A week ago, U.S. Congressman Carlos Gimenez blasted Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Jamaica for calling for Cuba to be shown humanitarian dignity as it comes under an oil embargo imposed on it by the United States.

Gimenez then said: “I harshly condemn this (PM Holness’ comments on Cuba) and find it lamentable that the JLP would cover up for the moribund dictatorship in Cuba when the Fidel Castro regime repeatedly intervened in Jamaica’s politics to exacerbate partisan tensions and undermine the JLP.

“Jamaica will face the consequences.”

To date, no official from the U.S. administration has moved to assure Jamaica that it is not being threatened and that punitive measures will not be taken against it as a result of Prime Minister Holness’ comments at the CARICOM Conference held in St . Kitts. 

 Congressman Gimenez has done a complete volte face, now praising Jamaica for discontinuing its longstanding medical cooperation programme with Cuba.

He wrote: “In the U.S. Congress, we thank the people of Jamaica for ending this pathetic criminal human trafficking operation with the dictatorship in Cuba.

“Doctors were human trafficked, their wages garnished and subjected to inhumane conditions amounting to modern-day slavery.”

Jamaica declared it is open to engaging Cuban medical professionals on an individual basis as long as local labour laws are met. Jamaica’s decision comes amid tightened economic pressure by the U.S. on Cuba, with Washington urging longstanding partners to end their relationship with the island nation.

Jamaica and other CARICOM countries are fearful of incurring America’s wrath under the Trump administration, given what happened in Venezuela and what is occurring in Iran. 

Secretary of State Marco Rubio made it patently clear that the U.S. is most displeased with Jamaica and other Caribbean countries’ arrangement with Cuba as it pertains to medical professionals working in their countries.

The region has now moved to become compliant and not provoke the Trump administration.

Some commentators note that Jamaica, St. Lucia and other Caribbean countries must comply and it is in their interests to be obsequious and do as they are told- or face the consequences.

Gimenez, himself a Cuban immigrant who hails from a rich family, is disdainful of the Communist regime there and has said that CARICOM countries would do well to follow Trinidad’s example and ally themselves with the United States in all matters.

The Congressman wrote: “Caribbean countries should follow the lead of PM of Trinidad & Tobago Kamla who has governed with moral clarity, strengthened her nation’s alliance with the U.S. and championed democracy in the region. Trinidad & Tobago is benefiting tremendously and other nations can as well.”