By Aaron Humes: During her intervention on the Budget Debate, Leader of the Opposition Tracey Taegar-Panton charged that “our democracy and sovereignty are at risk” by those seeking “unlimited power in our hemisphere,” a reference to alleged U.S. pressure on regional countries to limit or end their relationship with Cuba’s medical brigade which has provided service for decades.
The Government has, in the words of Minister of Health and Wellness Kevin Bernard, “been having diplomatic discussions through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. As far as I know, there are still discussions taking place… But I really can’t respond until we have concrete information as to what will be the final decision in terms of addressing the issue and the concerns raised regarding the Cuban Brigade.”
Taegar-Panton charged that the Government “has been read the Riot Act” and given a firm timeline in which to act or “be exposed to consequences of visa restrictions, revocations, restrictions on travel and tourism and trade sanctions.” Nonetheless, Belize must remain principled, recognizing the strategic importance of all our friends, including the U.S., but not allowing ourselves to be party to “create power imbalances, justify political actions or inflict egregious harm on humanity.”
If the Cubans go, she asked, who will step in to fill the gaps in rural areas, noting that in the Toledo District, no doctors or nurses are permanently stationed at present and that patient care is already structured for certain days and times. She called for a plan for replenishment of the doctor and nursing corps to ensure they do not keep being recruited abroad.
On general health concerns, Taegar-Panton called for an audit of National Health Insurance (NHI) dating back to 2020 before the planned rollout to the Cayo District, noted that nothing has been allocated for mental health concerns and there has been a reduction in infrastructure related to hospitals apart from the new San Pedro Hospital and a pediatric wing for the Northern Regional Hospital in Orange Walk.
The post Who will replace the Cuban doctors and nurses if Government bows to U.S. pressure to send Cubans home? Opposition Leader wants to know appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Aaron Humes: During her intervention on the Budget Debate, Leader of the Opposition Tracey Taegar-Panton charged that “our democracy and sovereignty are at risk” by those seeking “unlimited power in our hemisphere,” a reference to alleged U.S. pressure on regional countries to limit or end their relationship with Cuba’s medical brigade which has provided
The post Who will replace the Cuban doctors and nurses if Government bows to U.S. pressure to send Cubans home? Opposition Leader wants to know appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
