Dominica (Commonwealth Union)_ The Commonwealth of Dominica has announced that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will receive the nation’s highest distinction, the Dominica Award of Honour, in honor of his extraordinary leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and his efforts to deepen the relationship between India and Dominica. The prestigious award will be conferred upon Modi during the India-CARICOM Summit, which is set to take place in Georgetown, Guyana, from November 19 to 21, 2024. Sylvanie Burton, President of the Commonwealth of Dominica, will officially present the award to PM Modi.
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In a statement issued by the office of Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, it was noted that this recognition celebrates Modi’s significant contributions, particularly during the pandemic. In February 2021, Modi’s government donated 70,000 doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine to Dominica, enabling the country not only to protect its own population but also to extend help to its neighboring Caribbean nations. This act of solidarity was crucial for the region as it grappled with the global health crisis. Apart from the pandemic relief, the Dominica Award of Honour also recognizes India’s broader support for Dominica and the Caribbean in areas such as healthcare, education, and information technology.
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The Dominican government’s statement highlighted Modi’s commitment to global issues like climate change and sustainable development, emphasizing his role in advocating for international cooperation in addressing these challenges. Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit conveyed his country’s deep gratitude to Prime Minister Modi, 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 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. We look forward to building on this partnership and advancing our shared vision of progress and resilience.”
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India’s engagement with the Caribbean under Modi’s leadership has marked a new chapter in strengthening diplomatic relations. Apart from pandemic support, India and Dominica have collaborated on various initiatives, including trade, disaster relief, and sustainable development projects. India’s outreach to Caribbean nations, especially smaller states like Dominica, is part of a broader foreign policy strategy to expand India’s global footprint and establish mutually beneficial partnerships. Additionally, Prime Minister Modi, who will attend the India-CARICOM Summit in Guyana, accepted the award with a message emphasizing the importance of global cooperation to address pressing challenges such as climate change and geopolitical conflicts.
PM Modi reiterated India’s commitment to continuing its close partnership with Dominica and other CARICOM member states in pursuit of shared progress and resilience. Furthermore, the India-CARICOM Summit will provide a platform for leaders from India and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to discuss key priorities, strengthen existing ties, and explore new areas for collaboration. This summit underscores the growing importance of India-Caribbean relations, especially in sectors like trade, infrastructure, climate resilience, and healthcare.
The Commonwealth of Dominica, often referred to as “Nature’s Island of the Caribbean,” is known for its lush landscapes and rich biodiversity. With a population of approximately 72,000 and a land area of 750 square kilometers, the island nation has enjoyed cordial bilateral relations with India since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1981. India is a key trading partner for Dominica; it exports pharmaceutical products, textiles, food items, and home goods, while Dominica exports scrap metals to India. In recognition of these growing ties, the Government of Dominica has waived the visa requirement for Indian nationals visiting the country for tourism or business for up to six months. Meanwhile, the Indian government has granted e-Tourist Visas to Dominican citizens, facilitating easier travel between the two countries.
The Indian community in Dominica is small but influential, comprising business families, professionals, and faculty members from the Ross Medical University. The Dominica Award of Honour is the highest accolade the country can bestow, and Modi’s receipt of this honor underscores the deepening friendship between India and Dominica. As both nations look to the future, they are committed to enhancing their cooperation on key global issues, with a shared focus on sustainable development, climate change mitigation, and fostering economic growth through bilateral and multilateral partnerships. The award reflects the strengthened diplomatic and humanitarian bond between the two countries, marking a significant milestone in the growing relationship between India and the Caribbean.