The Government of Saint Lucia has activated contingency plans to safeguard the country’s healthcare system and protect Saint Lucian medical students abroad amid growing geopolitical pressure from the United States on Cuba’s medical cooperation programmes.
Prime Minister and Minister Philip J Pierre confirmed that government is reviewing existing scholarship arrangements and actively exploring alternative partnerships for medical training and health sector support, as uncertainty grows over the future of Cuban medical professionals working in the Caribbean and Saint Lucian students studying medicine in Cuba.
The Prime Minister first raised the issue publicly at the Second World Congress on Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities and expanded on it on Monday in comments to the media, explaining that recent U.S. policy positions have placed the long-standing medical exchange arrangement with Cuba under strain.
According to Pierre, the United States has made its position clear regarding Cuban medical professionals operating in Caribbean territories. “The American government has problems with Cuban doctors working in these islands. That is the fact,” he said, adding that this stance places the wider system of medical cooperation, including doctors, specialists and students, “under threat.”
Pierre linked the situation to broader U.S. policy on Cuba, including the ongoing embargo and recent declarations identifying Cuba as a security concern.
He stressed, however, that Saint Lucia is responding pragmatically rather than politically. “This is the global reality we have to deal with as a small island state. We are being proactive and precautionary. We are friends of the American government and we have excellent relations with them, but we must also protect our health services and our students.”
He emphasized the critical role Cuban medical professionals have played in Saint Lucia’s healthcare system over the years, warning that their absence would represent “a tremendous loss” to national medical services.
At the same time, Pierre sought to reassure families that there is no immediate disruption to Saint Lucian students currently studying in Cuba. “There is no imminent withdrawal of our students,” he stated. “Those who are in Cuba will continue their studies. Life goes on, but under changed circumstances.”
The Prime Minister was clear that Saint Lucia does not dispute the right of the United States to determine its own foreign policy. “That is American government policy. The people of America voted for that policy,” Pierre said. “We may not agree with it, but we cannot fight it. What we can do is make alternative arrangements.”
As part of its contingency planning, the government is assessing current scholarship programmes and identifying new international partners for medical education and healthcare support. Pierre identified countries including Mexico, Nigeria, Ghana and Brazil among those being considered.
He also called for a coordinated regional response, noting that Caribbean states face similar challenges and would benefit from collective action. “Our people must understand what we are dealing with,” Pierre said. “Together, as a region, we can manage the situation.” he said.
While acknowledging that the situation remains fluid, the Prime Minister emphasized that the government’s approach is grounded in preparation rather than alarm. “It is a work in progress,…we are looking ahead and preparing for any eventuality.” Pierre stressed.
