Belize's diplomatic relations with Cuba date back to the mid 90's - but our friendly relations with the island nation go back to the 70's when President Fidel Castro was one of the first to pledge support for Belize's fight for independence.
But now, those long, friendly relations are under strain like never before - and that's because the United States is pursuing an aggressive diplomatic agenda to isolate Cuba and force the smaller nations of the Americas to re-think their relations with Cuba.
7News has received multiple credible reports that the US State Department is pressuring Belize to reduce its relations with Cuba - and if not, face penalties. The lobbying campaign may have gained momentum in Saint Kitts and Nevis recently when the recent CARICOM heads of government meeting was held. It included a meeting between the heads and the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. At that meeting, Belize's Prime Minister is reported to have been one of the first to speak up for Cuba which is facing a growing humanitarian crisis.
We asked the PM about it today:
John Briceno, Prime Minister
"Well, we will always have a good relationship with the people of Cuba. But I think they have been doing their rounds in the entire region. They've been going to every country, expressing their concerns. And as a sovereign nation, we listen to them. And at the end of the day, we think we do what we believe is the best interest of Belize."
Reporter
"Have there been any specific threats to officials?"
John Briceño, Prime Minister
"I don't think I can comment more than just that, because I think the discussions that we have between two countries it's supposed to be private and confidential. And I'm allowed only to be able to share that with the cabinet."
Reporter
"We see that countries are cancelling the medical brigades. Will Belize be taking this similar action?"
John Briceño, Prime Minister
"Well, we're looking to see what we can do to be able to keep our doctors here. There are presently at least, there are over a hundred of them in the Cuban brigade, of which atleast 45 of them are doctors. And as you all know, they have served us well. They serve us, especially in the rural areas where many of our Belizean doctors don't want to go. So we want to try to come up with a program to ensure that they could stay here and to be able to provide the services that our people need and deserve."
