By Belize Live News Staff: Amid swirling rumors about possible U.S. visa restrictions tied to Cuba’s international medical brigade, Belize’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Francis Fonseca has firmly stated that Belize is not at risk of such sanctions.
His comments follow a report from Reuters indicating that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had unveiled new visa restrictions against unnamed Central American officials for allegedly supporting medical programs tied to forced labor. The sanctions target governments accused of exploiting Cuban doctors.
Fonseca pushed back on any suggestion that Belize is under scrutiny, highlighting the long-standing cooperation between Belize and Cuba and insisting that the program is both transparent and ethical. He explained that Belize ensures Cuban doctors are paid directly, with no money funneled through the Cuban government—a key concern of U.S. policy.
According to Fonseca, Belize has maintained open communication with U.S. authorities and continues to provide all relevant information regarding the program. “There’s no misunderstanding,” he said. “The U.S. knows how our system works.”
Belize, he added, views the Cuban medical brigade as a critical resource for national health, especially in underserved areas. As of now, no Belizean officials are subject to U.S. visa bans, and there are no signs that will change.
