'Other nations across the Americas have ditched their agreements with Cuba's government in the face of mounting U.S. pressure.' Rubio has called the sending of doctors to other countries through official government programs a 'form of human trafficking,' AP reports.
'Sheinbaum on Wednesday defended the program and said that "we can't forget" all the help Cuban doctors have offered.' "It's hard to get Mexican doctors and specialists to go out to many rural areas where we need medical specialists, and the Cubans are willing to work there."
Honduras and Jamaica abruptly shut down missions and sent Cuban doctors home after the White House wanted them to. Mexico has, however, stopped oil shipments after Trump threatened tariffs, but has sent aid shipments.
'Asked for a response on Wednesday, the White House pointed to a statement from Secretary of State Marco Rubio in June when the administration announced restrictions for various Central American officials with ties to Cuba's "forced labor scheme." Rubio at the time said the restrictions "promote accountability for those who support and perpetuate these exploitative practices."'
For Cuba, exporting their large force of educated, skilled doctors (also accustomed to doing medicine with scarce resources) is a form of diplomacy. They often serve in rural areas of other countries.
Why doesn't Cuba modernize its factory production and farming and energy? Is it too risky for the government to allow Cubans to have the power that would go along with this?