The Commonwealth of Dominica is set to honor India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi with its highest national award, the Dominica Award of Honour. This prestigious recognition is slated to occur during the upcoming India-CARICOM Summit, which will take place from November 19 to 21, 2024, in Georgetown, Guyana.
This accolade reflects Dominica’s deep appreciation for Modi's contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as his steadfast commitment to enhancing bilateral relations between India and Dominica. According to the Prime Minister's office of Dominica, President Sylvanie Burton will present this award as part of the official proceedings at the Summit, which aims to strengthen cooperation among CARICOM nations.
One of the pivotal reasons for this award is Modi's significant support during the health crisis. Specifically, he facilitated the arrival of 70,000 doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine to Dominica back in February 2021. This act, described as 'a generous gift' by the Dominican government, not only bolstered the local healthcare response but also enabled the island nation to assist its Caribbean neighbors with their vaccine needs.
Beyond pandemic assistance, the Dominica Award of Honour also acknowledges Modi’s influence on several other fronts, including healthcare, education, and information technology. India’s role under Modi's leadership has been instrumental as the country has backed Dominica's initiatives aimed at improving climate resilience and sustainable development. Such support has laid the groundwork for long-term collaborative goals between the two nations.
Dominican Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit expressed heartfelt gratitude when announcing the honor. He underscored Modi's partnership during challenging times, stating, "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."
Upon accepting the award, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the importance of global collaboration, especially when facing cutting-edge challenges like climate change and geopolitical conflicts. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to working hand-in-hand with Dominica and the wider Caribbean region on these pressing issues.
The upcoming India-CARICOM Summit symbolizes not just the strength of these bilateral ties but also the importance of collective action among nations facing global challenges. It will serve as a platform for dialogue, fostering new avenues for cooperation and enhancing the relationship shared between India and CARICOM member states, which include various Caribbean nations.
This award ceremony signifies more than just recognition; it is portrayed as the next step toward advancing India's presence and influence within the Caribbean region. The historical ties between India and the Commonwealth of Dominica date back to the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations in 1981. Since then, these ties have flourished, with mutual benefits observed across multiple sectors.
Dominica enjoys the unique moniker “Nature’s Island of the Caribbean” due to its stunning natural beauty and rich biodiversity, and this award may prove to be pivotal for the Caribbean nation as it seeks to solidify and expand its international partnerships.
Recent events suggest this honor is poised to develop the diplomatic rapport between the two countries, with overarching aims to improve educational frameworks, healthcare standards, and technological advancements through various collaborative measures.
With Modi's visit encompassing not only the award ceremony but also meetings with leaders from Guyana and other CARICOM nations, the occasion could pave the way for fresh initiatives aimed at economic collaboration, technological cooperation, and cultural exchange. It is this spirit of partnership and shared vision for sustainable progress which Dominica and India seek to embody and advance on the world stage.
