Prime Minister Andrew Holness says Jamaica remains hopeful for a new arrangement with Cuba, even as the decades-old medical cooperation programme has been discontinued. “The Cuban medical mission has been beneficial to the people of Jamaica… Jamaicans love them and want them to stay,” Holness said during his Budget presentation. He explained that concerns raised by the US, including “how personnel were paid that run counter to our laws and several international conventions”, led to a review of the programme. Holness added that Jamaica raised the issues with Cuban authorities and was “hopeful that adjustments could be made” to allow the continued presence of Cuban healthcare workers. The Prime Minister also reaffirmed Jamaica’s support for Cuba, noting: “Through CARICOM, Jamaica will do its part to offer support for our brothers and sisters in Cuba.” #BudgetDebate2026 #AndrewHolness #JamaicaObserver #Cuba #Jamaica