Barbados presents top honour, ‘Freedom of Barbados’ to Indian PM Narendra Modi

The Government of Barbados conferred its top honour, ‘Freedom of Barbados’ on Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi on Saturday.

This special award was bestowed upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the annual Independence Day Parade held at the Kensington Oval, Bridgetown.

The ceremonial parade was a part of the celebration of the 58^th anniversary of Independence and the third year since the transition to Republic. The parade was in full swing, displaying spectacular performances, precision drills, national colours and symbols of the island nation.

Indian PM Modi honoured with ‘Freedom of Barbados’

The Freedom of Barbados is presented to a distinguished person who has contributed significantly to the development of the country.

Shedding light on the highest honour of the nation, PM Mia Amor Mottley said, this award is bestowed on a person who is not a citizen of Barbados but is desirable for receiving this prestigious honour.

PM Modi who became the recipient of this honour was not present during the ceremony to collect the award. However, a special representative from India will visit the country to collect the honour on the behalf of the Indian leader.

“The Freedom of Barbados is presented to Shri Narendra Modi who is not with us today but will be represented,” noted PM Mia Amor Mottley.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s contribution to Barbados

This award conferred upon the Indian Prime Minister is an expression of gratitude by the Government of Barbados for his crucial and immense support during the challenging times of COVID-19 pandemic.

PM Mottley acknowledged the help by the Indian Government and said that they are recognizing him for his leading role and reputation of responsiveness and care.

She further went on to say that under the visionary and strategic leadership of PM Modi, the Indian Government took an urgent action to assist small countries like Barbados with Covishield vaccines.

The Prime Minister added that such huge support by the Indian Government changed the course of the covid-19 pandemic and minimized its social and economic impacts.

PM Modi and PM Mottley’s meeting

On the sidelines of India-CARICOM Summit, the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a small and productive meeting with Barbados Prime Minister, Mia Amor Mottley.

Sharing the glimpses of their meeting on his official Facebook account, Indian leader said that they both held discussions on several topics including, science and technology, healthcare, education, climate change and agriculture.

PM Modi added that he is committed towards strengthening bilateral relations and continuing to make efforts in order to fortify a more secure ties between both India and Barbados.

He also extended gratitude to the Government and people of Barbados for conferring the Honorary Order of Freedom of Barbados Award on him. He dedicated this honour to the 140 crores population of India.

PM Mia Mottley noted that this act of solidarity by PM Modi outlines his commitment to enhance global partnership and South-South collaboration.

India-CARICOM Summit

The 2^nd India-CARICOM Summit was conducted in Georgetown on 20^th November, 2024. This summit was attended by several delegates from both the regions, aiming to foster their co-operation across diverse sectors.

PM Mottley at 58^th Independence of Barbados

During the Independence Ceremonial Parade, PM Mia Amor Mottley addressed the nation and encouraged them to recall those people who sacrificed their lives for the prosperous future of the nation.

She further highlighted the obstacles faced by the nation in 2024. The Prime Minister added that overcoming the challenges shed light on their ability to rise from social struggles, climate change, economic pressure and much more.

PM Mottley further expressed her confidence for the upcoming year and aimed at making efforts for the development and advancement of the country.