By Belize Live News Staff: A video of Cuban nationals at an airport set off speculation this week, and the Minister of Health has moved to shut it down.
Kevin Bernard says the workers shown in the clip, posted by People’s National Party activist Wil Maheia, were going home on vacation, not being sent away.
“Not everybody could go on vacation at the same time,” Bernard said, adding that carrying items home to family is standard practice for the workers.
The larger question behind the speculation is real though.
The United States has increased pressure on governments taking part in Cuba’s overseas medical missions, alleging the programme involves exploitative labour practices. Belize and several Caribbean governments have pushed back and defended the contribution Cuban healthcare workers make.
Belize’s position is that the Cuban professionals here are employed and paid directly through the government payroll system.
Bernard says talks are ongoing between Belizean officials and Cuban representatives, and he hopes for an outcome by the end of September.
“Both for the benefit of the Cuban Brigade they want assurances as well,” he said.
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