Foreign Affairs Minister Kamina Johnson Smith at Thursday's Standing Finance Committee Meeting
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By Halshane Burke
Cuba has expressed deep regret at what it says was the decision of the Jamaican Government to unilaterally terminate the longstanding health cooperation agreement between the two countries.
Jamaica's Foreign Minister, Kamina Johnson Smith, on Thursday announced the end to the 50 year old agreement of Cuba sending medical personnel to fill gaps in the Jamaican health system.
According to the Cuban Foreign Ministry, the decision was communicated on March 4 to the Cuban embassy in Kingston.
Cuba declared that Jamaica's action represents a concession to pressure from the United States government, which, according to Cuba, does not prioritize the health needs of Caribbean peoples.
In contrast, Mrs Johnson Smith, speaking in the Standing Finance Committee meeting on Thursday, said, while the United States had expressed concern about the programme, the decision to terminate the arrangement was not influenced by that country.
She acknowledged that there had been concerns raised by the Trump administration about Jamaica's participation in the Cuban medical programme.
But, she added, "you would have heard us defending the programme in various contexts, because when they come here we do our best to be respectful and ensure that our treatment of them accords with the laws of Jamaica and best international labour law practice."
She said however that "where the programme came into conflict with those things, unfortunately we were unable to reach agreement on correcting them, and that is why the programme has ended."
Cuba emphasised that the medical cooperation between both nations had been a long and productive partnership that has greatly benefited the Jamaican population.
The Spanish speaking country says, with the termination of the agreement, Jamaicans will lose access to many basic and specialised health services previously provided by Cuban medical professionals.
As a result of the decision, Cuba announced that it will proceed with the return of the Cuban Medical Brigade currently working in Jamaica.
Over the last 30 years, more than 4,700 Cuban health professionals have served in Jamaica.
At present, the Cuban Medical Brigade consists of 277 professionals working in various areas of the health system.
Additionally, through Operación Milagro, active in Jamaica since 2010, Cuba says nearly 25,000 Jamaicans have had their vision restored or improved.
Despite this development, the Cuban Government has reaffirmed its historic solidarity and friendship with the Jamaican people and stated that it always remains ready to assist where its cooperation is needed.
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