Regional leaders to engage US on Cuban labour restrictions, other matters

Caribbean leaders are hoping to engage the United States government on a range of issues including a recent decision to expand visa restrictions on officials believed to be involved in the export of Cuban workers.

This is according to Guyana’s Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, who spoke at a People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) press conference on Thursday.

Jagdeo was quizzed about the recent announcement of an expanded visa restriction policy by US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio. As articulated in a statement from Mr. Rubio, the administration believes that Cuba nets much income from a “forced labour” programme. Doctors and other health workers, in particular, are believed to be part of this programme.

Jagdeo, however, noted that Cuban healthcare workers have been supporting countries for decades, an arrangement that transcends multiple US administrations. And he believes that the Cuban medical presence has supported Guyana’s and the Caribbean’s healthcare systems.

Caribbean countries, including Guyana, have maintained good relations with Cuba and advocate for an improved US/ Cuba relationship. The US and Cuba have maintained a strained relationship for decades now, following the Cuban revolution in the 1950s.

Jagdeo, however, noted that leaders of the Cairbbean Community (CARICOM) are hoping to engage Mr. Rubio or President Donald Trump directly on this issue and other matters like trade.

“It is an issue that will affect every single country in our region, not just (the Caribbean Community), but every country in the world,” Jagdeo said at this weekly press conference.

He added, “They (Caribbean leaders) already said they want to engage and have a good relationship with the Trump administration.”

For its part, the Guyana Government has had some fruitful engagements with the new administration. In January, Guyana’s President Dr. Irfaan Ali engaged Mr. Rubio.

In a statement, Mr. Rubio’s spokesperson Tammy Bruce said the two leaders spoke to address the crisis of illegal migration and “agreed to jointly address this regional imperative and challenge.”

Importantly, it was noted: “The Secretary affirmed the United States’ steadfast support of Guyana’s territorial integrity in the face of Nicolás Maduro and his cronies’ bellicose actions.”

And already, the government is responding to new policies from the Trump administration.

Should Guyanese living in the United States of America face deportation due to new policies, Dr. Jagdeo previously said they would be accepted here.

“These are our own people. Once they’re Guyanese and they’re verified to be Guyanese, then you have to take your people back,” Jagdeo said at a PPP press conference in January.