Opposition criticises end of Jamaica–Cuba medical cooperation, raises concerns about impact on health sector

The Opposition says the decision by the Government to end more than 50 years of medical cooperation between Jamaica and Cuba marks a deeply unfortunate moment in the nation’s public health history.

It argued that for more than half a century, Cuban medical professionals have served the people of Jamaica with dedication, compassion, and professionalism.

“In hospitals, clinics, and communities across the island, particularly in rural and underserved areas, Cuban doctors, nurses, and biotechnology specialists have provided essential care to thousands of Jamaicans. Their work has strengthened our healthcare system and has stood as a powerful example of international solidarity,” the Opposition said.

Opposition spokesman on health and wellness, Dr Alfred Dawes, said the decision to bring the longstanding partnership to an end is regrettable.

“While I acknowledge the Government’s statement recognising the service of these professionals, their presence in Jamaica has never simply been about filling gaps in the health sector; it has been about partnership, shared humanity, and the commitment to ensure that quality healthcare reaches those who need it most,” said Dawes.

“The medical cooperation between Jamaica and Cuba has been one of the most successful examples of bilateral collaboration in the Caribbean. It has helped address shortages in critical areas of healthcare and has ensured that many Jamaicans received care when our own system faced severe challenges,” he added.

He said that history will judge the decision.

“The value of this partnership cannot simply be measured in contracts; it must also be measured in lives saved, communities served, and the decades of trust built between two nations.”

For her part, Opposition spokesperson on foreign, regional and diaspora affairs, Senator Donna Scott-Mottley, wants the Government to provide a full and detailed explanation regarding its decision to terminate the arrangement between Jamaica and Cuba.

Scott-Mottley said the sudden conclusion of a partnership that has endured for more than 50 years raises serious questions that the Government must address.

“An arrangement that has supported Jamaica’s healthcare system for half a century cannot simply come to an abrupt end without the Jamaican people being given a clear and comprehensive account of what has led to that outcome,” she said.

She noted that the public must also be informed of the practical implications of the decision and the steps being taken to ensure that healthcare services remain adequately supported.

“The country must be assured that there are clear and effective plans in place to maintain continuity of care, particularly in facilities where Cuban medical professionals have been providing important services,” she added.

Scott-Mottley emphasised that transparency is essential when decisions of this magnitude are taken.

“This is a matter that goes directly to the functioning of our healthcare system and the well-being of the Jamaican people. The Government has a duty to provide clarity on both the reasons for this decision and the arrangements that will now replace a partnership that has served the country for five decades,” she said.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday announced the discontinuation of Jamaica’s medical cooperation programme with Cuba, saying both governments were unable to agree on the terms and conditions of a new technical cooperation arrangement following the expiration of the previous agreement in February 2023.

Jamaica’s decision comes as the United States intensifies economic pressure on Cuba and forces longstanding partners to revisit their relationship with the island nation.

Washington has also accused Cuba’s overseas medical missions of constituting forced labour and human trafficking, allegations rejected by Caribbean leaders, including Jamaica.

Speaking before the Standing Finance Committee of Parliament on Thursday, which was examining the National Budget, Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister Kamina Johnson Smith told the committee that the Government’s decision to discontinue the programme was not influenced by the United States.

Johnson Smith acknowledged that the US had raised concerns about the Cuban programmes internationally but said Jamaica had sought to ensure the arrangement complied with its laws and international labour standards.

However, Cuba has claimed that Jamaica bowed to pressure from the United States to terminate the programme.

As a result, the country announced that it will withdraw its 277 medical professionals currently serving in Jamaica, a blow to the island, which sought to cushion the fallout from ending a 50-year cooperation programme that helped fill key gaps in the health system.

In its statement, Havana said it “deeply regrets” the decision, arguing that it disregards “a history of fruitful and sustained collaboration” that has provided significant medical support to Jamaica’s public health system for decades.

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