In statements to the Grenada Broadcasting Network, Cornwall acknowledged that as a graduate from a Cuban university, he has a moral obligation to that country and insisted that the Cuban medical personnel in Grenada provide an “irreplaceable service.”

“I have always believed that we must put people above political identity, and my government has shown that we are willing to go to extremes to keep our people safe,” he stated, in reference to the role of Cuban medicine in Grenada’s current health standards.

Cornwall insisted that if it means waiving his right to get a US visa to ensure that Grenada supports Cuba, “so be it,” claiming that renouncing the Cuban medical mission would significantly harm his country’s healthcare system.

In addition to Cornwall, who is a member of his country’s parliament, Foreign Minister Joseph Andall, also a Cuban graduate, said last week that Grenada not only has a legal obligation, but also a moral and ethical obligation, to the people of Cuba, and reiterated that the Eastern Caribbean nation is sovereign and independent in its decision-making.

A US Department of State announcement last week reported on a visa restriction policy for officials from countries that support or continue to support the work of Cuban medical brigades amid accusations of alleged slave labor trafficking, which has already been rejected by Caribbean leaders and politicians.

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