Amid U.S. scrutiny of Cuban doctors deployed across the Caribbean, Prime Minister Gaston Browne insisted that Cuban medical workers in Antigua and Barbuda are well-paid, well-treated, and not subject to trafficking.

Speaking after bilateral talks with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Browne dismissed accusations that Cuban medical personnel serving abroad are being exploited under forced labour conditions.

“We are not involved in any form of human trafficking,” the Prime Minister said. “In fact, the Cuban nurses and doctors here are probably better compensated than many of our local practitioners, once you factor in free housing, utilities, and other benefits.”

He explained that the medical workers are granted scheduled vacations every two years and have full freedom to return home, further challenging the claims made in some U.S. policy circles.

The deployment of Cuban medical brigades has long been a point of contention between Havana and Washington, with U.S. officials calling for increased scrutiny of the programme. Browne, however, maintained that Antigua and Barbuda’s partnership with Cuba is based on mutual respect and legitimate healthcare cooperation.

“These are professionals who contribute meaningfully to our public health system,” he said. “There is nothing coercive or exploitative about their presence here.”

Browne added that the discussion with Secretary Rubio helped clarify misunderstandings and reiterated Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to upholding international standards in all bilateral partnerships.