India-CARICOM Summit 2024: Dominica bestows highest National Honour on Indian PM Narendra Modi

The Government of Dominica conferred the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi with its highest distinction, the “Dominica Award of Honour” at the highly-anticipated India-CARICOM Summit 2024. This prestigious recognition reflects the strong bond between India and Dominica which has been built on trust, respect and common aspirations.

The award was presented to Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi by the President of Dominica, Sylvanie Burton. This acknowledgement shed light on the statesmanship and contribution of PM Modi to Dominica during the Covid-19 pandemic.

This award also recognizes the immense support of India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for Dominica in fields of healthcare, education and information technology.

The Dominica Award of Honour bestowed on the PM Narendra Modi is an expression of gratitude by the Government of Dominica for his commitment towards strengthening bilateral relations, his visionary leadership and his support for the developmental goals of the island nation.

PM Narendra Modi accepts Dominica Award of Honour

Indian PM Modi accepted the highest recognition of the island nation, Dominica Award of Honour presented to him by President Sylvanie Burton. He extended his heartfelt gratitude to the PM Roosevelt Skerrit, Government and all the people of Dominica.

He said that this recognition does not just limit to him but also honours the 140 crores population of India, their efforts, vibrant displaying of culture and traditions on the international platform. He dedicated this award to all his brothers and sisters of India and reminisced about the unbreakable bond between both India and Dominica.

“With deep gratitude, I accept the ‘Dominica Award of Honour.’ I dedicate it to my fellow Indians, who have always cherished India’s friendship with the Commonwealth of Dominica,” said PM Narendra Modi.

He also thanked President Sylavnie Burton for especially traveling to Guyana for presenting him with this distinguished honour. Also, the Indian PM Narendra Modi highlighted the significance of women’s representation by both the nations.

He mentioned about Indian President, Droupadi Murmu who is the first president from the tribunal community, while Sylvanie Burton serves as the first indigenous President of Dominica. PM Modi said that both the leaders of Dominica and India shed light on their commitment to empowering women. He said that both these leaders are a true inspiration for future generations of both the respective countries.

PM Roosevelt Skerrit appreciated Prime Minister Modi

The Prime Minister of Dominica, Roosevelt Skerrit said that it is with profound gratitude that they have bestowed PM Modi with the coveted title, Dominica Award of Honour. The leader of Dominica said that this award is not just a symbol but a tribute to the enduring legacy of the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

PM Skerrit said that this accolade given to PM Modi shed light on his commitment to humanity, and the mark he has left on India, Dominica and far beyond their shores. He said that this honour reflects the shared values that unite both Dominica and India.

Prime Minister Skerrit further continued to say that this acknowledgement conferred upon PM Modi shed light on his unwavering dedication to democracy, resilience, and belief in the power of unity.

PM Skerrit said that like Dominica, the world owes PM Modi a debt of gratitude for his tireless efforts to uplift humanity. “Today, we acknowledge that your inspiration extends far beyond the oceans that separate us.”

PM Narendra Modi’s significant contribution to Dominica

The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, has been the greatest help to Dominica during their challenging times. As per the reports, in 2021, India donated 70,000 AstraZeneca vaccines to Dominica during their toughest days of COVID-19 pandemic.

This crucial assistance by India turned out to be a lifeline for the island nation. This act by PM Modi enabled the Government of Dominica to protect their people and allow them to extend aid to other Caribbean nations as well who were awaiting relief.

This act of solidarity by PM Modi echoed the essence of global partnership and South-South collaboration. The Prime Minister of Dominica, Roosevelt Skerrit shed light on this help by Indian Government and said that this leadership by PM Modi is defined not only by his action but by a visionary approach that has inspired the world.

He added that India’s strides in various departments such as healthcare, capacity-building, information technology and infrastructure are a testament to the belief that progress must be inclusive.

PM Narendra Modi has also made several initiatives like International Solar Alliance which has played a valuable role in championing renewable energy and empowering smaller nations to dream of a sustainable future.

India to work closely with Dominica in coming times

PM Roosevelt Skerrit held a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi on the margins of the CARICOM-India Summit on Wednesday in Guyana.

Both the leaders aimed at working closely in order to strengthen their ties and deepen their relations. PM Modi shared the glimpses of their interaction in his official Facebook handle and appreciated the kind words of PM Skerrit.

“Your kind words have touched me, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit,” said PM Modi.

PM Modi shed light on their enhanced relations during COVID-19 and said that his heart filled with joy to see how their solidarity has strengthened bonds across borders and continents. He aimed at continue to extend his support to Dominica and stand in solidarity with them.

On the other hand, PM Skerrit extended gratitude to PM Modi for their continued support and highlighted the importance of cooperation in addressing the challenges faced by small island nations.

India-CARICOM relations

The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi emphasised the relations between India and CARICOM countries. He stated that their relations are based on the shared past experiences, present day needs and the shared aspirations for the future.

PM Modi reiterated his commitment to take all these relations to new heights and make several efforts with a vision to focus on the concerns of the Global south, and its priorities. He further said that all the crucial decisions taken by them at an India-CARICOM meeting will add new dimensions to their cooperation in every sector.

Proposal to host 3^rd India-CARICOM Summit in India

The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi also raised a proposal of hosting the 3^rd summit in India. He said that this summit reflects their shared commitment to strengthening ties with the Caribbean nations, fostering cooperation across diverse sectors.

He therefore, expressed excitement about hosting the leaders of the Caribbean nation in India. He also aimed at working together to build a brighter future for the upcoming generations of both India and Caribbean regions.