Jamaica’s foreign ministry announced Thursday that the Caribbean nation will discontinue its medical cooperation agreement with Cuba, as reported by local publication The Gleaner.
Officials stated that both governments were unable to reach consensus on conditions for a renewed partnership, according to the ministry’s statement published by The Gleaner.
Cuban medical personnel currently stationed in Jamaica will be permitted to complete their existing contract periods, The Gleaner reported.
Health and Wellness Minister Christopher Tufton had indicated that approximately 300 Cuban physicians and healthcare workers were serving throughout Jamaica, even though their previous agreement had lapsed in 2023.
This decision makes Jamaica among the most recent nations to scale back medical partnerships with Cuba, occurring as President Donald Trump’s administration intensifies pressure on countries to cut diplomatic and economic connections with Cuba’s communist leadership.
In February, Guatemala declared it would terminate its program that brought Cuban medical professionals to serve in that country.
The Bahamas announced in June that it was moving forward with plans to end contracts with Cuban healthcare workers following consultations with U.S. officials.
