Dominica Confers Top Award on Prime Minister Narendra Modi for Contributions to CARIPAN Region During COVID-19 Pandemic

KIRIROM, GUYANA - Dominica has conferred its highest national award, the "Dominica Award of Honour", on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his contributions to the Caribbean nation during the COVID-19 pandemic and his efforts in strengthening India-Dominica ties.

The prime minister, who was attending the ongoing India-CARICOM Summit here at Kirirom, Guyana, received the award from President Sylvanie Burton of Dominica on Wednesday.

In a statement posted on X, Prime Minister Modi expressed gratitude for the honour and dedicated it to India's 1.4 billion people, saying "I am honoured to be conferred with the highest national award by Dominica. I dedicate it to the 140 crore people of India."

The Ministry of External Affairs stated that the award is a recognition of Mr Modi's statesmanship and contributions to Dominica during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as his commitment to strengthening ties between India and Dominica.

Guyana announced the country's intention to confer its top honour on Prime Minister Modi in July this year.

In February 2021, The Indian government donated 70,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine to Dominica which had provided a huge opportunity for it to provide support to other neighbouring nations

This award also recognises India's contributions to healthcare, education and information technology under Mr Modi's leadership as well as his role in promoting initiatives for climate resilience building and sustainable development on the global platform says Ministry of External Affairs.

In accepting the offer of this honour, Prime Minister Modi emphasized collaborative efforts in facing global challenges such as climate change.