Basseterre, March 16 (Prensa Latina) The Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Terrance Drew, praised the continued assistance provided by Cuban medical cooperation to his country, where professionals from that sister nation are treated with dignity.
These Cuban personnel contribute to strengthening our healthcare system, Drew noted, adding that there are ties of equity and respect, and that they enjoy the same rights and privileges as their local colleagues.
“Since 2003, St. Kitts and Nevis has welcomed Cuban professionals who came not as strangers, but as family, helping us build a stronger, healthier, and more resilient nation,” the Prime Minister said.
Cuban health professionals have saved lives, he stated.
Regarding labor practices, he dismissed all US accusations of exploitation and asserted that Cuban professionals receive compensation according to the salary scale established by the government.
“We have never tolerated, nor will we tolerate, human trafficking practices on our shores or anywhere else,” Drew reaffirmed.
Cuban health workers in St. Kitts and Nevis receive comfortable housing at government expense and enjoy fair working conditions, including vacation time and standard work hours, Drew argued, as quoted by the Associated Times website.
He added that the professionals own their passports and have all types of permits to travel abroad.
Drew’s statements defending the presence of Cuban medical cooperation in his country come against the backdrop of threats from the United States government to sanction countries that admit Cuban health personnel into their care programs to improve the quality of life.
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