Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has expressed appreciation to the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela for the assistance it has provided to Vincentians in regards to eye care.
He did so while speaking yesterday at a ceremony held at the VIP Lounge of the E.T. Joshua Airport prior to the departure of a group of 14 Vincentians to Caracas, where they will undergo surgery to correct their vision.
Dr. Gonsalves said “This is an act of remarkable solidarity and generosity by the Venezuelan government”.
According to Prime Minister Gonsalves, St. Vincent and the Grenadines is the first CARICOM country to benefit from the Miracle Mission Eye Care Programme, which is funded jointly by the Governments of Cuba and Venezuela.
He said the Vincentians will be away for two weeks but assured them that they will be well cared for once they arrive in Caracas.
Prime Minister Stuart once again expressed his appreciation regarding the fact that Japan will examine assistance that not only takes into consideration income standards, but also the vulnerabilities particular to small island stats.