‘We Love Cuba’: gratitude walk by supporters draws crowd in Kingston

Supporters who turned out today for a “gratitude walk” in downtown Kingston to honour Cuban healthcare workers for 50 years of service say they remain hopeful that Jamaica can repair its relationship with Cuba and retain its medical support.

One woman, who attended with her husband, said she believes there is still room for diplomatic efforts to restore the partnership.

“I am still hopeful. There is still hope,” she told The Gleaner, adding that the authorities could “try again” to find a way to keep Cuban medical teams on the island.

The walk, organised by convenor Michael Ennis, moved from Sutton Street to National Heroes Park, with scores of participants chanting, “We love Cuba,” “Bring back the nurses,” “Bring back the doctors,” and “Jamaica loves Cuba” as they made their way through the streets.

“This is not a protest, not a demonstration, not even a march. It is a gratitude walk,” Ennis explained.

“The aim is to send a message to the Cuban people that Jamaicans appreciate what they have done for us.”

Ennis noted that the initiative has drawn support from across Jamaica and the diaspora, with some participants travelling from as far as Clarendon to take part.

The event follows the recent announcement that the 50-year Cuban medical cooperation programme in Jamaica has ended.

While some participants expressed hope that the arrangement could be revisited, Ennis maintained that the primary aim of the walk was not to influence government policy.

“We’re not trying to send a message to any government, and we’re not trying to reverse anything. As Jamaican people, all we can do is thank the Cubans,” he said.

Elizabeth Farsad, who described herself as “heartbroken” by the development, said the departure of Cuban medical personnel would have far-reaching consequences.

“It will impact all of us—the less fortunate, the middle class, and the most fortunate,” she said, highlighting their role in providing specialised care such as eye treatment.

She recounted meeting an elderly man who feared he would not receive a scheduled appointment following the programme’s end.

“He said he may never be able to regain his sight,” she noted.

A retired psychotherapist who was among the participants also voiced concern.

“I think it’s absolutely outrageous, given what the Cubans have done for us in Jamaica,” she said.

However, she expressed little confidence that the situation would change.

“They're not going to do anything about it. They didn't do anything in the beginning; they're not going to change their mind again. But maybe there will not be another time,” she said.

- Tanesha Mundle

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