Over 1800 Grenadians have been examined by Cuban Ophthalmologist specialists under a Miracle Eye Mission programme.

This was disclosed by resident Cuban ambassador Humberto Rivero at a joint press conference held at the Point Salines International Airport (PSIA) with Grenada's Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Mitchell.

Ambassador Rivero, expressed satisfaction with the success of the program, pointing out that more than 1820 people were seen by two of their Ophthalmologists who have been conducting the screening diagnosis throughout the country. He said that in excess of 428 seen were recommended for further advanced treatment which includes possible surgery in Cuba.

He disclosed that patients selected to make the trip to Cuba are accommodated at a facility known as Hotel-hospital. A total of 164 patients from Grenada accompanied by 17 companions have traveled to Cuba under the programme.

Another 250 persons are scheduled to travel to the Spanish-speaking country in the near future for eye treatment. Between last Thursday and Saturday, 125 patients returned to Grenada after receiving medical treatment in Cuba.

The patients will continue to receive follow-up treatment, from the Cuban trained Ophthalmologists who are presently in Grenada. In speaking at the press conference, Prime Minster Mitchell said the programme has tremendous implications for the future of Grenada's Health Care Services.

Dr. Mitchell, who accompanied some 114 patients to Cuba last Thursday, said he was very delighted to see so many Grenadians reaping the benefits from such special medical treatment. He stressed that Cuba's communist regime has consistently demonstrated its support to the Government and people of Grenada, particularly in the areas of education and health services.

During the 1979-83 Grenada Revolution of slain marxist leader, Maurice Bishop, Grenada was widely regarded as Cuba's closely ally in the English-speaking Caribbean. The relationship down a downward slide when U.S and Caribbean troops stormed Grenada on October 25, 1983 to put down a military junta led by General Hudson Austin that had seized power in a bloody palace coup in which Prime Minister Bishop was executed.

All Cuban diplomats were expelled and Havana refused to recognise the new rulers in Grenada until the advent of the 1990-95 administration of Prime Minister, Sir Nicholas Brathwaite.

Cuba was forced to recognise St. George's as a pre-condition for joining the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) of which Grenada was a leading member.