In early March 2025, foreign ministers from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) convened in Washington, D.C., to engage with U.S. Special Envoy for Latin America and the Caribbean, Mauricio Claver-Carone. The central focus of this meeting was to address the U.S. administration’s recent policy targeting Cuban medical missions, which are integral to healthcare systems across the Caribbean.
The U.S. government had announced potential visa restrictions for officials involved with these missions, labeling them as “forced labor.” This stance has raised significant concerns among CARICOM nations, many of which heavily rely on Cuban medical professionals to bolster their healthcare services. For instance, Jamaica’s Foreign Minister, Kamina Johnson Smith, highlighted the indispensable role of over 400 Cuban doctors, nurses, and technicians in the country’s healthcare infrastructure.
During the discussions, CARICOM ministers underscored the adverse implications of the U.S. policy on regional health services. They advocated for a collaborative dialogue to convey the Caribbean’s perspective and the critical importance of Cuban medical assistance to their communities. The ministers expressed hope that such engagements would lead to a mutual understanding and a reevaluation of the policy in question.
This meeting exemplifies CARICOM’s commitment to safeguarding the well-being of its member states by actively engaging with international partners to address policies that could impact essential services in the region.
