AFC, PNCR-APNU support Cuban Medical Brigade

Last Updated on Saturday, 14 March 2026, 11:09 by Writer

The Alliance For Change (AFC) and the the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR)-led A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) believe that the Cuban Medical Brigade system of healthcare workers should not be discontinued, even as the United Nations (UN) welcomed US-Cuba talks.

“The AFC supports the continued presence and cooperation of Cuban medical professionals in Guyana and across the Caribbean region, and advocates for policies that ensure this important partnership is maintained and respected for the benefit of all our people,” the AFC said in a statement.

With Guyana and several other Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member states having caved into United States (US) pressure to discontinue the programme over concerns about forced labour and human trafficking or face visa revocations for government officials and their immediate family members, APNU said “we are abandoning people (the Cubans) who helped us sincerely.

“You know one of the things that hurts me the most? I am not anti-American but must be the lowest level for a country that the Cubans helped for years when you didn’t have doctors, and somebody could turn and tell you: do not take that assistance or else we’ll deal with you,” said PNCR leader and APNU Chairman, Aubrey Norton. “I have grave difficulty, grave difficulty with us abandoning people who helped us sincerely,” added Mr Norton, a Cuban-trained political scientist.

The AFC, for its part, credited the Cuban Medical Brigade for being a critical pillar of Guyana’s healthcare system, helping address shortages of specialized medical personnel, strengthened services in rural and hinterland communities, and ensuring that thousands of Guyanese receive care that might otherwise be unavailable.

That party said Cuban doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals have worked side by side with local medical staff, often serving in challenging environments while providing high-quality medical treatment and training that benefits Guyana’s national health sector. “The Cuban Medical Brigades have, for many years, formed a critical pillar of Guyana’s healthcare system. Their presence has helped address shortages of specialized medical personnel, strengthened services in rural and hinterland communities, and ensured that thousands of Guyanese receive care that might otherwise be unavailable,” the AFC said.

That party said for decades, the relationship between the two nations has been built on solidarity, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to improving the well-being of their peoples.

The AFC said that partnership represents a model of regional collaboration that should be recognized and valued. “Through educational exchanges, technical cooperation, and particularly in the field of healthcare, Cuba has consistently demonstrated a willingness to stand with Guyana during periods of need and development,” the party said.

Cuba-US talks

The AFC’s statement on Friday came as UN Secretary General spokesman, Stéphane Dujarric said the UN Chief António Guterres welcomed talks between the US and Cuba aimed at finding a diplomatic solution to the now three-month long oil embargo that Cuba has been under. “We’re aware of the announcement of the talks between the Government of Cuba and The United States. I can tell you, we very much welcome the dialogue as a means to peacefully resolve the bilateral disputes,” Mr Dujarric told a press briefing.

He said the UN remained very concerned by Cuba’s inability to import fuel, saying that it was having an obvious and negative impact on health systems, access to food and water.

He said the UN was also working with partners and with authorities to explore ways of assisting the most vulnerable people. The UN wants to see member states increase their humanitarian assistance and contribution to make sure that the aid gets to Cuba unhindered.

Cuba’s President, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez has confirmed to the Political Bureau, the Secretariat of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba, and the Executive Committee of the Council of Ministers that discussions were recently held with the US on a number of areas.

Those included bilateral issues that require solutions “based on their seriousness and impact”, identify areas of cooperation in order to address threats and ensure the security and peace of both countries and the region.

The Cuban leader, according to the Cuban foreign ministry, laid down ground rules for discussions with the US, taking into account a sense of reciprocity and adherence to international law.

“During the exchanges that have taken place, the Cuban side has expressed its willingness to carry out this process on the basis of equality and respect for the political systems of both States, as well as for the sovereignty and self-determination of our government,” the Cuban leader said.

Mr Díaz-Canel Bermúdez added that the process was “sensitive”. “This is a matter that unfolds as part of a very sensitive process that is conducted with seriousness and responsibility, as it affects the bilateral relations between the two nations and requires enormous efforts to find solutions and create spaces for understanding that allow us to move away from confrontation,” he said.