PM Monitoring US Reaction to Pro Cuba Stance in Caribbean  

Pressure from the U.S. continues to build over Belize’s use of the Cuban Medical Brigade, but the Briceño administration isn’t saying much. With talk of possible visa restrictions and growing scrutiny from Washington, the issue has become a diplomatic tightrope, Belize trying to protect long‑standing ties with Cuba while managing its relationship with the United States. Today, when asked again, Prime Minister John Briceño said only that talks are ongoing and no final decision has been made. Here’s that exchange.

 

Shane Williams

“Have talks progressed about the Cuban Medical Brigade PM? I know it’s a daily topic.”

 

Prime Minister John Briceño

“I know. It’s as I said the Foreign Minister, I think I want that link to give you a, an explanation, and it remains the same. And I think the minister of Health said the same. It’s, as I said, delicate negotiations. And we are in contact with the Cuban government and the Cuban. And I know when we meet with the Americans, they also bring to our attention. Their concerns are what its, I’m hoping that we can work out something more sooner than later.”

 

Reporter

“Last thing, Panton said that the Americans threatened you b with visa sanctions over the Cuban British.”

 

Prime Minister John Briceño

“Let’s leave it as that. No, when the time come. But we have seen what has happened in the in islands.”

 

Reporter

“Someone said that an announcement would be made by Thursday.”

 

Prime Minister John Briceño

“No, there’s no such thing.”

 

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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