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Pres. Ali defends direct pay for Cuban medics
…says move fully legal
(Kaieteur News) – President Irfaan Ali on Wednesday firmly defended Guyana’s decision to pay Cuban doctors and nurses directly, insisting the arrangement complies with national labour laws and mirrors how other medical professionals are compensated.
He made the comment while speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of CARICOM Heads of Government in Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis.
President Dr. Irfaan Ali
Amid mounting pressure from the United States over the alleged exploitation of Cuban medical workers, Guyana terminated its longstanding bilateral partnership with Cuba. Despite ending the agreement, the government instead has been paying the Cuban medical professionals directly in line with labour laws.
When asked whether other CARICOM states facing U.S. pressure should adopt Guyana’s model, President Ali stressed that the approach aligns with both local and international labour laws. He highlighted the region’s health sector challenges and the need for medical workers, noting that if Cuban doctors and nurses are hired according to labour regulations and paid legally, they meet international standards.
“We ensure that they’re paid within the laws of our country and under the same conditions as any other worker is paid, that is to receive their money directly,” President Ali said.
Kaieteur News had reported that the U.S. government had warned Caribbean nations participating in Cuban medical programmes that such arrangements may amount to human trafficking and could result in visa restrictions and possible trade repercussions. However, Guyana’s Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony earlier this month denied that the decision was influenced by U.S. pressure, stating that there was no specific reason for ending the agreement. Instead, he explained that Cuban medical professionals are now entering Guyana on their own and applying for jobs outside of any formal government-to-government programme.
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