Bahamas Plans Cancel Contracts Cuban Health Workers After US Talks

The Bahamas government has announced plans to cancel existing contracts with Cuban healthcare professionals following discussions with the U.S. government, shifting instead to direct employment contracts with those Cuban workers wishing to remain in the country. Health Minister Michael Darville stated that Cuban healthcare workers uninterested in the new contract arrangement will be allowed time to wrap up their affairs and return to Cuba. Currently, 35 Cuban professionals serve primarily as engineers, laboratory technicians, and radiologists, filling gaps due to a shortage of local healthcare personnel. Recruitment of new Cuban doctors and teachers has been suspended pending ongoing negotiations with the U.S., amid U.S. accusations led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio that Cuba's medical missions involve human trafficking and labor exploitation, claims denied by Cuba and several Caribbean leaders. The change aims to address U.S. concerns while maintaining critical healthcare services provided by Cuban professionals in the Bahamas. This restructuring is perceived as part of broader diplomatic efforts to optimize healthcare workforce management and bilateral relations between the Bahamas and the United States.