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It's been 25 years of diplomatic relations between Belize and Cuba and in that time one of the island's most valued exports has been the dozens and dozens of doctors that have come to work and save lives in Belize. And today in Belize's greatest hour of need, we can all breathe a little easier because a brigade of thirty-two Cuban doctors has just arrived. They stepped onto the tarmac of the closed Philip Goldson International Airport just before 6:00 this evening, flying their country's flag, and received the warmest possible greeting from Minister of Health Pablo Marin and CEO of Foreign Affairs Annie Lou Burns. 

Cuba, a country with one of the highest doctor to patient ratios in the world has extended its hand even during the global pandemic to lend help to Italy, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Jamaica, Suriname, Grenada and now Belize. 

And with the second positive case of COVID-19 confirmed today and the suspicion of community spread in San Pedro the arrival of these doctors is an incredibly welcome sight. We headed to the airport and spoke with Dr. Roberto Ramirez, he told us that Cuba has been characterized since the revolution by their willingness to extend medical support to the countries that need it the most:

Those supplies that CEO Burns mentioned are valued at over $8000.00 Belize dollars and were gathered at short notice by members of our business community to assist Cuba with its efforts to prevent the spread of the COVID-19. The donations were made as an act of solidarity with, and in gratitude to the government and people of Cuba.

The donated items were transported to Cuba by TAG airlines and include soap powder, bar soap, bath towels, sheets, cleaners and disinfectants, and garbage bags.