Senior Reporter
otto.carrington@cnc3.co.tt
T&T’s healthcare system is under severe strain due to a persistent shortage of nursing personnel, a crisis that could worsen if the government fails to secure Cuban doctors and nurses, says T&T Registered Nurses’ Association (TTRNA) president Idi Stuart.
Stuart voiced his support yesterday, for Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley’s defence of the nation’s sovereignty in light of recent US threats to impose visa restrictions on governments that utilise Cuba’s overseas medical missions.
For years, T&T and several other Caricom nations have relied on Cuban specialist doctors and nurses to bolster their healthcare workforce. However, the threats by the government of US President Donald Trump have cast uncertainty over this arrangement.
“We are now even more reliant on Cuba to help address the severe nursing shortage we are facing. If we are unable to reverse the US sanctions, the situation will only worsen, and if we are unable to access those specialist nurses from Cuba, one can only imagine the devastation to our healthcare system,” Stuart warned.
The T&T Government typically recruits Cuban nurses on three-year contracts, but the last group has already returned home.
While a fresh batch is expected to arrive, the potential of US sanctions could disrupt the process.
Stuart also highlighted the ongoing exodus of local nurses to more developed nations that offer significantly higher salaries.
“Where do we replace them from? Our intake at nursing schools is not sufficient to keep up with the number of professionals leaving the field,” he explained.
Additionally, T&T is struggling to attract nurses from traditional recruitment sources such as the Eastern Caribbean, Nigeria, and the Philippines.
“No Caribbean nurses are coming here because we are one of the lowest-paying countries in the region,” Stuart stated.
Specialist nurses play a critical role in paediatrics, surgical theatres, and dialysis units—fields where local training opportunities are none-xistent.
The Ministry of Health had previously integrated specialist nursing programmes into COSTAATT, but training has not resumed in over a year, worsening the shortage.
Despite concerns over US sanctions, Stuart supported Prime Minister Rowley’s stance that the nation must prioritise its healthcare system.
“So, while we don’t want to get into the nitty-gritty of US politics and foreign relations, there are moments when we must stand up as a country and defend what is in the best interest of our healthcare system. Furthermore, another important aspect is ensuring the public understands the issue when forming their opinions. It’s crucial to note that the country typically recruits specialist nurses on three-year contracts, after which they return home,” he explained.
“If the only penalty, as we speak, is that some ministers won’t be able to visit the U.S., then that’s a small price to pay to ensure we have specialist doctors and nurses operating in Trinidad and Tobago,” he asserted.
Meanwhile, the Urban Development Corporation of T&T (UDeCOTT), in a media release, has confirmed that the 540-bed Central Block of the new Port-of Spain General Hospital will begin accepting patients in July 2025.
UDeCOTT said the event, titled “The Official Commemoration Ceremony for The Practical Completion of the Construction,” was not an official opening but a significant step toward the next phase of the project.
It said the facility’s final outfitting phase was expected to wrap up by June 30, 2025.
It said The hospital was now entering Phase Four, which includes the installation of medical equipment, system testing, staff training, and finalising operational setups.