Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in appreciation and in solidarity, would be honoured with Dominica’s highest national award. The award, “Dominica Award of Honour” will be presented at the India-CARICOM Summit to be held between November 19th and 21st at Georgetown, Guyana.
This testament was for his support for Dominica in particular and broadly for the Caribbean during the COVID-19 crisis, as well as for his deep interest in developing relations between the Caribbean and India.
During the pandemic period, Prime Minister Modi played a very important role in Dominica. In early 2021, India gifted to Dominica 70,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine, which proved to be the lifeline that allowed Dominica to begin helping itself and its Caribbean neighbors in their hour of need.
Reports via trusted sources have brought into light the fact that the transportation of these vaccine doses were further an homage by Gurdip Dev Bath, a special representative of St Kitts and Nevis.
Dev Bath, whose origins are deep rooted in India, played an remarkable role in the transportation of over a lakh AstraZeneca vaccination doses. His help was a epitome of social service during such times of appalling need.
India has also been extending help in the fields of health, education, and information technology during Modi’s tenure. His emphasis on sustainable development and climate resilience really speaks to Dominica, a tiny island nation standing at the front lines of climate change.
“It is a symbol of our gratitude,” said Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit about the award.
He said, “Prime Minister Modi has been a true partner.” In this connection, Skerrit had noted that India came in at the opportune time to help deal with a global health crisis.
More than that, Skerrit put underscored the shared vision of Dominica and India to be resilient and progressive. Honoring his name, India’s Prime Minister said that global cooperation is critical.
He acknowledged that issues like climate change and geopolitical uncertainties require collective action from countries. In this regard, Modi’s remarks constitute part of the Indians’ increasing interest in establishing relations with the Caribbean, most especially with Dominica.
The India-CARICOM Summit, which would host President Sylvanie Burton and Prime Minister Skerrit of Dominica, will concretize the strengthening ties.
The forum shall discuss shared priorities for cooperative engagements between India and the member states of CARICOM. The award also represents India’s increased presence in the Caribbean.
In health care, education, and technology, India is marketing itself as a reliable partner to the CARICOM nations through investment.
As Dominica extends this prestigious award to Modi, it shall be shoring up a partnership that is built on resiliency, development, and mutual support.
This milestone exceeds recognition; it speaks to the enduring bond between India and Dominica.
Together, both nations that will come together at the summit shall chart out their ways toward an even more collaborative and resilient future.
