Grenada’s Finance Minister’s US Visa Revoked Over Cuban Medical Brigade. Who’s Next in Line?

There are growing concerns regarding the revocation of U.S. visas among government ministers whose countries support the Cuban Medical Brigade.

Due to his support for the program, Grenada’s Finance Minister, Dennis Cornwall, became the first Grenadian government official to face direct action from the United States.

Reports from various online newspapers indicate that under President Donald Trump, the U.S. government has revoked all three of Cornwall’s visas—B1, B2, and A1. His wife’s visa was also revoked in the process.

Cornwall, just like many other leaders, publicly stated in Parliament that he was willing to lose his U.S. visa to stand in solidarity with Cuba regarding the medical brigade issue.

Prime Minister Mia Mottley also made similar statements a few months ago, raising concerns that her U.S. visa could also be revoked based on her remarks.

The United States has raised questions about the Cuban medical program, which Caricom leaders have consistently defended as a crucial benefit to their countries.

The issue first gained attention when U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced an expansion of Washington’s Cuba-related visa restriction policy, targeting individuals allegedly involved in forced labor linked to the Cuban labor export program.

Caribbean leaders, including our very own Prime Minister Gaston Browne, St. Vincent and the Grenadines Dr Ralph Gonsalves, and Trinidad and Tobago, have publicly defended this initiative.

In May this year, Browne strongly defended the Cuban Medical Brigade program, which employs medical professionals from Cuba in Antigua and Barbuda’s healthcare system.

During a recent meeting in Washington, where leaders from five OECS states and the Bahamas spoke with U.S. 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 Cuban medical personnel is not exploitative.

He clarified that the government compensates 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.