GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC – Leader of the opposition coalition, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), Aubrey Norton, says the government should have negotiated improved working conditions for Cuban healthcare workers to address concerns raised by the United States while maintaining strong diplomatic relations with Washington.
Speaking on the weekend, Norton argued that supporting Cuban medical personnel does not make Guyana anti-American and suggested that the government could have engaged the US in dialogue to find a compromise.
He said officials could have acknowledged concerns that the Cuban government receives a large share of payments under the programme while exploring ways to ensure doctors receive greater compensation.
The United States had warned Caribbean nations that officials and their immediate family members could lose tourist visas if they continued to participate in the Cuban Medical programme, which Washington claims involves labour exploitation and human trafficking.
In response, Guyana ended its participation in the programme and instead hired Cuban doctors directly.
Norton noted that Cuban medical professionals have supported Guyana and the wider Caribbean for decades and argued that the region has a moral obligation to assist the island.
A Cuban-trained political scientist, Norton said small states must balance solidarity with partners like Cuba while also maintaining relations with the US, particularly as Washington supports Guyana in its ongoing territorial dispute with Venezuela over the resource-rich Essequibo Region.
While welcoming US backing in the controversy, Norton cautioned that Guyana should not abandon Cuba.
He warned that the country should avoid becoming part of efforts that could undermine Cuban society, especially as the island faces economic pressure and fuel shortages affecting electricity, flights, and public services.
Norton said Guyana must recognise its vulnerability as a small state and emphasised the importance of solidarity among smaller nations. He argued that distancing from Cuba in the current circumstances does not reflect well on Guyana’s foreign policy.
Looking ahead, Norton also suggested Guyana should shape its diplomacy with an eye on changing political dynamics in Washington, noting that shifts in control of Congress could alter the landscape.
He also criticised the administration of President Irfaan Ali for failing to negotiate effectively and protect Guyana’s interests, saying the country still relies on Cuban expertise to strengthen its healthcare system.
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