Enduring partnership with Cuba’s Henry Reeve Medical Brigade celebrated for its impact on national healthcare.
Antigua and Barbuda has commemorated a significant milestone in its public health journey; the 25th anniversary of medical support provided by the Cuban government through the Henry Reeve Medical Brigade.
Since its arrival in 1999, the Brigade has been a crucial pillar in the nation’s healthcare system, offering medical expertise and services that have saved lives and strengthened local health infrastructure. The event celebrating the milestone reflected the deep and enduring relationship between the two nations, and the profound impact of this international partnership.
Speaking at a commemorative reception, Hon. E.P. Chet Greene, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Barbuda Affairs, described the occasion as more than a celebration, it was a moment of gratitude and reflection.
“Today, we gather to celebrate a momentous occasion, the 25th anniversary of medical support from the Cuban government through the deployment of the Henry Reeve Medical Brigade,” said Minister Greene. “This partnership represents a beacon of hope and a testament to the deep-rooted bilateral relations that we share with Cuba.”
Greene emphasized that beyond providing clinical care, the Brigade has forged a bond that transcends borders and cultures.
“For a quarter of a century, this initiative has not only provided life-saving medical assistance to our citizens but has also forged a bond that transcends borders and cultures,” he said. “The contributions of the Henry Reeve Medical Brigade have been pivotal in enhancing the health and well-being of our nation, and for that, we are profoundly grateful.”
The government expressed its sincere appreciation to the Cuban government for maintaining this commitment to humanitarian health, especially in the face of ongoing economic constraints imposed by the U.S. blockade.
“Despite the challenges posed by the ongoing economic blockade, Cuba has remained steadfast in its commitment to global health,” Greene added. “Their selfless dedication to ensuring that health standards are upheld, even under adversity, speaks volumes about their character and their unwavering humanitarian spirit.”
The Henry Reeve Medical Brigade was established by Cuba in 2005 with a mandate to provide emergency medical assistance to countries facing disasters or severe health crises. In Antigua and Barbuda, its presence has gone well beyond emergency relief, contributing to long-term improvements in health outcomes, training, and service delivery.
The celebration concluded with renewed commitments to ongoing cooperation and a shared vision for accessible, quality healthcare for all.
“Together, we have proven that with collaboration, compassion, and commitment, we can overcome any challenge in the pursuit of better health outcomes for all,” said Greene.
As Antigua and Barbuda continues to build and modernize its healthcare system, the legacy of the Cuban medical mission remains a living symbol of solidarity and the power of international cooperation in public health.
