In a significant gesture of appreciation, Dominica has announced it will bestow its highest national award, the Dominica Award of Honour, on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This honor, which recognizes his contributions to Dominica during the COVID-19 pandemic and his dedication to strengthening the India-Dominica partnership, will be presented by Dominica's President Sylvanie Burton at the upcoming India-CARICOM Summit. The summit, a notable gathering of Caribbean and Indian leaders, is set to take place in Georgetown, Guyana, from November 19 to 21.
The Prime Minister’s Office of Dominica highlighted India’s swift and generous support to Dominica during the pandemic as a key factor in awarding this distinction. In February 2021, India supplied Dominica with 70,000 doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, which played a critical role in the country’s pandemic response. Beyond COVID-19 assistance, the honor also recognizes India's broader support in fields such as healthcare, education, and information technology under Modi’s leadership, as well as his efforts in championing global initiatives for climate resilience and sustainable development.
Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit expressed his country's gratitude, describing the award as a symbol of Dominica’s appreciation for Prime Minister Modi’s solidarity with both Dominica and the wider Caribbean region. "Prime Minister Modi has been a true partner to Dominica, particularly during our time of need in a global health crisis. It is an honor to present him with Dominica’s highest national accolade, reflecting the strong and enduring ties between our two countries," Skerrit said. He also emphasized Dominica’s eagerness to continue building on this partnership and advancing a mutual vision of progress and resilience.
In response to this recognition, Prime Minister Modi underscored the importance of international cooperation in tackling pressing global issues, including climate change and geopolitical tensions. Accepting the honor, Modi reiterated India's commitment to supporting Dominica and the Caribbean region in addressing these challenges, affirming India’s role as a reliable ally in pursuing sustainable development and resilience-building initiatives.
The India-CARICOM Summit is expected to further reinforce the ties between India and the Caribbean, fostering collaboration in various fields, including healthcare, trade, technology, and climate action.
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