The Government of Belize has again postponed the decision regarding the future of the Cuban medical brigade working in that country, made up of around 92 health professionals, while continuing to negotiate an alternative that would allow for the maintenance of their services through a new hiring scheme with the Cuban professionals.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Francis Fonseca, confirmed on Wednesday, October 14, that the talks remain open and expressed his confidence in reaching a solution before the end of the month.
"We continue to work on it. We have extended the deadline, but I am very optimistic and believe that we are getting close to a solution," the official stated, according to 7News Belize.
When asked when a decision might be made, he replied: "I hope it will be by the end of October, so just a few more weeks. I am very hopeful that we can reach a very good solution to this matter."
The announcement represents another delay, after Belizean authorities indicated that September was the month in which the future of the medical mission should be determined.
Belize is looking to hire Cuban professionals directly
One of the alternatives being considered by the Government is to offer individual contracts to Cuban doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers who are already providing services in Belize, instead of maintaining the program under its current structure.
The proposal would allow professionals to be hired and compensated directly by the Belizean authorities, in accordance with the requirements set by the United States regarding Cuba's international medical missions.
Washington has questioned the agreements through which the Cuban government receives payments for the services of its professionals abroad and has pressured several countries to modify or terminate those programs. However, according to Love FM, Belize was not participating in that payment modality.
Furthermore, the media recalls that Belize's Minister of Health and Wellness, Kevin Bernard, had previously reported that the proposal for individual contracting was presented to the Cuban authorities and required their approval.
However, Fonseca's latest statements do not confirm that Havana has accepted that formula or that a new agreement has been signed.
For now, there has been no official announcement regarding the cancellation of the brigade or the departure of its members from the country.
About 92 Cubans work in the healthcare system in Belize
In September, when Belize announced it would define the future of the 92 Cuban professionals that same month, Minister Kevin Bernard warned about the consequences that their withdrawal would have.
The mission members include general practitioners, specialists, nurses, and technicians who work in both hospitals and remote communities away from major urban centers.
The situation is especially delicate in the Toledo district, in the south of the country, where, according to the data provided at that time by Bernard, eight of the 16 available doctors were Cuban.
The minister had acknowledged that the departure of these professionals would exacerbate the personnel shortages already facing the public health system.
For this reason, the Belizean government has repeatedly expressed its interest in finding a solution that allows for the preservation of at least some of the Cuban medical assistance.
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