The government of Antigua and Barbuda has abruptly ended its decades-long medical partnership with Cuba, a move that has sent ripples through the nation’s healthcare system and left many in the Caribbean community questioning the motivations behind the decision. For years, Cuban doctors have been lauded as the backbone of Antigua and Barbuda’s public health sector, especially in areas where local expertise is scarce. Yet, despite months of vocal support from Prime Minister Gaston Browne and repeated warnings about the devastating consequences of their departure, the government terminated the agreement in December 2025 without offering an official explanation. The news, first reported by the Antigua Observer, was not delivered by the administration itself, but rather by the opposition United Progressive Party (UPP), which issued a statement expressing “deep gratitude” to the Cuban professionals and lamenting the abrupt end of the cooperation.
Throughout 2025, Prime Minister Browne had emerged as a prominent advocate for the Cuban medical brigades in the Caribbean, often pushing back against accusations from the U.S. Department of State that labeled these programs as a form of “human trafficking.” In March, Browne declared that Cuban doctors were “the backbone” of Antigua and Barbuda’s healthcare system and cautioned that their withdrawal would have “devastating consequences.” The UPP, seizing on the government’s sudden reversal, characterized the cancellation as a “political failure” and an “act of ingratitude.” They highlighted the critical role Cuban cooperation played in initiatives such as the Eye-Care Programme—which benefited hundreds of citizens—and the training of Antiguan students in diverse disciplines, opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach for many families.
As the Cuban professionals prepare to leave, the void in Antigua and Barbuda’s healthcare system is already being felt, particularly in regions where local doctors and nurses are in short supply. The situation is made even more precarious by the anticipated launch of a National Health Insurance scheme in 2026, a major reform that depends on a steady supply of medical personnel. Many citizens and healthcare workers are now left wondering how the government will ensure continuity of care and whether the new system can function effectively without the expertise and experience of the departing Cuban staff.
Despite the growing unease, the Prime Minister’s Office has yet to answer key questions about the number of Cuban doctors leaving, the timeline for their departures, the future of affected health programs, or the fate of Antiguan students currently studying in Cuba. The silence has only fueled speculation about the reasons behind the government’s decision and the potential impact on public health. The only official acknowledgment came during a post-Cabinet briefing on December 18, when Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant announced a policy shift aimed at ensuring the sustainability of the healthcare system. Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph confirmed that the government had secured the hiring of approximately 120 healthcare professionals, mainly nurses and some doctors from Ghana, who are expected to be deployed before the end of 2025. According to the authorities, this influx of new staff will facilitate an “orderly” transition and guarantee the continuation of essential services.
Still, many observers remain skeptical. The abrupt nature of the transition, coupled with the government’s lack of transparency, has left the public anxious about the future of programs like the Eye-Care Programme and the broader capacity of the health system to meet the needs of the population. The government, for its part, has expressed gratitude for the historic contribution of Cuban personnel and pledged to maintain respectful diplomatic relations with Havana, even as it moves to reshape the country’s medical workforce.
The backdrop to this dramatic policy shift is a year of mounting diplomatic pressure from the United States. Throughout 2025, the Trump administration—led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio—intensified its campaign against Cuban medical missions in the Caribbean, urging governments to cancel or restructure their agreements. Washington’s demands included direct payment to Cuban doctors, bypassing the Cuban government, and threats of personal sanctions against officials who facilitated these missions. According to reports in the Antigua Observer, Antigua and Barbuda initially attempted to comply by modifying payment schemes, but ultimately found the diplomatic cost unsustainable. The final decision to terminate the program suggests that the government saw little alternative in the face of U.S. pressure, even if it meant undermining a partnership that had underpinned national healthcare for years.
The U.S. has long criticized Cuba’s international medical brigades as a form of “forced labor” controlled by the regime in Havana, a charge that both Cuba and its Caribbean partners have vigorously denied. In October, the government of the Bahamas revealed new contract conditions for Cuban doctors, pending final U.S. approval—a clear sign that Washington’s influence extends across the region. In a further escalation, the Trump administration recently added Antigua and Barbuda to its travel ban, restricting entry from over thirty nations it claims have serious deficiencies in verification systems, document control, and security cooperation. For many in Antigua and Barbuda, these moves represent a stark reminder of how external pressures can shape domestic policy, sometimes at the expense of local needs and longstanding alliances.
As the country looks to the future, the government’s plan to bring in healthcare professionals from Ghana is being closely watched. While officials insist that the new recruits will ensure a smooth transition, some experts caution that replacing the institutional knowledge and cultural familiarity that Cuban doctors brought to the job will not be easy. The Eye-Care Programme and other initiatives that flourished under Cuban cooperation may struggle to maintain their reach and effectiveness in the absence of experienced personnel.
Meanwhile, families with students studying in Cuba are left in limbo, uncertain about whether their education and training will continue uninterrupted. The government has offered no assurance on this front, fueling further concern among parents and students alike. The abrupt end to the medical partnership has also sparked debate about the broader direction of Antigua and Barbuda’s foreign policy and the country’s ability to balance competing interests in a turbulent geopolitical landscape.
For now, Antigua and Barbuda faces a critical test: Can it rebuild its healthcare workforce and safeguard the progress made over years of collaboration with Cuba, or will the loss of Cuban expertise mark a setback for public health and social development? As the dust settles, one thing is clear—this is a turning point for the nation’s health system, and the choices made in the coming months will shape the well-being of generations to come.