ST GEORGE’S, Grenada (CMC) – The Grenada government has announced what it termed “important changes” to the Cuban Workers Programme following a request made by the United States to review the programme.

A statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that “important changes to strengthen the administration and oversight of the Cuban Workers Programme have been implemented, following high-level consultations between Grenadian and Cuban officials in Havana” this month.

The statement said that the discussions were led by Foreign Affairs, Trade and Export Development Minister, Joseph Andall, and including Health Minister, Philip Telesford and that “it was agreed that all Cuban professionals serving in Grenada would work under conditions equal to those of their Grenadian counterparts.

“The Government of Grenada expresses its appreciation to the Government of Cuba for its cooperation in the matter and for agreeing to the changes. The Government of Grenada acknowledges the role of the United States in raising the matter with Grenada,” said the statement.

The Dickon Mitchell government said that the Cuban Workers Programme has provided significant support to Grenadians “especially in the delivery of healthcare.

“The Government and people of Grenada are grateful for this support. At the same time, the Government continues to strengthen national health capacity through expanded training, scholarships, and incentives to increase the cadre of Grenadian professionals serving in the health system,” the statement said.

In August, the United States Department of State, announced that it had taken steps to impose visa restrictions on African, Cuban, and Grenadian government officials, and their family members, for their complicity in the Cuban regime’s medical mission scheme in which medical professionals are ‘rented’ by other countries at high prices and most of the revenue is kept by the Cuban authorities.

Washington claimed that this scheme enriches the corrupt Cuban regime while depriving the Cuban people of essential medical care, a position which has been strongly denied by the Caribbean.

The United States said that it would continue to engage governments,” and will take action as needed, to bring an end to such forced labour,” urging governments “to pay the doctors directly for their services, not the regime slave masters.

“The United States aims to support the Cuban people in their pursuit of freedom and dignity and promote accountability for those who perpetuate their exploitation. We call on all nations that support democracy and human rights to join us in this effort to confront the Cuban regime’s abuses and stand with the Cuban people.”

Washington has since imposed a visa restriction on Finance Minister, Dennis Cornwall, with St George’s saying that both governments reaffirmed their commitment to the long-standing relationship and agreed to continue using diplomatic channels to address matters of concern.