Kingston, Jamaica — 10 March 2026
The Government of Jamaica has issued a new explanation for its decision to end the longstanding Cuba–Jamaica medical cooperation programme, saying the arrangement had become “untenable” after a review raised concerns about labour practices and compliance with Jamaican law.
The clarification comes amid ongoing public discussion about the programme, which for decades supplied Cuban doctors and other medical professionals to support Jamaica’s healthcare system.
In a statement outlining the Government’s position, the Ministry responsible for foreign affairs said the programme could not continue in its existing form after officials examined how Cuban medical personnel were compensated and whether they retained control of their travel documents while working in Jamaica.
According to the Government, the review raised concerns about whether aspects of the arrangement aligned with Jamaican labour laws, tax obligations, and internationally recognised labour standar…
