In a profound symbol of gratitude and solidarity, the Commonwealth of Dominica is set to bestow its highest national honor, the Dominica Award of Honour, upon India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This prestigious accolade will be presented by Her Excellency Sylvanie Burton, President of Dominica, at the upcoming India-CARICOM Summit scheduled for November 19-21 in Georgetown, Guyana. This honor celebrates PM Modi’s instrumental role in fortifying ties with Dominica, especially during the trying times of the global pandemic.
Strengthening Bonds in Times of Crisis
Prime Minister Modi’s commitment to Dominica became particularly evident in February 2021 when India provided 70,000 doses of the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine to the Caribbean nation. In addition to safeguarding Dominica’s population, these doses enabled Dominica to extend support to neighboring Caribbean countries, emphasizing the ripple effect of India’s outreach and its dedication to global solidarity. This contribution, especially during an unprecedented health crisis, showcased India’s pivotal role in supporting small island nations and its genuine dedication to promoting health security worldwide.
Building Pathways of Cooperation
Beyond pandemic relief, Dominica recognizes Prime Minister Modi’s broader efforts in enhancing bilateral relations, with notable progress in healthcare, education, and technology collaborations. Under Modi’s leadership, India has shown steadfast support in promoting climate resilience, sustainable development, and advancements across crucial sectors for Dominica and the wider Caribbean.
In a statement from Dominica’s Office of the Prime Minister, PM Roosevelt Skerrit remarked on the honor’s significance, saying, “Prime Minister Modi has been a true partner to Dominica, particularly during our time of need amid a global health crisis. It is an honor to present him with Dominica’s highest national accolade as a symbol of our gratitude for his support and as a reflection of the strong ties between our countries. We look forward to building on this partnership and advancing our shared vision of progress and resilience.”
A Shared Vision for the Future
Upon accepting the award, Prime Minister Modi affirmed the importance of joint global efforts to address pressing issues, including climate change and geopolitical tensions. He underscored India’s commitment to working alongside Dominica and other Caribbean nations to address these challenges and to promote sustainable growth.
The India-CARICOM Summit, which will host leaders like President Sylvanie Burton and Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, stands as an essential platform to discuss shared priorities and expand cooperation between India and CARICOM member states. This forum will serve as a testament to the enduring partnerships between India and Caribbean nations, especially as they jointly pursue a vision of resilience, sustainability, and mutual advancement.
With this award, Dominica not only honors a leader but also highlights a lasting partnership and a mutual commitment to addressing global challenges. This accolade symbolizes a journey of solidarity, resilience, and shared progress between two nations striving for a brighter future.