Last night on the news, the US Embassy's most senior diplomat in Belize, Chargé d'affaires Katherine Beamer dropped a bombshell: she said the government had taken a "decision to wind down" the Cuban Medical Brigade in Belize.
But, there has been no public announcement in Belize of any decision being taken - so what gives?
We asked the CEO in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Oscar Arnold, about it today - and he took a diplomatic distance from the Chargé's position:
Oscar Arnold, CEO - MOFA
"I believe that both Prime Minister Briceno and Foreign Minister Fonseca, prior to his medical leave, spoke extensively on this issue. I believe Prime Minister gave indications that we are looking at the program. The charge d'affaires didn't mince word when she says that they are committed to try to, not to try to, but they are committed to encouraging all the countries in this hemisphere to cease and desist with that program. And I believe that the government of Belize, through the Prime Minister's office, has indicated that we will look at the program. I believe a few months ago, prior to my time here as CEO, cabinet has instructed both the foreign affairs ministry, as well as the ministry of health, to look at options, to try to put proposals on the table that can be discussed and then move it from there. And I believe that those proposals, looking at those proposals, are looking for other solutions, will be coming to an end shortly, and it will have to revert back to cabinet to make a decision, and then to inform the Belizean public. We know that at every instance, the government of Belize, again through the Prime Minister, through the Foreign Minister, has stated that this program provides much-needed technicians, much-needed doctors, and so whatever decision is made, something will have to be in place to ensure that there is not a big vacuum, or that there is not a big void that remains in our medical system."
Jules Vasquez
"Okay, but I hear you. However, what you are saying is that, you know, cabinet will make a final decision. But what the Charge was saying is that the decision has been made. Is she wrong in saying that?"
Oscar Arnold, CEO - MOFA
"From what I, I won't comment on whether she's wrong or right, but what I read from the comment and the stuff that were sent to me, was that she's saying that they will support the decision of the wind-up. I didn't see that she said there that it was, it was coming to an end or an abrupt end."
Jules Vasquez
"Okay, well, she said we are supportive of the government's decision to wind down. Meaning that the government, or the meaning I take is that the government has made such a decision to wind down."
Oscar Arnold, CEO - MOFA
"I believe when that decision is made, Jules, that the Prime Minister's office and the cabinet will have to inform the Belizean people. And the highest decision-making group in the country is the cabinet."
Jules Vasquez
"And the cabinet has not so decided?"
Oscar Arnold, CEO - MOFA
"From the information that I have, no."
The Cuban Medical Brigade in Belize currently comprises over 90 medical professionals including 37 doctors and 47 nurses. As of April 2026, multiple Caribbean countries - including Jamaica, Guyana, The Bahamas, Antigua and Barbuda, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines - have sent home or withdrawn Cuban medical brigades due to external pressure.
