In a significant diplomatic gesture, the Commonwealth of Dominica will present its highest national accolade, the Dominica Award of Honour, to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The award will be conferred during the upcoming second India-CARICOM (Caribbean Community) Summit, scheduled to take place in Georgetown, Guyana, from November 19 to 21, 2024.
Significance
The recognition comes in acknowledgement of Prime Minister Modi’s critical support to Dominica during the Covid-19 pandemic and his broader contributions to strengthening India-Dominica ties.
A statement from Dominica’s Prime Minister’s Office highlighted that the award was being bestowed “in recognition of his contributions to Dominica during the COVID-19 pandemic and his dedication to strengthening the partnership between India and Dominica.” Notably, Prime Minister Modi played a key role in providing vital assistance to Dominica during the global health crisis, including the donation of 70,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine in February 2021. This act of solidarity was a lifeline for the Caribbean Island nation, demonstrating India’s commitment to supporting its partners in times of need.
The award also underscores the broader scope of India-Dominica cooperation. As part of the tribute, Dominica recognized India’s contributions to the country’s healthcare, education, and information technology sectors. The statement further noted, “The award also recognises India’s support for Dominica in healthcare, education and information technology under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, as well as his role in promoting climate resilience-building initiatives and sustainable development on a global level.”
Dominica’s Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit, highlighted the deep ties between the two nations, calling the award “an expression of Dominica’s gratitude for Prime Minister Modi’s solidarity with Dominica and the wider region.” He added, “Prime Minister Modi has been a true partner to Dominica, particularly during our time of need amid a global health crisis. It is an honour 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.”
PM Modi’s leadership has been instrumental in promoting climate resilience and sustainable development globally. As he accepts the award, he has reiterated the importance of global collaboration to address pressing challenges, including climate change and geopolitical tensions. “India stands ready to work alongside Dominica and the Caribbean region to tackle these global issues,” said Modi. “Our shared commitment to progress and resilience will guide us in the years to come.”
The award also sets a positive tone for the second India-CARICOM Summit, which will focus on deepening India’s engagement with the Caribbean nations. The summit will provide an opportunity for leaders from India and the Caribbean Community to renew historical ties, enhance cooperation in areas like sustainable development, technology, and climate change, and strengthen their collective voice on the global stage.
This is a testament to India’s growing influence in the Caribbean and the broader global South, where it continues to play a pivotal role in addressing shared challenges and fostering long-term partnerships based on mutual respect and solidarity. As the India-CARICOM Summit unfolds, it is expected to further solidify these bonds and propel India-Caribbean cooperation into a new phase of strategic collaboration.
