US Embassy Backs Belize’s Move to Wind Down Cuban Medical Brigade

Chargé d’Affaires at the US Embassy in Belize Katharine Beamer today made Washington’s position to wind down the Cuban Medical Brigade in Belize clear.

“We are very supportive of the government’s decision to wind down this programme in Belize, and we are committed to encouraging all countries throughout the region to adhere to international labour standards,” she said.

When pressed on whether there have been discussions with the US to replace the healthcare support Cuban doctors have provided for decades, Beamer stopped short of specifics.

She said, “I’m not going to comment on specific conversations that I’ve had with the government, but I do know that there’s a strong commitment to ensuring that healthcare in Belize remains robust and serves the Belizean people.”

In March, Prime Minister John Briceño declined to give any details on the brigade’s future in Belize, saying only that “delicate negotiations” were underway and that he was “not in a position to comment.”

Across Latin America, several governments have already scaled back agreements with Cuban doctors under pressure from Washington.

Belize has still not confirmed whether its brigade will be reduced, renegotiated, or ended entirely.