Minister of Health and Wellness, the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville addressed the issue of Cuban health professionals working in The Bahamas during his contribution to the 2025/2026 budget debate in the House Of Assembly on Monday.
The Bahamas was called out in a US State Department report in 2024 which likened the practice of the hiring of Cuban medical professionals to forced labour. They also threatened to revoke the visas of government officials of countries participating in the Cuban Medical Mission Program. It was later reported that portions as high as 92% of the salaries received by Cuban workers is sent to a government agency in Cuba.
Dr. Darville revealed that all recruitment of Cuban teachers and health professionals is currently on hold. He said, “after fruitful negotiations we are prepared to cancel all existing contractual agreements and enter into a direct contractual agreement with Cuban healthcare professionals currently in The Bahamas.”
He went further stating, “those who agree to these terms will sign the new employment agreement by my ministry and remain in country for deployment across the family islands. Those who are not interested in this new arrangement will be given time to wrap up their affairs and return to Cuba.”
Dr. Darville said in the meantime the Ministry of Health and Wellness will continue recruitment of healthcare professionals from Africa, the Philippians and India to address staff shortages.
