BELIZE-Opposition urges government not to abandon Cuban health brigade programme.

BELMOPAN, Belize, CMC – Opposition Leader Tracy Panton is calling on the Belize government to take “a principled stand to support our own sovereignty” by ensuring it supports the Cuban health brigade, in light of criticisms by the United States and its call for Caribbean countries to end the programme.

“ I can’t fathom Belize not taking a principled stand to support our own sovereignty that is at risk by US policy demands, and more importantly, to support the country and the people who have stood by us.

“Cuba was one of the first countries that supported Belize’s independence, and whenever we have had times of crisis, the Cuban Brigade, as they’ve done not only in Belize and not only in this region, but in the world, have come to the rescue of developing countries,” Panton said.

In recent times, several Caribbean countries have announced their intention to restructure the decades-old programme with Cuba through its Cuban health brigade project, in light of efforts by the United States to get regional countries to end the programme.

Washington has said the Cuban regime’s “medical missions” programme, which has benefitted several Caribbean countries, relies on coercion and abuse.

“Cuban medical workers face withheld wages, confiscated passports, forced family separation and exile, restriction of movement through curfews and surveillance, intimidation and threats, and even pressure to falsify medical records and fabricate procedures. Many also endure excessive work hours and unsafe conditions,” the US said.

Prime Minister John Briceño would only say that “delicate negotiations” are underway with Cuba, offering no further details.

But Panton said that Belize must not allow external pressure to dictate its foreign policy and is calling on the Briceño administration to stand its ground and uphold what she describes as a matter of principle, sovereignty, and friendship.

“For us now to suggest that negotiations are quote unquote delicate, because we are trying to pander to the policy demands of…a bully is deeply disturbing to me.

“Let’s be clear …many of our rural health clinics and facilities are manned by members of the Cuban Brigade. We don’t have enough trained nurses, doctors, and other healthcare providers to meet our country’s healthcare needs.

“And that’s why the Cuban Brigade is so important to us as a country. I ask: if we lose that support or walk away from it, what solution is going to be provided to ensure? That our people have access to quality healthcare or healthcare, period,” she added.