Rubio calls parts of Cuban medical program 'forced labor'; Jamaica says its Cuban doctors are treated under labor laws

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters in Kingston that, in many places, Cuba's offshore medical programs have operated in ways he described as exploitative and akin to forced labor, while Prime Minister Holness said Jamaica treats Cuban medical personnel in compliance with labor laws and international standards.

"How it's operated around the world is that basically the doctors are not paid... the Cuban government decides how much of anything to give them. They take away their passports," Rubio said, describing the program "in many parts of the world" and saying that practice can amount to forced labor. He said the U.S. concern is with the program's labor practices rather than with medical assistance itself.

Prime Minister Holness said Jamaica "ensure[s] that they are treated within our labor laws and benefit like any other worker." He described Cuban doctors as "incredibly helpful" to Jamaica, noting the country has a deficit in health personnel because many local health workers have migrated overseas.

Why it matters: Cuban medical missions are a longstanding regional source of health personnel. Allegations that elements of the program operate as forced labor have implications for host countries' compliance with labor and human-rights obligations, for the rights of the medical personnel themselves, and for bilateral discussions about aid and cooperation.

Both leaders said the issue requires country-by-country assessment. Rubio framed the concern as a general criticism of how the program operates in some countries; Holness said Jamaica's arrangement complies with international and domestic labor standards.

Sources and attribution: Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Prime Minister Holness made the statements during the press event in Kingston.