Belize Reviews Options to Retain Cuban Medical Professionals

Belize’s Cuban Medical Brigade remains in place while discussions over its long-term future continue. Foreign Affairs Chief Executive Officer Oscar Arnold said negotiations between Belize and the United States were nearing a resolution. Meanwhile, Cuban healthcare professionals continue serving across the country, including at the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II.
The uncertainty follows pressure from the United States on countries participating in Cuba’s overseas medical missions. Washington has raised concerns about labor conditions and payment arrangements under these programs. Belize has been reviewing its agreement with Cuba, with officials considering whether to restructure or end the program, or retain some professionals through individual contracts, work permits, or residency arrangements.
The brigade has supported Belize’s public healthcare system since 1999. Recent government figures placed approximately 92 Cuban healthcare professionals in Belize, including 45 doctors, as well as nurses, technicians, and specialists. They serve at hospitals and clinics nationwide, including in San Pedro and rural, underserved communities where staffing shortages persist.
Elsewhere in the Caribbean, countries are changing employment arrangements to retain Cuban medical personnel. Jamaica ended its previous agreement after concerns that Cuban authorities, rather than workers, received salaries and that some personnel did not control their passports. It has since rehired 157 Cuban healthcare workers under direct contracts, moving away from payments routed through Havana.
Jamaican Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton said the government offered workers the option to return under individual contracts rather than continue under the former bilateral program. “We basically gave them an offer. We said we can’t do the arrangement as was the case, but if you return and it’s your option, your choice, we would engage you in a direct contract,” Tufton said. He also thanked the professionals for returning, saying, “The healthcare system needs them.”
In Belize, Arnold said engagement between the governments was ongoing. “There continues to be engagement at all levels between our governments. We believe we will resolve soon. I can’t speak to the details yet.”
Arnold emphasized that maintaining adequate healthcare staffing remains a government priority. “But for us, the Government of Belize, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through the Ministry of Health and Wellness, has always maintained that we will, as a top priority, ensure that we have our medical system in place and that we have enough professionals to serve our population.”
San Pedro residents who have received treatment from Cuban doctors at the polyclinic have expressed appreciation for their services. They hope a resolution will allow these professionals to continue providing care on the island.
Cuban medical personnel remain on duty while negotiations continue. Although Arnold indicated that a resolution could come soon, he did not disclose the terms under consideration or provide a specific date for a final decision.