Foreign Ministry updates on issues re Cuban medical programme

Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, on Thursday provided assurances in relation to Jamaica’s longstanding Cuban medical cooperation programme in light of concerns that have been expressed in the public domain.

The concerns emerged after the State Department in Washington raised concerns about the programme, including the question of whether the Cuban medical personnel working in other countries were being exploited by their government.

Johnson Smith in a release, said Jamaica’s bilateral medical cooperation with Cuba has been in place for more than five decades, and remains a vital pillar of Jamaica’s healthcare system, providing essential services in various public health facilities.

In the early morning statement updating the nation on the Government’s efforts to address concerns of the United States government, Johnson Smith said a review of the programme had been initiated well before international scrutiny commenced.

She also reiterated Jamaica’s commitment to ethical labour practices, and expressed confidence that while improvements will be made to the administration of the programme, it could not be found to involve human trafficking.

“Jamaica’s non-adversarial handling of this matter reflects not only our practice of diplomacy, but the strength of our bilateral relationships with both Cuba and the United States. Our structured process of review and engagement is progressing well, and we remain confident in the integrity of this programme.

“We continue to engage diplomatically, including discussions with the Cuban foreign minister, the current head of the US Embassy (in Jamaica) and, of course, as between CARICOM foreign ministers, to exchange perspectives and ensure the best understanding and outcomes of this matter,” said Johnson Smith.

Jamaica’s medical cooperation programme with Cuba has been in place since 1976, and has operated under Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) that have been upheld by successive administrations.

Johnson Smith also said that as the arrangements are being reviewed for renewal, the Government has taken the opportunity to review and improve administrative processes – an initiative that was already under way as part of Jamaica’s continuous commitment to best practices and good governance.

“Given the MOU’s expiration last year, we had already begun a review process before international concerns were raised. While we have identified a few areas for alignment with our own overseas labour programmes, we are confident that the Cuban programme is a legitimate bilateral cooperation programme, not an example of trafficking,” Johnson Smith asserts.

She said the Government remains committed to diplomacy as a means of strengthening bilateral and regional relationships. She added that the approach has generally led to constructive engagement and productive outcomes on challenging issues.

As global discussions evolve, she reaffirmed that Jamaica will continue to prioritise partnerships and cooperation, ensuring that its foreign policy decisions align with national interests and the principles of mutual respect.

In a radio interview on the matter on Thursday morning, in response to a direct question, Johnson Smith said within the present context, there is no contemplation of any visa revocation by the US authorities in relation to any Jamaican Government officials on the basis of any issue with the Cuban medical cooperation programme.