Gonsalves hits back at US visa threats over Cuban labour export programme
Published:Tuesday | March 11, 2025 | 9:50 AM
Prime Minister of St Vincent, Dr Ralph Gonsalves, has responded to statements made by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding the alleged abuse and exploitation of Cuban professionals by some countries.
Gonsalves, who was addressing a public business forum of the People's National Party (PNP) at the Errol Flynn Marina in Port Antonio, Portland, on Sunday evening, stated that his country is not in any way involved in the exploitation of any Cubans, comprising doctors and engineers, and that the Cubans themselves are not involved in any such practices.
“The Secretary of State of the United States of America has issued a statement that countries, which are complicit in his words, with trafficking persons involving Cuban professional, will lose their passport, their visas, and their families," stated Gonsalves.
“Now I know we not involved in any exploitation of Cuban workers. And I know that the Cubans are not involved like that, the Cuban government. I know the arrangements. And I believe that the Secretary of State is a good and decent man. I would not say anything bad about him. It is not in my nature to say bad things about people, unless I have the evidence. And I have no evidence and he appears to me to be a good man.
“And when he knows the facts, I am sure that he will understand that we are not involved in that. But if it is determined that you have to take away my visa, I want to say this publicly it will be reported. I am not looking for a fight with anybody, but we have to be honest and open. The haemodialysis, which we do in St Vincent at the Modern Medical and Diagnostic, without the Cubans there I would not be able to offer that service," he added.
Gonsalves said he believes that the facts will show that there is no need to worry about the restrictions threatened by the United States.
The US has expanded its visa restriction policy to target Cuban officials believed to be tied to the labour programme that sends Cuban workers overseas.
Cuba's health service generates major export earnings by sending doctors and health workers around the world.
However, Rubio describes the programme as "forced labour" and says it enriches the Cuban regime, and in the case of Cuba's overseas medical missions, deprives ordinary Cubans of the medical care they desperately need in their home country.
- Gareth Davis
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