The Commonwealth of Dominica will award its highest national honor, the Dominica Award of Honour, to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his pivotal contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic and his dedication to strengthening bilateral ties between India and Dominica.
The prestigious award will be presented by Her Excellency Sylvanie Burton, President of Dominica, at the India-CARICOM Summit, set to take place from November 19-21, 2024, in Georgetown, Guyana.
In recognition of Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, the award highlights India’s timely and impactful support to Dominica, including the delivery of 70,000 doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine in February 2021. This significant contribution not only helped Dominica but also enabled the country to assist neighboring Caribbean nations in their fight against the pandemic. Additionally, the award honors India’s ongoing assistance in key sectors such as healthcare, education, information technology, and its commitment to global climate resilience and sustainable development under PM Modi’s leadership.
Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit expressed deep gratitude for India’s unwavering support during the global health crisis. “Prime Minister Modi has been a true partner to Dominica, especially during our time of need. It is an honor to present him with our highest national award as a symbol of our appreciation for his solidarity and as a reflection of the strong ties between our nations. We look forward to expanding this partnership and advancing our shared vision of progress and resilience,” the statement from the Prime Minister’s office said.
In response, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the importance of international collaboration to address critical global challenges, including climate change and geopolitical conflicts. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to working closely with Dominica and the broader Caribbean region on these pressing issues.
The India-CARICOM Summit offers a platform for leaders from India and Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member nations to discuss shared priorities and explore new avenues for cooperation. Both President Sylvanie Burton and Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit will attend the summit alongside Prime Minister Modi.
This recognition underscores the deepening friendship between India and Dominica, built on mutual respect, cooperation, and a shared commitment to tackling global challenges together.
