A video circulated on social media regarding the alleged shipping of belongings of members of the Cuban Medical Brigade in Belize sparked speculation about a possible gradual withdrawal of those professionals, at a time when the future of the program remains under negotiation.
The controversy began on August 26, when Wil Maheia, an activist from the People's National Party (PNP), published a video from the airport and raised concerns about the movement of boxes associated with Cuban doctors, as reported by 7 News Belize.
The next day, Greater Belize Media specified that Maheia had stated that the boxes contained personal belongings of the doctors that were being sent back to Cuba.
The images fueled doubts about a possible gradual departure of Cuban professionals, especially since the Belizean government is in discussions about the future of the brigade and is exploring alternatives to strengthen its healthcare staff.
The Minister of Health and Welfare, Kevin Bernard, rejected that interpretation and assured that the government is not sending back Cuban doctors "one by one."
"It is very unfortunate to see someone taking something out of context. Cubans here in Belize travel every year for vacations, at different times of the year. Not everyone can go on vacation at the same time," explained Bernard, in statements recorded by Caribbean National Weekly.
The minister added that it is common for professionals to take advantage of those trips to bring items to their relatives in Cuba and described Maheia's publication as "irresponsible."
"These individuals are currently working in our system," Bernard stated, insisting that "it is not true that we are sending Cubans back home one by one."
However, the denial does not equate to a guarantee of the brigade's permanence. Bernard himself acknowledged that diplomatic conversations between Belize and Cuba are ongoing and that a solution regarding the future of the program still needs to be found.
Caribbean National Weekly reported that the minister could not categorically assure that the brigade would continue, amid pressure from Washington against Cuban medical missions.
The U.S. State Department regards these missions as a form of "forced labor" and has urged governments in the region to reconsider their agreements with Havana. Belize, for its part, has defended the contribution of Cuban professionals to its healthcare system.
The uncertainty is expected to be resolved soon. Belizean authorities hope to reach a decision before the end of September, while the Cabinet will need to be informed about the potential solutions arising from the negotiations.
"For the benefit of the Cuban Brigade, which also wants assurances, we must ensure that we can resolve this matter amicably," Bernard noted.
Cuban professionals continue to work in the public health system of Belize, where authorities acknowledge that they help address staffing shortages.
The controversy also occurs in a context of a retreat of Cuban missions in other countries in the region. Jamaica canceled its agreement with Cuba in March 2026, putting an end to a brigade of 277 professionals, while Honduras also ended its program that year under pressure from the United States.
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