The Saint Lucia-Cuba Friendship Association (SLCFA) is urging Saint Lucians to join other Caribbean and Latin American citizens in voicing opposition to US efforts to bring an end to a long-lasting Cuban medical assistance programme that’s treated over 10,000 citizens with free eye care and hundreds more for ailments needing specialised medical care in Havana.
The SLCFA hosted a protest event in Constitution Park in Castries last Saturday, March 22, calling on Saint Lucians who’ve benefitted from Cuban medical care to support the association’s opposition to the threat by the US State Department to impose sanctions against government officials and citizens – including Cubans – involved in the Henry reeve Medical Brigade.
The brigade has sent thousands of Cuban doctors, nurses and medical professionals to over 160 countries worldwide and there are scores pf Cuban doctors, nurses and medical professionals providing ongoing service at the former Victoria Hospital in Castries.
Th brigade also dispatched thousands of Cuban caregivers to Saint Lucia and all CARICOM member-states to combat the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
Cuban doctors and other medical professionals are also offering services at all public hospitals and medical centers, as well as private services at local clinics.
Saturday’s even was also attended by some Saint Lucian medical professionals who graduated from Cuba, as well as citizens who benefitted from Cuban medical care over the past four decades.
SLCFA President Marlene Alexander says: “Saint Lucians know the value of Cuba’s medical assistance and we expect them to make their voices heard while this discussion continues.”
She adds: “This is just the beginning and we look forward to Saint Lucians showing their appreciation and gratitude to Cuba for all the assistance it continues to give Saint Lucia and the Caribbean through the Henry Reeve medical brigade.”