Basseterre, March 17 (Prensa Latina) The Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Terrance Drew, called for greater cooperation between the United States and Cuba to avoid harming the people of the Caribbean region, the Associated Times reported today.
The leaders of the United States, Cuba, and the Caribbean Community must engage in meaningful debate that promotes economic stability, healthcare, and security. “Isolation and confrontation will only serve to deepen our struggles. Cooperation, on the other hand, will elevate us all,” Drew emphasized.
Saint Kitts and Nevis, as a sovereign nation, will always make decisions that align with the best interests of our people, he emphasized.
Under his leadership, he stated, Basseterre will continue to be a voice for justice and sustainable development on the world stage, and will continue to engage both Cuba and the United States.
The Associated Times emphasized that Drew praised the assistance that Cuban medical collaboration continues to provide to his country, where professionals from that sister nation are treated with dignity.
These personnel contribute to strengthening our health system, he emphasized, while clarifying that there are links of equity and respect, in addition to enjoying the same rights and privileges as their local colleagues.
“Since 2003, Saint 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 stated. Cuban health professionals have saved lives, he concluded.
Regarding labor practices, he dismissed all US accusations of exploitation and assured that Havana staff receive compensation according to the salary scale established by the local government. “We have never tolerated, nor will we tolerate, human trafficking practices on our shores or anywhere else,” he affirmed.
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, he argued.
He also specified that the professionals own their passports and have all types of permits to travel abroad.
The statements by the prime minister of San Cristóbal de las Casas defending the presence of Cuban medical aid 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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