BVI government to maintain Cuban health program amid regional challenges

The British Virgin Islands government has confirmed it will continue its agreement with Cuban medical professionals, despite a gradual reduction in personnel and growing regional pressure to reconsider such programs.

BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) CEO Dr June Samuel said no directive has been issued to terminate the territory’s long-standing relationship with Cuban Medical Services.

“The Virgin Islands currently maintains an existing contractual arrangement with the Cuban Medical Services. At this time, there has been no directive issued to terminate this agreement,” Dr Samuel told BVI News.

She noted, however, that the programme’s presence is gradually decreasing. One Cuban doctor and three nurses are scheduled to leave this year as part of routine rotations and will not be replaced. Three other Cuban doctors and four nurses will remain within the territory’s healthcare system.

Dr Samuel also clarified that the Authority is not actively recruiting new personnel through the Cuban program at this time, emphasizing that workforce planning remains a priority.

“The BVI Health Services Authority continues to assess its staffing needs in the context of its broader workforce planning and remains committed to ensuring continuity of quality healthcare services for the people of the Virgin Islands,” she said.

The BVI’s decision comes amid a broader regional shift, as several Caribbean countries respond to increased United States pressure to reconsider participation in Cuba’s overseas medical missions. In recent months, Jamaica, Guyana, and The Bahamas have ended their programmes, while Panama has also taken steps to distance itself from similar arrangements.

Cuba’s medical missions have for years provided vital support to small and developing nations by supplying doctors and nurses to underserved areas, in exchange for a portion of salaries paid to its nationals. Renewed scrutiny from the US has raised concerns about labour conditions and the structure of these agreements, alongside warnings that countries maintaining such programmes could face US restrictions.