HGP Nightly News – Guyana has found itself navigating a diplomatic tightrope, balancing longstanding health partnerships with Cuba against mounting pressure from the United States. But President Irfaan Ali is making one thing clear, the country’s revised approach to employing Cuban medical professionals is legally sound and leaves no room for criticism.
Speaking Wednesday on the sidelines of the 50th Regular Meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government in Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis, the President addressed questions about Guyana’s shift away from its traditional bilateral health agreement with Cuba. The change came after Washington warned Caribbean nations that participating in Cuban medical programmes could be interpreted as human trafficking, potentially triggering visa restrictions and trade repercussions.
Guyana responded by terminating the government-to-government arrangement. But rather than sending the doctors and nurses home, the administration moved to a new model: employing them directly under Guyanese law.
“We ensure that they’re paid within the laws of our country and under the same conditions as any other worker is paid, that is to receive their money directly,” President Ali said.
The distinction is critical. Under the previous bilateral agreement, payments flowed through Cuban authorities. Now, each medical professional working in Guyana is hired individually and compensated directly, bringing the arrangement in line with how all other foreign workers are treated.
When asked whether other Caribbean nations facing similar U.S. pressure should adopt Guyana’s approach, the President stressed that the model aligns with both local and international labour standards. He pointed to the region’s persistent health sector challenges and the ongoing need for medical workers, arguing that as long as Cuban professionals are hired according to labour regulations and paid legally, they meet all necessary requirements.
The President’s remarks echo those of Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony, who earlier this month denied that the decision to end the bilateral agreement was driven by external pressure. Instead, Dr Anthony explained that Cuban medical professionals are now entering Guyana independently and applying for positions outside of any formal government-to-government framework.
“We ensure they are paid within the laws of our country,” the President reiterated.
