4 weeks ago
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Prime Minister John Briceño says the Government of Belize is closely monitoring the welfare of Belizean students currently studying in Cuba, assuring that authorities remain in regular contact with them amid ongoing geopolitical tensions involving United States and Cuba.
Speaking with reporters, the Prime Minister explained that Belize’s diplomatic channels are actively keeping watch over the situation and maintaining communication with the Belizean students to ensure their safety and well-being. He emphasized that, at this time, there have been no indications that the students are facing immediate concerns that would require evacuation or emergency intervention from Belizean authorities.
John Briceño, Prime Minister of Belize: “But we have to be realistic, we have to be pragmatic, we have to be able to see how best we can deal with these issues. We know the position of the U.S. government. So presently we are on some very delicate negotiations and discussions with the Americans and to see what kind of hybrid program we can have in Belize.”
Reporter: Can Belizeans expect ultimately for the Cuba Medical Brigade to leave ?
John Briceño, Prime Minister of Belize: “I don’t think that I’m in a position to answer that at this time. If you look back at history the Cuban Medical Brigade was never something that would have been permanent. It was supposed to have been for a period of time and to allow countries to catch up to be able to provide their own doctors. At least this government had the foresight to start a medical faculty here at UB. And I think if it’s not this year next year these students will start to go to the K.H.M.H. to be able to do some practical, some practice in their different fields, in the hospital. So, in a way, it is working out for us. And we hope that in the next three years we’ll be producing more and more belligerent doctors that can provide the necessary services that our people need and deserve.”
Briceño noted that the government remains prepared to respond should the circumstances change, but for now the situation remains stable and the students continue their studies.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Francis Fonseca echoed the Prime Minister’s remarks, explaining that Belize’s embassy and diplomatic contacts have been keeping an eye on developments and maintaining communication with the students. Fonseca said that, importantly, none of the 28 Belizean students studying in Cuba have expressed a desire to return home at this time. On the broader political front, Fonseca also addressed the longstanding diplomatic tensions between the United States and Cuba. He explained that the matter frequently arises at international forums where the United States often urges other nations to vote against resolutions related to Cuba’s inclusion or treatment within the global system. Belize, he noted, continues to monitor the developments while maintaining its longstanding position on the issue.
John Briceño, Prime Minister of Belize: “We can’t help them when it comes to the blackouts but what we have been doing is that we have been in contact with them and we have found ways in getting them supplies, food supplies and things that they need like batteries and so forth. So we’re trying to do our best to help along with the parents. They all recognized that it is tough, but they are saying that they don’t want to leave, that they are committed to staying, they are committed to their school and committed to their education. And they feel that the sacrifices that they are doing right now will be worth it when they could come back to Belize and to serve our citizens.”
Just last year, in September 2025, Prime Minister Briceño used his address at the United Nations General Assembly to call for an immediate end to the United States’ decades-long economic blockade against Cuba.
English (US) ·