AFC backs calls for continuation of Cuban Medical Brigade in Guyana

Mar 14, 2026 News

(Kaieteur News) – The Alliance For Change (AFC) has joined growing calls for the Cuban Medical Brigade to continue in Guyana, noting that the programme’s longstanding contribution to the country’s healthcare system.

In a statement to the media on Friday, the party said Guyana and Cuba have maintained a relationship spanning decades, built on mutual respect, solidarity and a shared commitment to improving the well-being of their people.

“Through educational exchanges, technical cooperation and particularly in the field of healthcare, Cuba has consistently demonstrated a willingness to stand with Guyana during periods of need and development. The AFC believes that this partnership represents a model of regional collaboration that should be recognised and valued,” the party said.

The AFC noted that the Cuban Medical Brigade has for many years served as a critical pillar of Guyana’s healthcare system, helping to address shortages of specialised medical personnel while strengthening medical services in rural and hinterland communities.

According to the party, Cuban doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals have worked alongside local medical staff, often in challenging environments, while providing medical treatment and training that has benefited the national health sector.

“As a country and as a political party, the Alliance For Change acknowledges and deeply appreciates the contributions made by the Cuban people through these medical missions,” the statement added.

The party said the dedication of Cuban medical professionals has helped save lives, strengthen healthcare institutions and foster goodwill between the two countries. It said these contributions underscore the importance of maintaining the partnership for the benefit of Guyana and the wider Caribbean.

Meanwhile, Frank Anthony recently clarified that it was the Government of Cuba that ended the longstanding medical cooperation agreement with Guyana, and not the administration of Irfaan Ali.

Speaking during an interview with News Source Guyana, the minister explained that following discussions between the two countries, Cuban authorities decided to withdraw their medical personnel from Guyana.

“We have been engaging the Cuban authorities and they chose to terminate or withdraw the Cuban doctors who were here. So that’s the first thing I want to make clear. The Cubans have withdrawn their medical workers who were here,” Dr. Anthony said.

According to the health minister, the withdrawal occurred in February 2026, bringing an end to a medical partnership that had lasted for more than 48 years.

In 2023, Guyana and Cuba signed a new medical cooperation agreement at the Ministry of Health Guyana, aimed at strengthening bilateral collaboration in the health sector. The agreement was signed by Dr. Anthony and Jorge Francisco Soberón Luis.

Cuban medical missions have faced increased scrutiny from the United States in recent years. During the first administration of Donald Trump (2017–2021), visa sanctions were imposed on Cuba’s global medical programme, which Washington described as exploitative, alleging that Cuban doctors were underpaid and had limited freedoms.

However, in a previous interview on February 9, Dr. Anthony had stated that Guyana had formally ended the bilateral arrangement, arguing that the agreement was no longer necessary since Cuban doctors were travelling independently to Guyana to seek employment.

“There is no reason. We have Cuban doctors that are coming to Guyana now; they come independently, so we employ them. So, there’s no need for the agreement,” Dr. Anthony said.

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AFC backs calls for continuation of Cuban Medical Brigade in Guyana

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