The Guyana government says it will introduce new conditions for employing Cuban health professionals as it prepares for the “aggressive” recruitment of foreign nurses to staff several hospitals currently under construction across the country.
“We’re recruiting people from around the world, not confined to Cuba but we’re working to ensure that people who come here from Cuba that they meet the definition because of what the US Secretary of State mentioned that the conditions of work here don’t run afoul of the requirements set by the United States of America,” Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo said during his weekly news conference.
The move comes after the United States expanded visa restrictions targeting what it describes as “forced labour” linked to Cuba’s overseas medical missions. The policy, announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, applies to current or former Cuban officials and foreign government figures involved in the Cuban labour export programme. It also targets the immediate family members of those supporting the initiative.
“The department has already taken steps to impose visa restrictions on several individuals, including Venezuelans, under this expanded policy,” Rubio stated. Rubio, the son of Cuban immigrants, has been a vocal critic of the Cuban medical brigades, alleging that they exploit healthcare workers.
In response, Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries, including Guyana, have defended the Cuban health programme. Georgetown has since requested that Washington provide proof that Cuban medical workers’ rights are being violated within Guyana.
Jagdeo emphasized that while Guyana is prioritizing the training and employment of local nurses—with plans to offer better salaries and working conditions—there remains an urgent need to bring in foreign personnel.
“Right now, we don’t have enough healthcare personnel to offer the expanded level of services that would come through the opening of these new hospitals,” he said.
Guyana has partnered with several companies, including Chinese pharmaceutical firm Sinopharm, to build six hospitals along the coast and in the interior. The Vice President reiterated the administration’s commitment to ensuring that any foreign recruitment, including that of Cuban professionals, aligns with international labor standards.
