Will Belize “Capitulate” to US Pressure?

Belize is reviewing the future of the Cuban Medical Brigade as US pressure mounts across the region over what the Trump Administration calls Havana’s worsening humanitarian crisis.

For decades, the partnership between Belize and Cuba has been a cornerstone of the country’s public healthcare system, particularly in rural communities.

Cabinet has instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Health and Wellness to develop contingency options for the programme.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Francis Fonseca says the review comes amid what many describe as Cuba’s most difficult period in decades. “I think it’s well documented that Cuba is going through a very, very difficult and challenging period,” Fonseca said. “Some describe it as the most difficult and challenging period in perhaps the last 40 years. So Belize obviously has been monitoring that situation very carefully.”

Fonseca acknowledged that the United States’ longstanding position on Cuba remains firmly in place. “The Americans have made no secret about the fact that this is a priority issue for them in the Western Hemisphere,” Fonseca said, referencing discussions held with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio during a recent regional meeting in St. Kitts. “We have been listening to them. We have been talking to them to hear their position on Cuba. We have shared our position with them.”

While several Latin American countries have scaled back or ended their Cuban medical cooperation agreements amid U.S. pressure, Belize has so far maintained its programme. However, Fonseca confirmed that the government is now actively reviewing its options.

“In terms of the brigade, that is a matter that we are reviewing in light of the circumstances in Cuba, the changing circumstances,” he said. “Cabinet has asked that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs work along with the Ministry of Health and Wellness to devise a plan that will present different options to Cabinet for us to look at.”

Currently, 92 Cuban medical professionals are serving in Belize, including 45 doctors. The brigade has played a critical role in strengthening Belize’s healthcare system, particularly in underserved rural areas. “I want to place on record our deep gratitude to the Cuban government and people for the brigade,” Fonseca said. “The brigade has played a critical role in the development of our health system here in Belize.”

Pressed on whether the review signals an exit strategy, Fonseca did not rule it out.

“That may be one option,” he acknowledged. “But the whole point is that given the circumstances, what is happening in Cuba, we have to be prepared. Whether it’s a transition plan, we have to have a plan to ensure that our health system is protected.”

Fonseca also dismissed suggestions that Belize is facing threats of sanctions or visa restrictions from the United States. “In all our engagements with the United States on Cuba, I have found them, including Secretary Rubio, to be very pragmatic, very practical,” he said. “There were no threats made to anybody, no intimidation. We are in respectful dialogue.”