Jeremy Edwards

🇨🇺🇯🇲Statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cuba Cuba regrets the decision of the government of Jamaica to cease medical cooperation, yielding to pressure from the U.S. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cuba reports that, on March 4, the Foreign Ministry of Jamaica communicated to our Embassy in that country the unilateral decision of its government to terminate the health cooperation agreement that has linked both nations for decades. With this action, the government of Jamaica yields to the pressures of the government of the United States, which is not concerned about the health needs of the Caribbean brothers. Cuba deeply regrets that in this way a history of fruitful and sustained collaboration is disregarded, one that has brought countless benefits to the Jamaican people, who are now deprived of receiving the basic and specialized health services that Cuban collaborators provided. In response to the step taken by the government of Jamaica, the government of Cuba has made the sovereign decision to proceed with the return of the Cuban Medical Brigade. These health professionals leave behind an indelible mark and return to Cuba with the satisfaction of a duty fulfilled and the permanent willingness to assist wherever their spirit of solidarity is required. Cuba’s work in Jamaica is an eloquent example of genuine cooperation. In the last 30 years alone, more than 4,700 Cuban collaborators have provided medical assistance on the Caribbean island. Currently, the Brigade was composed of 277 professionals whose work has had a tangible and profound impact on strengthening the Jamaican health system. The historic results of this collaboration speak for themselves: · More than 8,176,000 patients treated. · 74,302 surgical procedures performed. · 7,170 births attended. · More than 90,000 lives saved. Likewise, through the Operation Miracle program, present in Jamaica since 2010, the sight of nearly 25,000 Jamaicans has been restored or improved. Cuban cooperation has also been decisive in projects for the control and prevention of diseases such as malaria and in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. The most recent example of this dedication was seen after the passage of Hurricane Melissa, which severely affected the island. In those difficult circumstances, the Cuban Medical Brigade remained firmly at their posts, many of its members working for more than 72 consecutive hours and actively joining the tasks of recovering hospitals and communities. Faithful to the historic relations of brotherhood and solidarity that unite us with Jamaica, Cuba reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the Jamaican people, who will always be able to count on the selfless cooperation of Cuba. Havana, March 6, 2026.