Port of Spain, August 20, 2025. In the morning hours, the Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba, Gustavo Daniel Véliz Olivares, was received by the Honorable Dr. Lackram Bodoe, Minister of Health of Trinidad and Tobago.
During the meeting, the diplomat highlighted the bonds of friendship and Cuba’s willingness to collaborate with Caribbean countries, and Trinidad and Tobago in particular, expressed in this case through the medical cooperation that has been maintained in the country for the past 23 years. The Ambassador also reiterated Cuba’s readiness to continue this cooperation, while noting the limitations imposed by the economic, commercial, and financial blockade, particularly in the health sector.
Dr. Bodoe expressed his recognition of the work carried out by the Cuban Medical Brigade in the five regions into which the country is divided for the purposes of public healthcare, and inquired about the availability of human resources in nursing and certain medical specialties.
Also present at the meeting were Asif Ali, Permanent Secretary; Dr. Priya Laloo, Acting Chief Medical Officer; Dr. Colin Furlonge, Advisor to the Minister; and Anita Sohan, Director of International Cooperation.
The Ambassador was accompanied by Dr. Orlando Días Gómez, Head of the Cuban Medical Brigade, and Julio J. Cabada Ferrera, Commercial Counselor of the Embassy of Cuba.
(Embassy of Cuba in Trinidad and Tobago)