going to engage with them on that and talk about it further and have a better understanding. Perhaps none of this applies in the way it's handled here," Rubio stated.

He maintained, however, that the US Government cannot be supportive of trafficking and forced labour.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Holness, in responding to questions regarding the Programme, emphasised that the Cuban doctors in Jamaica have been incredibly helpful in assisting to fill deficits created by local health personnel exiting the system, noting that many have migrated to other countries.

"We are, however, very careful not to exploit the Cuban doctors who are here. We ensure that they are treated within our labour laws and benefit like any other worker. So any characterisation of the programme by others, certainly would not be applicable to Jamaica," he assured.

Prime Minister Holness added that the Government is ensuring that Jamaica's programme complies with all international laws and standards that the nation is party to.

Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr the Honourable Christopher Tufton, in his remarks, reiterated the Prime Minister's stance that the Cuban Medical Programme has been beneficial to Jamaica.

He noted that the nation has benefited from hundreds of Cuban professionals providing valuable service in the healthcare sector over many decades.

"We have also said that, in terms of our treatment of Cubans who come here, it has been no different from our treatment of our locals, except for any additional support... [such as] transportation, logistics, housing and so on, which we would provide for any expatriate that would come here and work in the government space," he explained.

Tufton advised that the Government is currently renegotiating the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) governing the Programme.

"So there is a conversation that is taking place, looking at the existing MOU, looking at the possibilities for change. There's an opportunity, given the recent discussions coming out of the US re the programme, for us to clarify issues and, maybe, adjust elements of the agreement. That conversation is now taking place," he informed.

While advising that no changes will be made to the programme at this time, Dr. Tufton said conversations will continue regarding the new MOU.

He added that the contracts of several Cuban healthcare professionals now in the island ended recently, so they will be heading home.

However, Dr. Tufton said a new batch of medical professionals will be heading to Jamaica to replace the outgoing personnel.

- JIS

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