The prime minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines has stated that the government has provided evidence to the US that Cuban health workers in the country are not victims of human trafficking, a claim targeted by the Trump administration against Cuban medical missions.

In anticipation of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s upcoming visit to the Caribbean, Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves expressed confidence that the information provided to US officials would address the concerns regarding the agreement under which Cuban medical professionals work in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Rubio, who is of Cuban descent, has announced an expansion of an existing policy to address “forced labor” and “abusive and coercive labor practices” in Cuba’s overseas medical missions.

However, Caribbean leaders have consistently denied allegations of human trafficking and highlighted the critical role that Cuban medical professionals play in saving lives in the region.

Gonsalves has clarified that there is no human trafficking or forced labor, emphasizing that modern labor laws are followed, and the Cuban medical staff are compensated fairly and have benefits, including paid holidays. They are also free to enter and leave the program.

Following the 1959 revolution, Cuba has been sending medics to various countries globally, including Italy, Brazil, and nations in the Caribbean and West Africa, where they have been vital in controlling outbreaks such as Covid-19 and Ebola.

The expanded US policy would impose visa restrictions on individuals believed to be involved in the Cuban labor export program and their immediate family.

Cuba’s ambassador to St Vincent and the Grenadines has criticized the policy as baseless and potentially depriving millions worldwide of essential medical services.

Prime Minister Gonsalves has also rejected the idea that Cuban doctors and nurses are slaves and that their government is involved in trafficking, emphasizing the respect for medical professionals in the Caribbean.

Barbados’s Prime Minister Mia Mottley has stated that the notion of engaging in human trafficking by employing Cuban nurses was firmly repudiated and rejected.

Caribbean leaders, including Mottley, may be prepared to forego their US visas if a sensible agreement cannot be reached on this matter.

Regional leaders met to address Rubio’s upcoming visit and potential discussions about the Cuban doctors issue.