Reiterating that The Bahamas does not employ Cuban medical professionals under forced labor conditions, Prime Minister Phillip Davis this week defended the program but said the existing payment system can be reviewed in keeping with demands from the US.
His remarks have come amid threats by the Trump Administration in the US to cancel the entry visas of politicians and others linked to the Cuban program as the American see their presence as human trafficking and forced labor because a percentage of their earnings goes to Cuban state agencies as a means of getting around US economic sanctions. Davis said his administration is not against a review of what exists.
“As far as I’m aware, only the medical professionals, a portion of their salary is sent to an agency in Cuba. I don’t know the relationship between that agency and the government of Cuba, but we are now looking into that. This doesn’t require any loud mouth. We have no concerns about being banned,” he added.
Announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the threats to revoke visas has received strong pushback from several Caribbean leaders who have made it clear to Washington that the Cuban medical brigade offers a lifeline service to many Caribbean Community countries.
Prime Ministers Ralph Gonsalves, Mia Mottley and former head of government in Trinidad Keith Rowley have all said they would have no regrets if they are banned from entering the US again as they defended the importance and cruciality of the Cubans in the regional health sector. Davis said regional leaders are responding to the US threats.
“None of the Caribbean countries will intentionally or knowingly engage or facilitate forced labor. It requires us to examine our arrangement to determine whether it is or not. In our case, I can speak to specifically, before we engage anyone from Cuba, we send a team of professionals, sometimes numbering up to 12, to interview persons who would like to fill in these positions that we have. We will not intentionally or willingly engage in matters that amount to forced labor,” he said.
Asked if he too is willing to give up his visa, Davis noted that “we will do our part. We are going to respond. It doesn’t require any loud mouth. What the Bahamian people will know is that I am for their interests. Whatever it takes to protect their interest, I am willing and prepared to do. We will be responding comprehensively to the request asked of us and if that does not find favor, then so be it.”
