Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Rowley, rejects U.S. allegations that Cuba’s medical missions constitute human trafficking and is prepared to forgo U.S. travel in defense of national sovereignty. He steadfastly supports the role of Cuban healthcare workers and criticizes U.S. visa restrictions. Caribbean leaders share concerns about the implications on healthcare services due to these policies, reinforcing Rowley’s stance against external pressures.
Dr. Keith Rowley, the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, has firmly stated his willingness to sacrifice future travel to the United States in order to uphold the nation’s sovereignty. This declaration came during a ceremony on a $1.3 billion hospital project in Port-of-Spain, where he criticized U.S. claims that Cuba’s medical missions are akin to human trafficking.
Rowley denounced the Trump administration’s visa restrictions aimed at nations using Cuban medical professionals. He remarked, “There are local people here encouraging them to take away our US visas… I will ensure that the sovereignty of Trinidad and Tobago is known to its people and respected by all.”
The United States argues that Cuba’s program is a form of “forced labor” and exploitative, yet Rowley continued to advocate for the pivotal role of Cuban healthcare professionals in the Caribbean. He stated, “We rely heavily on healthcare specialists whom we have obtained from India, the Philippines, and mainly from Cuba over the decades,” dismissing U.S. allegations as mischaracterizations.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced an extension of the U.S. visa restrictions targeting current and former Cuban officials and their foreign counterparts. He indicated that the policy was designed to hold accountable those engaged in the exploitation of Cuban workers. Caribbean leaders have expressed dissent regarding this policy, with Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves of St. Vincent expressing concerns about its detrimental impact on regional healthcare.
Trinidad and Tobago’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr. Amery Browne, along with Caricom officials, recently engaged with U.S. representatives, including Latin America special envoy Mauricio Claver-Carone, to discuss the implications of these restrictions. Despite calls for reconsideration, Prime Minister Rowley affirmed that Trinidad and Tobago would retain its ties with Cuba, stating, “This country will not be dictated to.”
In summary, Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley has staunchly defended Trinidad and Tobago’s sovereignty against U.S. visa threats related to Cuban medical missions. He emphasizes the importance of Cuban healthcare workers in the Caribbean, dismissing U.S. accusations of human trafficking as misinterpretations. The repercussions of U.S. policy have raised significant concerns among Caribbean leaders about the potential adverse effects on regional healthcare services. Rowley remains committed to maintaining the nation’s diplomatic relations with Cuba despite external pressures.
Original Source: www.caribbeannationalweekly.com
