Mixed Signals? U.S. Says Belize Will Wind Down Cuban Medical Program

There’s a shift in tone, and possibly in policy, when it comes to Belize’s relationship with Cuba’s medical brigade. Just two weeks ago, Prime Minister John Briceño signaled that his government wanted to keep some form of that program alive. But today, the U.S. Charge d’Affaires, Katharine Beamer, told a different story, revealing that Belize has agreed to wind down the arrangement altogether. That apparent disconnect is raising questions about what’s really happening behind the scenes. We also pressed Beamer on Washington’s stance after Belize recently sent humanitarian aid to Cuba.

 

Katharine Beamer, Charge’ d’Affaires, U.S. Embassy in Belize

“Well we are very supportive of the Government’s decision to wind down this program in Belize, and we are committed to encouraging all countries throughout the region to adhere to international labor standards and we are very interested in human dignity and those types of employment relations.”

 

Paul Lopez

Have any conversations been had with the government about how we replaced the support that those doctors have provided to the healthcare system in Belize?

 

Katharine Beamer

“I am not going to comment on specific conversations I have had with the government, but I do know there is strong commitment to ensuring that healthcare in Belize remains robust and continues to serve the Belizean people.”

 

Reporter

“Can you also share the U.S. position on the humanitarian aid that Belize provided to Cuba last week.”

 

Katharine Beamer

“I am not going to comment on that today. I will refer to you the State Department, Rubio and President Trump have been taking the lead on this.”

 

PM Briceño says the Ministry of Health is already recruiting nurses from the Philippines, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua to replace departing Cuban medical staff.

 

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

 

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