In a message to the Venezuelan leader who has been diagnosed with cancer and has surgery, Prime Minister Douglas extended the very best wishes of the Government and People of St. Kitts and Nevis and his own personal expressions of friendship and support.

“As a medical doctor I know first- hand the importance of outstanding medical care in all matters pertaining to human health. And, as more and more of my fellow-physicians all around the world are beginning to understand, I also know the power of friendship and good wishes to a healing process. It is therefore very good to know that you have an abundance of both. We are keeping you in our thoughts and wish you a strong and steady recovery,” said Prime Minister Douglas in his message to the Venezuelan leader.

The 56-year-old leader surprised Venezuelans by returning from Cuba on Tuesday after spending almost a month in Cuba receiving treatment for cancer. He revealed that he was in intensive therapy for four days, and said it was a miracle he was able to return.

Speaking from a balcony at the presidential palace in Caracas on Tuesday for the first time since returning, Chavez described how he underwent surgery on June 20 after doctors diagnosed a malignant tumor following an operation to treat a pelvic abscess 10 days earlier.