BELMOPAN, Belize, (CMC) — Opposition Leader Tracy Panton is calling on the Belize Government to take “a principle stand to support our own sovereignty” by ensuring that it supports the Cuban health brigade in light of criticisms by the United States and its call for  the Caribbean countries to end the programme.

“I can’t fathom Belize not taking a principle stand to support our own sovereignty that is at risk by US policy demands, and more importantly, to support the country and the people who have stood by us.

“Cuba was one of the first countries who supported Belize’s independence and whenever we have had times of crisis, the Cuban Brigade — as they have done not only in Belize and not only in this region, but in the world, have come to the rescue of developing countries,” Panton said.

In recent times, several Caribbean countries have announced their intention to restructure the decades-old programme with Cuba under its Cuban health brigade project in light of efforts by the United States to get regional countries to end the  programme.

Washington has said the Cuban regime’s “medical missions” programme, which has benefited several Caribbean countries “relies on coercion and abuse.

“Cuban medical workers face withheld wages, confiscated passports, forced family separation and exile, restriction of movement through curfews and surveillance, intimidation and threats, and even pressure to falsify medical records and fabricate procedures. Many also endure excessive work hours and unsafe conditions,” the US has claimed.

Prime Minister John Briceño would only indicate that “delicate negotiations” are underway with Cuba, offering no further details on the situation.

But Panton said Belize must not allow external pressure to dictate its foreign policy and is calling on the Briceño administration to stand its ground and uphold what she describes as a matter of principle, sovereignty and friendship.

“For us now to suggest that negotiations are quote unquote delicate, because we are trying to pander to the policy demands of…a bully is deeply disturbing to me.

“Let’s be clear…many of our rural health clinics and facilities are manned by members of the Cuban Brigade. We don’t have enough trained nurses and doctors and healthcare providers to support our health-care needs in the country.

“And that’s why the Cuban Brigade is so important to us as a country. I ask if we lose that support or if we walk away from that support, what solution is going to [be] provided for us to ensure. That our people have access to quality healthcare or healthcare, period,” she added.