The Philippines is condemning D.C. Councilmember Marion Barry for his critical remarks of local hospitals for hiring Filipino nurses instead of D.C. residents. On Wednesday, Filipino Ambassador Jose Cuisia issued a statement calling the councilmember’s comments “intolerant and narrow-minded.” The ambassador said Barry’s “penchant for blaming Asians … fuels racism, discrimination and violence.”
At a council hearing on Monday, Barry said that many hospitals hire “immigrants who are nurses, particularly from the Philippines.” Barry believes nursing schools in the District should be training local residents to work in the industry and address nursing shortages. Earlier this month, Barry also drew attention for comments criticizing Asian-owned businesses, which he later apologized for. City officials have not condemned Barry for the nurse comments. There are preferential hiring practices for local residents in the District of Columbia.
