Havana, December 8 (RHC)-- December 8th is Cuba-Caricom Day -- a date established at the first joint summit held 2002 in Havana to mark the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Havana and a group of Caribbean nations that were freed from colonial rule in the 1970s.

The 2002 Cuba-Caricom Summit agreed to hold joint summits on that date every three years to deepen cooperation relations.

Cuba and the Caribbean Community have developed economic and political relations based on mutual support and cooperation, which has become an example to follow for those countries that have joined the process of regional integration.

Thousands of Cubans have worked in Caricom nations, particularly in the area of health and more precisely in offering eye-treatment services as part of the program known as Operation Miracle, which has benefited some 100,000 people.

Cuban universities have graduated a large number of professionals from the region, who have returned to their countries to serve their people.