By Shermain Bique-Charles

Email: [email protected]

Prime Minister Gaston Browne strongly defended the Cuban Medical Brigade program, which employs medical professionals from Cuba in the healthcare systems of Antigua and Barbuda.

During a meeting on Tuesday in Washington, where leaders from five OECS states and the Bahamas spoke with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, PM Browne aimed to dispel any misconceptions linking this initiative to human trafficking.

Accompanied by Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the United States, Sir Ron Sanders, PM Browne emphasized that the relationship with the Cuban medical personnel is not exploitative.

He clarified that the government compensates the Cuban doctors and nurses fairly, treats them well, and imposes no restrictions on them, stating that their engagement is no different from arrangements made for medical services with professionals from countries like Ghana or the Philippines.

Sir Ron noted that PM Browne was particularly effective and precise in articulating Antigua and Barbuda’s concerns during the discussions.

The meeting also addressed the concerning influx of firearms from the United States into the Caribbean, which Secretary Rubio acknowledged as a contributing factor to rising crime rates.

He assured that the U.S. government would strive to mitigate this issue.

Additionally, the leaders touched upon the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs in five OECS countries, though specific details were not disclosed.

Regarding trade, PM Browne urged for enhanced dialogue between the United States and China, the two largest economies in the world.