In a definitive New Year’s address, Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit declared his nation’s unwavering commitment to the Cuban Healthcare Program despite mounting international pressure and allegations of forced labor within the initiative. The Thursday evening interview with journalists revealed the Caribbean leader’s firm stance against abandoning the medical partnership that he described as critical to national healthcare infrastructure.
The program, currently under scrutiny by the Organization of American States and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, faces additional challenges from United States sanctions including visa restrictions on affiliated officials. Nevertheless, Prime Minister Skerrit emphasized the indispensable role of Cuban medical professionals, noting that 9 out of 11 practitioners in Dominica’s Intensive Care Unit originate from Cuba.
Skerrit acknowledged ongoing discussions with both Cuban authorities and U.S. representatives to address concerns through program modifications while maintaining the essential medical collaboration. The Prime Minister contextualized the dependency within historical patterns of medical staffing, noting that previous sources of healthcare professionals from Nigeria and India have diminished due to recruitment by wealthier nations.
The Caribbean leader concluded that without viable alternatives for medical staffing, Dominica would continue to benefit from Cuban medical expertise and training systems, albeit potentially under restructured arrangements that address international concerns.