There is a growing inquiry over the nature of the assaults against Cuban healthcare professionals in St. Vincent, namely whether they are isolated incidents or deliberate acts of targeting. Additionally, there is speculation regarding the potential involvement of foreign operatives collaborating with local political factions in order to undermine the stability of the nation.
The Cuban Brigade of Professionals and technical individuals now residing on the island has unfortunately been subjected to unwarranted and irrational acts of aggression.
Within a span of less than three months, a total of four incidents targeting individuals of Cuban origin have been reported. These incidents include both members of the medical brigade and Cuban nationals who are either providing healthcare services or engaged in personal contractual arrangements while staying in St. Vincent.
Dr. Alfredo Batista Salgado was subjected to a knife assault in Kingstown on July 1, necessitating immediate surgical intervention. The victim’s gastrointestinal tract became visible due to the knife assault that occurred on that particular day.
On the 11th of July, a violent incident occurred in Georgetown, a town located in the northeastern region, resulting in the assault and injury of two Cuban medical personnel.
On September 22, a Cuban doctor residing in Georgetown, aged 45, experienced an act of arson, resulting in the full destruction of his vehicle.
The islands Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves, addressed the assaults that occurred and mentioned an additional occurrence on September 1st that had not been covered by the media.
“There’s one incident that took place on September 1st, at 11.30 pm, where somebody went and broke the glass door of an eye clinic operated by Cubans. Of course, there are several offices on those premises; the only one that was vandalized belongs to the Cubans. Fortunately, in that case, there was video camera footage, and the person was immediately apprehended”.
“When these incidents were happening, I said that we also have to give consideration as to whether these incidents are isolated, and each may have its own Genesis, but whether they’re not connected to foreign operators who want to destabilize the country, and in this case, destabilize the strong relationships that exist between Cuba and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines”.
Wednesday was not the only instance in which Gonsalves has alluded to the notion of external agents using domestic actors to achieve political advantages.
In July, Prime Minister Gonsalves acknowledged his awareness of the historical context of Caribbean events, namely the incidents involving assaults on Cubans in St. Vincent.
“I have watched some people move against the Cubans. There were on the ground not too long ago political operatives from outside of St. Vincent and the Grenadines allied to certain forces in the country”, Gonsalves stated then.
According to Gonsalves, the authorities in St. Vincent are committed to fulfilling their responsibility of safeguarding the Cuban individuals and ensuring that the perpetrators are held accountable via legal means.
“I’m pleading with all Vincentians not to get sidetracked by those elements who you know want to create conflict and disorder. Talk to the authorities, and most importantly, if they are family members, tell them they must stop that foolishness and that criminal kind of behavior against our Cuban brothers and sisters who are here doing good service. And we will continue with the law enforcement efforts of protection and also to bring the culprits to justice”.
The prime minister has asserted that, notwithstanding the acts of aggression against Cuban citizens inside the country, the Cuban government has officially conveyed unwavering trust in the leadership of SVG.
“The Cuban government has made it plain that if the purpose of these actions is to intimidate them, they reiterate that Cuba will continue to support St. Vincent and the Grenadines in its efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and to make our lives better, and that they have reaffirmed that they will continue to lend What they consider modest solidarity is not modest. It’s tremendous”, Gonsalves said.
