Trinidad’s PM Rowley Defends Sovereignty Against U.S. Visa Threats Regarding Cuban Medical Aid

Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley has rejected U.S. claims linking Cuban medical missions to human trafficking, emphasizing sovereignty over U.S. visa threats. He criticized the Trump administration’s policies and defended the valuable contributions of Cuban doctors to Caribbean healthcare. Caribbean leaders expressed concerns about the impact of U.S. restrictions on healthcare, with Rowley asserting his government’s refusal to be pressured by foreign influence.

Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley has asserted his commitment to the nation’s sovereignty by rejecting U.S. allegations that Cuban medical missions amount to human trafficking. During a recent event celebrating the completion of the Port-of-Spain General Hospital Central Block, he expressed willingness to forego travel to the United States rather than compromise Trinidad and Tobago’s sovereignty.

Rowley was critical of the Trump administration’s visa restrictions aimed at nations employing Cuban medical professionals, emphasizing the importance of Cuban doctors to the Caribbean’s healthcare system. He remarked, “We rely heavily on healthcare specialists whom we have obtained from India, the Philippines, and mainly from Cuba over the decades,” thereby defending the legitimacy of the Cuban medical program.

The U.S. has labeled Cuba’s medical export program as forced labor, claiming it exploits workers for the Cuban government’s profit. Rowley countered such characterizations, stating, “Out of the blue, we’re being called human traffickers because we hire technical people who we pay top dollars equal to local rates. That is someone’s interpretation,” highlighting a misinterpretation of Trinidad and Tobago’s engagements.

In response to the U.S. visa restriction policy initiated by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, which penalizes officials linked to Cuba’s labor practices, Caribbean leaders have voiced strong opposition. Notably, St. Vincent and the Grenadines PM Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and Antigua PM Gaston Browne also rejected the claims of human trafficking associated with Cuban medical missions, emphasizing the potential adverse effects on regional healthcare.

Despite diplomatic engagements between Trinidad and Tobago and U.S. officials regarding this policy, Rowley firmly stated that his government would not yield to external pressures regarding their relationship with Cuba. He concluded, “This country will not be dictated to.”

Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley’s firm stance against U.S. visa threats demonstrates Trinidad and Tobago’s commitment to maintaining sovereignty and upholding the value of international partnerships, especially in healthcare. The rejection of claims labeling Cuban medical missions as human trafficking showcases a broader Caribbean pushback against the U.S. policy and reflects growing concerns over its implications on regional healthcare services.

Original Source: www.caribbeannationalweekly.com