Guyana, Dominica, Caribbean Nations confer top awards on PM Modi

New Delhi, Nov 21: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's tri-nation visit to Nigeria, Guyana, and Dominica marked an exciting moment as he was conferred with the highest national honours of Guyana and Dominica. These awards highlight Modi’s growing acceptance, statesmanship and contributions to strengthening India's ties with the global community.

Guyana's Highest Honor: 'The Order of Excellence'

In a ceremony held at the State House in Georgetown, Guyana, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali awarded Prime Minister Modi "The Order of Excellence", the nation's highest civilian honour. The award recognised Modi's "visionary statesmanship, championing the rights of developing nations, exceptional service to the global community, and his commitment to strengthening India-Guyana relations."

Accepting the honour, Prime Minister Modi dedicated it to the 1.4 billion people of India, highlighting the deep-rooted historical ties between the two nations. He remarked, “This recognition is not just for me but for every Indian. It signifies the unique bond that India and Guyana share, a bond that has only grown stronger through time.” Modi became only the fourth foreign leader to receive this prestigious award.

During his remarks, President Ali praised Modi's leadership, stating, “India’s strides under Prime Minister Modi in technology, healthcare, and renewable energy resonate deeply with the aspirations of Guyana and other developing nations. His advocacy for the Global South has redefined international cooperation.”

Dominica’s National Award of Honour

On November 20, during the Second India-CARICOM Summit in Georgetown, Dominica's President Sylvanie Burton conferred upon Modi the "Dominica Award of Honour", the nation’s highest tribute. The award recognised Modi’s leadership, his country’s assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic, and his unwavering commitment to bolstering ties between India and Dominica.

Dominica's Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit, expressed heartfelt gratitude, emphasising India’s role in providing 70,000 AstraZeneca vaccines during the pandemic’s peak in 2021. “This act of solidarity transcended borders, enabling Dominica to protect its citizens and support neighbouring Caribbean nations. It was a powerful reminder that true leadership knows no bounds,” Skerrit said.

Accepting the award, Modi reiterated his dedication to fostering strong bilateral relations. “This honour reflects the shared values and aspirations of our two nations. It fills my heart with pride that our collaboration during the pandemic could serve as a beacon of hope and resilience,” he said.

President Burton lauded Modi’s global vision, highlighting India's leadership in the International Solar Alliance, renewable energy, and climate justice advocacy. “Your Excellency, your visionary leadership inspires nations like Dominica to dream of a sustainable future. Your commitment to humanity is a legacy that will endure for generations,” she remarked.

India-CARICOM Summit: Strengthening Ties with the Caribbean

The Second India-CARICOM Summit, held in Guyana, provided a platform for Modi to engage with leaders from across the Caribbean. Modi emphasised India’s commitment to fostering deeper ties with CARICOM nations, focusing on shared challenges and aspirations.

In his address, Modi stated, “Relations between India and CARICOM are built on shared histories and future aspirations. Together, we can address global challenges and create a brighter future for the Global South.”

Modi proposed hosting the Third India-CARICOM Summit in India, a move welcomed by CARICOM leaders. He emphasised the need for reforms in global institutions to reflect contemporary realities, a sentiment echoed by his Caribbean counterparts.

Bilateral Meetings with Regional Leaders

On the sidelines of the summit, Modi held extensive discussions with Caribbean leaders:

Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali (Guyana): Talks focused on strengthening cooperation in sectors such as skill development, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and energy. Modi lauded Guyana’s support for global initiatives like the International Solar Alliance and the Global Biofuels Alliance.

Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre (Saint Lucia): The leaders discussed partnerships in education, health, cricket, and yoga. Pierre expressed gratitude for India’s support in implementing CARICOM’s seven-point plan.

President Chan Santokhi (Suriname): Modi and Santokhi reviewed bilateral ties, emphasising trade, telemedicine, and cultural exchanges. “India remains a steadfast partner for Suriname’s developmental aspirations,” Modi affirmed.

Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley (Trinidad & Tobago) Two leaders talked about how to diversify trade linkages between two nations. Areas like science, healthcare, education, renewable energy and agriculture PM Modi in a message on X said, “It is a matter of immense joy that Trinidad & Tobago has adopted UPI. The signing of the MoU relating to agro and food processing is also a welcome step.”

India’s Role as a Global Partner

India has positioned itself as a champion of the Global South, advocating for equitable growth and climate justice. Modi reiterated India’s commitment to helping developing nations overcome challenges through collaboration in healthcare, renewable energy, and technology.

Reflecting on the awards, Modi took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his gratitude. “Sincerely thank President Dr. Irfaan Ali for conferring Guyana’s highest honour, ‘The Order of Excellence.’ This recognition belongs to the 1.4 billion people of India. Similarly, I am humbled by Dominica’s highest award, which I dedicate to every Indian cherishing our friendship with Dominica.”