Communism Spreads in South Pacific

As if the pernicious influence of Communist China wasn't enough now Cuba is sticking it's grubby paws into the South Pacific.

The Good News of course is that Cuba is probably poorer than most S Pac countries so has little to offer at the best of times.

What a strange perspective to see the world ... Maybe you check here and here to get an idea why that happens.

8 Cuban Doctors arrive in Solomons
It seems to me that Cuba may be the only country left with doctors to spare for developing countries, and willing to train nationals from those developing countries as well.
Good on them.
Incidentally, Solomon Islands recognises Taiwan, not mainland China.
I think the communist menace was over last century.

My purpose in posting this here wasn't to put posters in a position where they feel they have to defend totalitarianism.

Kiribati has some Cuban doctors. I met one working in a small health clinic beside the lagoon in Tarawa, doing a fine job, much welcomed and appreciated by the local folk.

Isn't it quite simple: If you do not want Cuba or China to help, then just send help yourself.

I do not intend to defend totalitarianism and I am well aware that Cuba used not to send doctors only but soldiers too. Nevertheless I defend to have a good doctor around is important. Do you, OP, really mean that they all should be deported because they are from Cuba?

There were and still are quite a few small islands without any medical support. In Kiribati as well as in the Solomon Islands. And I assume in Tonga too. After Cuba finally offered assistance, all of the sudden the US felt impelled as well to offer help. Why not before? Why not others? Only China and Cuba came. It was no secret that these people were in need.

Anyway, in the small communities of the Pacific all these '..isms" are not that much important, I think. Having a good doctor in the neighborhood however is important. Like the Peace Corps. Much appreciated. And nobody cares where they are from.

The Pacific countries dealt with the colonial powers, some with foreign occupancy during WWII. And today they rather successfully deal with post colonial pressure too. They will come along with China and Cuba as well, be sure, despite of any '..ism'.

The Pacific people are well aware from experience: All those foreigners only want our best - but we don't give them ;-)

There are some quite large islands in the Solomons that regularly lack doctors. An Australian friend teaching in rural Makira nearly lost her husband with malaria as a result, not so long ago.

The OP must be a troll. "Grubby paws?" What twaddle.

Colombia is lousy with Cuban doctors who were sent to Venezuela by Castro-they escaped as soon as they could and were hoping to move to the USA via Mexico.

The Cubans will impress the Pacific islanders with their amazing raft making skills.

Actually, I think the OP is a reincarnation of a former regular.

Actually, I think the Cubans will impress the islanders with their medical expertise. Having used their services in Cuba a couple of years ago I can vouch for their expertise and professionalism, especially as they are working with below standard equipment in Cuba.

They've arrived, see Solomon Star

"He said the doctors coming to serve as volunteers with minimum allowances, shows a true friendship and real brotherhood."

Or family members held hostage by a totalitarian regime.

"Under the bilateral agreement, Cuba also provided scholarships to 50 local students who are currently studying in the communist nation."

Yes Spanish language skills will really help those students who want to work back home in the Solomons.

"Or family members held hostage by a totalitarian regime." Someone suffering an attack of paranoia then?

We're wondering just how many Cubans go back after their tour of duty is over. But, they are pretty good raft makers!

"Someone suffering an attack of paranoia then?"

Not at all.

Ever seen the video of Buena Vista Social Club visiting New York?

All the old boys talk about is how great it would be if they could share what they're seeing with their family back in Cuba.

Why are their family back in Cuba instead of accompanying them?

Because the Communist Government of Cuba won't let them go that's why!

You won't see any Cuban families visiting the Solomons either not in 10,000 years you won't!

Once Cuba opens up, they'll have to build 20 cruise ship piers. Nassau and Cozumel etc., will go down the tubes.

Not being allowed to move appears to be a real problem in Cuba, I agree. There is a place there named Guantanamo and they may not leave too. They even get tortured there. What a shame.

Gee, too bad if a terrorist is roughed up a little. They're the enemy you idiot. Maybe you'd like to sponsor some of these fine peace loving bombers...??

There's no doubt the rest of the Caribbean is scared shitless about Cuba opening up to US tourism.

Fly over Cuba it's beautiful and physically dominates the region.

Yes, the women, beaches, rum and cigars....a great new place to go and enjoy life.

# 18 - Let me get this straight - you're saying that the U.S. military prison at Guantanamo is the reason that Cubans should not be allowed the same freedoms and opportunity that you enjoy?

It's a shame that we don't let enemy combatants loose but not that the Cuban people aren't free?

#22 - no, I am far away from saying that one wrongdoing justifies the other. Everybody should be free - simple as that. Cubans as well as all being held prisoner for years without trial, wherever in the world. Not proven terrorists though, of course. However nobody should pretend that everyone held prisoner in Guantanamo is a proven terrorist.

What I wanted to say was that when pointing fingers at others about lack of freedom it might not be wrong to look at own issues as well.

And a Cuban doctor helping people in Tonga is not indicating in any way that Tonga is likely to become a communist country. "Grubby paws". Ridiculous.

LOL - I believe OP is a Canadian. Oops!

I personally think that the Cubans are in the Pacific for the same reason as everyone else, for influence and goodwill. The Cuban doctors themselves go overseas to earn more than the meager amount they make at home. (Unlike everyone else.) And for those who are willing to give up seeing their families for a long time (as the unattached aren't let out), it gives them the opportunity to apply for the CMPP Program and migrate to the U.S.

As for Tonga, I was amazed at all the plaques I saw giving credit to various countries for different aid projects.

It seems the Cubans may have similar motivation to the Indian teachers I worked with in the Solomons - better pay and conditions than they would have had im most parts of their home country.

"Grubby paws". Ridiculous.

"as the unattached aren't let out"

There's the grubby paw of the commie-always grasping-personal freedom doesn't exist in the brave new commie world.