Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Kamina Johnson Smith says the government is confident that the Cuban medical programme is a legitimate bilateral cooperation programme, not an example of human trafficking.

Her statement follows the decision of the United States to impose visa sanctions against government officials of countries that participate in Cuba’s overseas medical missions.

The USA described Cuba’s programme as forced labour. 

Jamaica’s medical cooperation programme with Cuba has been in place since 1976 and has operated under agreements that have been upheld by successive administrations over the years.

In light of the U.S. policy, concerns have been raised about how Jamaica’s continued participation in the Cuban medical  missions could affect its relationship with the U.S.

In a statement today, Mrs. Johnson Smith said a review of the programme had been initiated well before international scrutiny had commenced. 

She expressed confidence that while improvements would be made to the administration of the programme, it could not be found to involve human trafficking.

She said talks continue with the relevant stakeholders and it is hoped that there will be a positive outcome.