Radio Cadena Agramonte emisiora de Camagüey
Belmopán, May 2nd.- The government of Belize reiterated its support for the medical cooperation program with Cuba, and rejected accusations from the US government.
Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs, assured that Cuban professionals working in Belize receive their salaries directly and transparently, and thus denied allegations by Secretary of State Marco Rubio about the alleged form of forced labor.
The money for their work goes directly into doctors' personal accounts, Fonseca stressed, and pointed out that the doctors have individual access to their salaries.
Belize responded in this way to pressure from Washington, which questioned the agreements of Cuban medical collaboration in several countries, including members of the Caribbean Community.
Fonseca recalled that more than 50 nations, including powers such as Saudi Arabia, host Cuban medical brigades, and that the agreement with Belize operates under the same terms of transparency.
The Cuban medical cooperation programme in Belize, which has been active for more than 30 years, is key to strengthening the public health system, especially in rural areas with limited access to specialized medical services.
The US administration has recently stepped up its pursuit of health agreements with Cuba, arguing that the Cuban government retains much of the doctors' salaries.
However, countries such as Belize, Mexico and South Africa defended the financial autonomy of professionals and the mutual benefits of these exchanges.
According to the government of Belize, collaboration with Cuba on health will continue and is expected to expand in 2025. (Text and photo: PL)
