By Belize Live News Staff: Foreign Affairs Minister Francis Fonseca says negotiations over the future of the Cuban Medical Brigade in Belize are getting close to a resolution.
The talks come as the Government tries to protect healthcare services while responding to pressure from the United States over Cuba’s overseas medical programme.
Washington has criticized arrangements where the Cuban Government receives payments for medical personnel working abroad. Belize has not been part of that practice, but the US has urged countries to hire and pay Cuban professionals directly.
Fonseca said the deadline has been extended, and he is optimistic about the outcome.
“I hope by the end of October, so a few more weeks,” he said. “I’m very hopeful that we can have a very good resolution to that matter.”
Belize has been exploring individual contracts for Cuban doctors, nurses and other health workers already serving in the country. Health Minister Kevin Bernard previously said that proposal had been submitted to Cuba and would need its agreement.
