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JAM | Mar 29, 2025

Tufton provides update on Cuban medics mission

Al Edwards

Al Edwards / Our Today

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(From left) Cabinet ministers Pearnel Charles Jnr, Christopher Tufton, Edmund Bartlett, Kamina Johnson Smith and Dr Horace Chang pictured at the joint press availability event with Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness at the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) during US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s official visit to the island on Wednesday, March 26, 2025. (OUR TODAY photo/Oraine Meikle)

It has been a contentious issue across the Caribbean and in many ways has galvanised the region.

For years, Cuban medical professionals have been a valuable resource to Jamaica’s healthcare services.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who addressed the issue in a meeting with Prime Minister Andrew Holness in Jamaica this week, said Caribbean countries that continue to import Cuban professionals were engaging in human trafficking and stand to see government officials having their visas withdrawn.

It was an incendiary situation that has calmed down a bit with negotiations and soft diplomacy.

After Secretary Rubio’s press conference, Minister of Health Dr Christopher Tufton gave an update.

WATCH this Our Today video by Llewellyn Wynter:

 

Tags
Cuban medical brigade Government of Jamaica human trafficking allegations Jamaica memorandum of understanding Minister Christopher Tufton Ministry of Health and Wellness Prime Minister Andrew Holness US Secretary of State Marco Rubio

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