KINGSTON, Jamaica — Opposition Spokesperson on National Security, Fitz Jackson, says the move by the Government to discontinue the Cuban medical programme is in response to instructions from other governments, including the United States (US).

“The Opposition is steadfast. We will stand with the Cuban Government on this matter. It’s clear. It is responding to other demands, other instructions, rather than giving priority to the demands of our people…All the entities and governments have instructed them, and no doubt the US Government has instructed them,” Jackson said.

He noted that the Cuban Government, through its medical professionals, has offered assistance to Jamaica over the years.

Last week, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade announced the Government’s decision to discontinue the current arrangement regarding the deployment of medical professionals in the public health sector by the Government of Cuba.

The ministry said the decision comes as both governments were unable to agree on the terms and conditions of a new technical cooperation arrangement following the expiration of the previous agreement in February 2023.

READ: Gov’t to discontinue current arrangement with Cuba regarding the deployment of medical professionals

“The argument advanced by the minister of foreign affairs as a basis of termination, unilateral termination, as the Cubans have said, and if you ask me, I believe the Cubans in this more than I believe my Government. Regrettable. Frivolous argument that the minister of finance advanced at the Standing Finance Committee and in subsequent news releases is again disgraceful,” Jackson said.

The Opposition spokesperson on national security said he has had the opportunity to interact with a number of Cuban health care workers and noted that none of them are forced workers.

“I have had the opportunity to interact with a number of Cuban health care workers. None of them are forced workers or forced labour. If that argument is to have any credibility, why aren’t they asking the Chinese workers to leave? On the basis of their own argument, it’s frivolous, and it’s dishonest. It’s dishonest. All I can say is better days will come. We are not losing hope in our country or what we need to do,” Jackson added.

(Video: Llewellyn Wynter)