Venezuela to Fund Eye Centers in Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda

Grenada will be the next Caribbean country to benefit from the world-renowned eye care provided by the Venezuelan government, known as Mission Milagro (Miracle Mission).

Grenada’s Prime Minister Keith Mitchell announced Saturday that the Government of Venezuela has pledged US$250,000 for a state-of-the-art eye clinic at the Grenada General Hospital.

Mitchell made the official announcement following the visit of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Maduro visited Grenada and Saint Lucia on Saturday.

The Grenadian leader spoke of the strong ties between his country and Venezuela, which he said are “deeply rooted in mutual respect and a commitment to the improvement of the lives of the poorest.”

He said Venezuela will fund at least three social projects.

The Maduro-led government has once again reaffirm its commitment to “helping us fulfill our promise of providing laptops and tablets to our students across the length and breadth of our Tri-Island State,” said Mitchell.

Maduro told the gathering that the time of economic independence had arrived, noting that it is time to develop inter-Caribbean Trade.

Maduro Visits Antigua and Barbuda

The day before his visit to Grenada the Venezuelan leader visited Antigua and Barbuda, where he pledged continued support for their eye care program, which is located at the Mount St. John’s Medical Center.

Following bilateral talks, Prime Minister Gaston Browne told the media that Venezuela and Antigua have agreed to build the “Simon Bolivar” resort on the Eastern Caribbean island. He said it will be jointly owned by the two governments and bring social and economic benefit to the partners.

President Maduro visited four Eastern Caribbean countries in the last few weeks, as part of a larger Caribbean tour.