Guyana’s Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has raised alarms over U.S. threats to impose visa sanctions on nations using Cuba’s Medical Brigades. He advocates for a unified CARICOM response to engage the U.S. regarding these concerns. The sanctions could have widespread implications, affecting health care services through Cuban medical support in the Caribbean.
The Vice President of Guyana, Bharrat Jagdeo, expressed concerns regarding potential U.S. visa sanctions aimed at countries utilizing Cuba’s Overseas Medical Missions. He urged Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders to proactively engage the U.S. government regarding these sanctions, highlighting their broader implications across the region.
U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, recently announced that visa restrictions would apply to foreign government officials associated with or benefiting from Cuba’s medical program. This policy extends to the families of such officials and aims to penalize those involved in Cuba’s labor export programs.
Guyana has relied on the Cuban Medical Brigade to address healthcare shortages and has welcomed Cuban medical professionals. Vice President Jagdeo emphasized that the impact of these sanctions would affect not only Guyana but all CARICOM nations, underscoring that this is a regional issue rather than a national one.
The Vice President also noted that CARICOM leaders have recognized the necessity of maintaining a positive relationship with the Trump Administration. They agreed to engage with U.S. leaders to convey their perspectives directly, rather than relying on third-party interpretations.
In discussions with the U.S. State Department, Guyana and other CARICOM nations plan to address this and other pressing issues, such as trade policies, immigration, and deportation practices. Mr. Jagdeo acknowledged the longstanding benefits of Cuba’s medical assistance in the Caribbean, which have persisted through multiple U.S. administrations.
The potential U.S. visa sanctions regarding the Cuban Medical Brigades present significant challenges for Caribbean nations, including Guyana. Vice President Jagdeo stresses the need for a united front among CARICOM members to address these sanctions directly with the U.S. government, while also engaging in broader discussions on various diplomatic and trade issues. This collective approach aims to safeguard the healthcare support provided by Cuban medical professionals, which has historically benefited the region.
Original Source: newssourcegy.com
