By Val Matthias. Updated 7:37 p.m., Monday, February 16, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
Opposition Leader Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has called on the government to provide urgent humanitarian assistance to Cuba, urging shipments of flour and rice to be financed by the state. Speaking on his weekly radio programme “Morning Comrade”, Dr. Gonsalves framed the appeal as a moral obligation rather than a political stance.
“Because of the blockade and the tightening of the restrictions on Cuba by the US authorities, we need to help our Cuban brothers. This is a humanitarian help. This is no ideology,” Dr.Gonsalves said.
He referenced Chapter 25 of the Book of Matthew, which contains parables emphasising compassion, preparedness, and service to others. In particular, the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats teaches that acts of kindness feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and caring for the sick are seen as service to Christ himself.
“We have to show that this is not only words. We have toshow in real terms, giving assistance to our brothers and sisters who have been in solidarity with us,” Dr. Gonsalves added.
Cuba has long supported St. Vincent and the Grenadines through its medical brigades, with Cuban doctors serving in rural districts and hospitals. Their contribution has been especially vital during health crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday’s administration recently announced a three year plan to phase out reliance on Cuban district medical officers. The policy, part of a “Medical Staffing Localisation” strategy, aims to strengthen the domestic healthcare workforce.
Dr. Friday cited language barriers between Cuban doctors and patients, as well as the costs of maintaining foreign medical teams, as key reasons for the shift. The move also comes amid mounting U.S. pressure on Caribbean governments to end participation in Cuba’s overseas medical missions, which Washington has criticised as exploitative.
Dr. Gonsalves’ appeal highlights a sharp contrast with the government’s current trajectory. While the administration is moving to reduce dependence on Cuban personnel, the opposition leader is urging deeper humanitarian solidarity with Havana. His call underscores Cuba’s longstanding role in supporting Vincentian healthcare and raises questions about how the country balances international pressures with regional alliances.
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