Mario Díaz-Balart, a U.S. Congressman representing Florida’s 26th District since 2003, posted a series of messages on March 7, 2026, expressing support for the Cuban people and commending Jamaica’s recent policy change regarding Cuban medical professionals.
In his first post at 13:25 UTC, Díaz-Balart wrote, “¡Viva Cuba libre!” On the same day at 13:26 UTC, he added another message stating, “!Libertad para el pueblo cubano!”
Later that morning at 13:42 UTC, Díaz-Balart commented on international policy towards Cuba’s medical missions. He stated, “I commend Jamaica’s decision to end the exchange for trafficking of Cuban medical doctors. For decades, Havana has exploited its doctors as a source of forced labor while enriching itself to prop up its repressive dictatorship. More countries should follow Jamaica’s example and”
Díaz-Balart was born in Fort Lauderdale in 1961 and currently resides in Miami. He previously served in both chambers of the Florida legislature before being elected to Congress. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of South Florida.
The Cuban government has long sent medical professionals abroad as part of bilateral agreements with other nations. Critics argue that these programs often involve coercive practices and benefit the Cuban state financially rather than the workers themselves.
