The Guyana authorities says it would introduce new situations for using Cuban well being professionals because it prepares for the “aggressive” recruitment of international nurses to workers a number of hospitals presently beneath development throughout the nation.
“We’re recruiting individuals from around the globe, not confined to Cuba however we’re working to make sure that individuals who come right here from Cuba that they meet the definition due to what the US Secretary of State talked about that the situations of labor right here don’t run afoul of the necessities set by the USA of America,” Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo mentioned throughout his weekly information convention.
The transfer comes after the USA expanded visa restrictions concentrating on what it describes as “pressured labour” linked to Cuba’s abroad medical missions. The coverage, introduced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, applies to present or former Cuban officers and international authorities figures concerned within the Cuban labour export programme. It additionally targets the fast relations of these supporting the initiative.
“The division has already taken steps to impose visa restrictions on a number of people, together with Venezuelans, beneath this expanded coverage,” Rubio said. Rubio, the son of Cuban immigrants, has been a vocal critic of the Cuban medical brigades, alleging that they exploit healthcare employees.
In response, Caribbean Group (CARICOM) international locations, together with Guyana, have defended the Cuban well being programme. Georgetown has since requested that Washington present proof that Cuban medical employees’ rights are being violated inside Guyana.
Jagdeo emphasised that whereas Guyana is prioritizing the coaching and employment of native nurses—with plans to supply higher salaries and dealing situations—there stays an pressing want to herald international personnel.
“Proper now, we don’t have sufficient healthcare personnel to supply the expanded stage of companies that may come by the opening of those new hospitals,” he mentioned.
Guyana has partnered with a number of firms, together with Chinese language pharmaceutical agency Sinopharm, to construct six hospitals alongside the coast and within the inside. The Vice President reiterated the administration’s dedication to making sure that any international recruitment, together with that of Cuban professionals, aligns with worldwide labor requirements.
