The United States Friday told Caribbean countries that there are ‘alternative methods available’ to recruit healthcare workers as it continued its criticism of the Cuban health brigade programme to the region.
In a post on the US Embassy in Barbados Facebook page, Washington said it ‘is committed to holding accountable Cuban regime officials, foreign government officials, and others for facilitating forced labour in Cuba’s medical missions.
‘By participating in these programmes, despite known human rights abuses, foreign governments become complicit in the regime’s tactics. Their actions directly contribute to the abuses of Cuban workers,’ the statement said.
‘There are alternative methods available for Caribbean nations to recruit foreign medical workers and ethically meet the healthcare needs of their people. The United States calls on all governments and peoples to reject forced labor schemes and join us in demanding accountability and respect for human rights.’