The governments of Granada and Brazil have expressed their rejection of visa restrictions imposed by the United States to officials from both countries for their collaboration with Cuban medical missionsa program that they consider vital for their health systems.
According to a statement from the Foreign Ministry of Granada, the authorities have taken note of the imposition of these restrictions and are addressing the issue “through established diplomatic channels.”
The Press Secretary of Granada, Neila Ettienne, indicated that they have not yet received formal correspondence from the US administration about the decision, and that her ambassador to Washington works in the case.
Granada has more than 100 doctors and other Cuban health professionals In his public and private system, the agency said EFE.
In March, Foreign and Finance Ministers of the country declared their willingness to renounce their US visas in support of the Cuban people.
The Minister of Finance, Dennis Cornwall, highlighted the Importance of these doctors for the country’s health infrastructurewhile the head of Foreign Affairs, Joseph Andall, stressed the ethical and legal obligation of Granada to support Cuba.
Cuban medical missions in Brazil
For his part, in Brazil the President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva He condemned the United States blocking against Cuba, in force for more than six decades.
Lula defended the program More doctorsimplemented in 2013 in cooperation with the island, the agency said Latin press.
After the announcement of visa restrictions by the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Visas revoked to Brazilian officials who collaborated with the program, such as Mozart Julio Tabosa Sales and Alberto Kleiman.
Brazilian official sanctioned by the US defends the health program with Cuba
Lula: “How good it would be if we had, like Cuba, doctors even to export to other countries!”
Lula stressed that Brazil’s relationship with Cuba is based on respect for a town that has been the victim of a blockade prolonged and said that fraternity ties between the two nations exceed any attempt to sanction:
“Sit very proud of your doctors and your medical schools. You conquered millions of fans, millions of people grateful in Brazil,” he said.
The program More doctorswhich was attended by Cuban doctors between 2013 and 2018, arose to cover deficiencies of the Brazilian health system.
Both Latin American governments They warn that without the cooperation of Cuban doctors, their health systems could face serious difficulties.
The Trump Administration, since February and June, had announced sanctions to Cuban officials and Central American countries related to these medical missions, considered one of the main sources of income for Havana.
