The Davis administration in The Bahamas is currently awaiting approval from the United States regarding its proposal to directly hire Cuban healthcare professionals. Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Michael Darville reassured the public that these foreign workers are not in a state of uncertainty but continue to contribute to the country’s healthcare system. Last month, the government submitted a draft contract to US officials as part of ongoing negotiations. While a response is still pending, Dr. Darville expressed optimism that clarity would emerge within the next two weeks, emphasizing the urgency to resolve the matter swiftly. The proposed contract, described as standard, includes a significant change: Cuban professionals will now have the autonomy to arrange their own accommodations, offering them greater freedom in their living arrangements. This shift comes after US officials warned The Bahamas against participating in Cuba’s labor export program, which they argued constituted forced labor. A leaked 2022 contract revealed that while The Bahamas paid up to $12,000 monthly per Cuban doctor, the doctors themselves received only $990 to $1,200, with the remainder going to Cuba’s state-run agency. In June, Dr. Darville announced plans to hire Cuban healthcare workers directly, bypassing intermediaries, and indicated that existing contracts could be terminated if new terms were not accepted. The US has commended The Bahamas’ efforts to reform the system, viewing it as a positive development.