Roberto Morales Ojeda, the Secretary of Organization for the Cuban Communist Party (PCC), recently declared on social media that "the Cuban Revolution is, above all, an act of humanitarianism," a statement that quickly drew criticism online.
According to Morales Ojeda, "The greatness of the Cuban Revolution lies not only in its achievement of sovereignty right under the nose of imperialism but also in its ability to make solidarity a state policy." This comment, posted on the platform X, seemingly alludes to Jamaica's decision to end its medical mission agreement with Cuba.
Critics swiftly responded. One user sarcastically remarked, "Cuban solidarity towards its partners is a monetary transaction, while the solidarity of its partners towards Cuba is a donation that ends up in a government-run business." Another warned, "The lies will not last. Soon, the dictatorship will fall, and many more heinous crimes, hidden by censorship, fear, and punishment for decades, will come to light. The people's memory won't let them get away with it."
Another Cuban commentator accused Morales Ojeda of speaking about Cuba's sovereignty, while the government "constantly sells its mercenaries or begs for 'humanitarian aid' from other countries, profiting from the hunger of its citizens, which is pure selfishness."
Jamaica Ends Long-Standing Medical Collaboration with Cuba
This Friday, news broke that the Jamaican government has decided not to renew its medical cooperation program with Cuba, ending a decades-long agreement that allowed Cuban healthcare professionals to work in Jamaica's health system.
The Jamaican Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced in a statement that the decision followed unsuccessful negotiations between the two governments over the terms of a new technical cooperation agreement, as reported by Reuters and the Jamaican newspaper The Gleaner.
"The decision comes after both governments failed to agree on the terms and conditions of a new technical cooperation agreement," stated the ministry led by Kamina Johnson Smith.
Since 1976, the medical cooperation program had facilitated the presence of Cuban doctors, nurses, and specialists in Jamaica, filling gaps in the public health system.
The Jamaican Ministry of Health noted that around 300 Cuban healthcare professionals are currently working on the island under existing contracts. These professionals will be allowed to continue working until their contract terms conclude, though the program will no longer operate under the state cooperation framework.
"To maintain the valuable services provided by the Cuban medical professionals present in the country, the Ministry of Health may contract them individually under local labor laws," the foreign ministry stated.
This decision coincides with increased pressure from the United States on Cuban medical missions, which Washington accuses of involving forced labor and human trafficking, allegations denied by several Caribbean governments.
Implications of Jamaica's Decision on Cuban Medical Missions
Why did Jamaica end its medical cooperation with Cuba?
Jamaica ended its medical cooperation with Cuba due to unsuccessful negotiations between the two countries over the terms of a new technical cooperation agreement.
What will happen to the current Cuban healthcare professionals in Jamaica?
Cuban healthcare professionals currently working in Jamaica will be allowed to continue their work until their contracts expire, although the program will no longer operate under the state cooperation framework.
How has the U.S. responded to Cuban medical missions?
The United States has intensified its pressure on Cuban medical missions, accusing them of involving forced labor and human trafficking, charges that have been rejected by several Caribbean governments.