US Secretary of State Marco Rubio
The US Department of State on Tuesday announced visa restrictions on several Central American government officials and their family members due to their alleged involvement in the Cuban regime's forced labour programme.
The US has accused these officials of facilitating medical missions that exploit Cuban workers and divert critical health resources away from Cuba.
The US says visa restrictions aimed to promote accountability for those supporting or enabling forced labour practices.
According to the Department of State, the Cuban labour expert programme not only enriches the Cuban regime, but also deprives Cubans of essential medical care at home.
The US government says this action underscores its ongoing commitment to human rights and labour rights worldwide and supports the Cuban people's aspirations for freedom and dignity.
Jamaica is among several Caribbean countries that rely on Cuban medical professionals to sustain the healthcare system.
Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has maintained that Jamaica is not engaged in forced labour.
Dr. Holness and all the Caribbean leaders met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in separate occasions in the last three months to discuss the Trump administration's concerns with the medical missions.
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