Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has confirmed that the Government of Guyana is now fully compliant with the United States’ requirements concerning the employment of Cuban medical personnel in the country. Responding to a question during his press conference on Thursday, Jagdeo said that while he was not involved in the daily handling of the matter, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health has assured him that Guyana’s arrangements with Cuban doctors have been adjusted to meet the US stipulations.
“From what I gather, the PS has said to me that they were fully compliant now with the US requirements. So I don’t know the details of it… I hope you guys ask Dr Frank Anthony, the details,” the Vice President stated.
Pressed on whether the government had to sever any agreements with the Cuban government to achieve this compliance, Jagdeo added, “Please ask Doctor Anthony, I just know that we’re fully compliant. We’ve been told we’re fully compliant with the US requirement, and that the Cuban government understands this.”
His comments follow months of uncertainty over the future of Guyana’s medical cooperation with Cuba in light of threats of US sanctions on countries hosting Cuban medical brigades.
The Vice President had previously stated that the Cuban medical presence in the Caribbean has been strong for a very long time and had transcended several US administrations. He had acknowledged that the Cuban medical presence in the region has had some positive impact on health care delivery across the region.
The programme has been in operation for almost seven decades after its establishment that followed the 1959 Cuban Revolution. Cuba sends its medical personnel overseas and accepts medical students and patients for training and treatment respectively. Thousands of Guyanese have benefitted over the life of the programme. In 2022, former Minister of Health and current advisor to the Government of Guyana, Leslie Ramsammy acknowledged the “invaluable service” offered by Cuba.
In 2023, a new Medical Cooperation Agreement was signed between Guyana and Cuba. The agreement was one “which elevates Cuba’s medical cooperation with Guyana.”
