A woman who has survived cancer and who has been at the helm of the Dominica Cancer society’s quest to educate and fight against the deadly disease will be receiving the nation’s third highest award, the Commonwealth of Dominica Meritorious Award.
President of the society Vina Royer, who is a retired teacher and a cancer survivor, will be awarded at the National Independence Rally on November 3rd.
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit said during an award ceremony in St. Joseph on Thursday that Royer has contributed greatly to her community and country.
“But she has persevered in her contribution to not only St. Joseph but the whole of Dominica by taking up the torch of advocating for individuals suffering from cancer; and also educating the rest of us about what we can do as to ensure that we do not attract it in some cases, but that we go for early testing and if it is found that we have cancer that we can treat it very early,” he said. “And this is why I want to say to you here in St. Joseph that based on her contribution to Dominica, she will be receiving the third highest award at our independence celebrations for her contribution.”
Skerrit mentioned that Royer’s award is particularly touching to him because of the high incidence of cancer among Dominicans.
“And for me there are many people who will be receiving awards this year but this one is particularly touching because of the high incidence of cancer among our people and the fact that there are people who are prepared to put their own resources and time towards advocating for this,” he stated.
He also announced that his government will provide assistance to seven Dominican cancer patients to travel abroad to seek medical assistance as requested by the Cancer society.
He said the funding was approved on Thursday.
Royer was one of the awardees in St. Joseph on Thursday evening.
A life time of unselfish service to St.Joe and Dominica,as activist for many causes,women, children,religion,medical,politics, you name it and she’s involved. Education trust fund, village council, sewing classes, cxc supervisor, teacher, elderly care and more. Well deserved miss you have made st.joe proud as a real and authentic role model. Thats the kind of female role models that st.joe is known for not what we see is being dumped on us today as a leader in the making. We know better and at the right time we will let the world know wee not in that, for the sake of our baby girls and future female population of st.joe
Congratulations, Mrs. Royer. A well deserved award to a gracious lady.
This is to Ashley
Whom ever you are, you must be the most ignorant and disgusting human being on this planet. I am assuming that you are from St. Joseph like myself and that you are not a fan of the recipient of the award because of politics Pay attention to the reason why she has received the award she is a cancer survivor. She is someone who has put her needs on hold to educate people like you, and for you to tear her down is wrong. Who gives you the right to minimize her achievement. This woman has paid her dues to this community. What are your achievement and how have you helped your community and your country? Monel is a candidate contesting the general elections she is not a cancer survivor and so she does not deserve an award. She might be your hero, but you have put things in perspective and stop playing politics with everything. I am very ashamed and embarrassed that you would make such a comment, This shows me the level of ignorance and stupidity that still exists in my community. Stop politicizing everything and let people enjoy their dues. You guys are political bullies who want to vote for who you want and force other to vote for who you want. This is a dictatorship mentality and when I last checked we were living in a democratic society. Hope you know what that mean. Get a life or take a hike.
Honestly I scrolled down to look for Ashley ‘s comment and I am now wondering why you are getting on like that.
Release all the names of other awardees now.
It is thought that thre is a protocol concerning the announcement of the annual awards for meritorious service to the Commonwealth of Dominica.A press release from the Office of the Cabinet Secretary containing the names of ALL awardees is issued a few days before the 3rd of November.It appears that this practice has now come to an end and therefore the names of ALL awardees for Independence 2013 should now be released by the Hon PM or the Cabinet Secretary’s Office..
There were other awardees on Thursday in St Joseph?
. I can describe this momentous occasion in one word – Monelle Williams
Maybe. It is quite possible that the DLP wants to spot light the positive vibes coming from a member of the St. Joseph community instead of the very strong, emphatic and radio-repeated negative vibes coming out of there from Ms Williams. It is the DLP’s right to spot light that positive.
At least, no one has tried to prevent Ms Williams from articulating how bad she sees things and how she feels these can be addressed. Some people have even been congratulating her for how much she is inspiring them.
Mrs Royer deserves this honour. Let the positive things shine…please. Dominica really needs this now.
Vinna is an inspiration to many as they face the stress of an unwelcome diagnosis. She is there, living proof that early intervention saves lives. Treatment works and 20 years on she is still standing shoulder to shoulder with those going through radiation and chemo. Please pay up if you see her or her friends with a sponsor sheet…..and come today in St Joseph for a prostate check or see the Cancer Society in Creole in the Park for a Breast Exam at Roseau Health centre
WHAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Congratulations. Well deserved! Some people always find a way to contribute to society inspite of their own tough circumstances
my god only labour people that get awards. that is not good st joe.
Teacher Vina congrates keep it up.
One of my fav teachers at the I.T.S.S 1991-96, HOME ECONOMICS,wish you continued recovery.Miss Royer.
corection, she was our clothing and textiles teacher not home economics!(1991- 1996)
congrats to you… well deserved miss royer…I have no objections to this award…I feel so proud
Congratulations from the board members and support grouping. Well done. Indeed the message is spreading for and near. People are listening and people are responding. Early detection saves lives. Thanks to people like Vinna and the many others who strive to take the message around. WE need a cure please father. Too many of our people are dying. Take control Lord. Pm thanks a whole lot for your concern and your great help to the Dominica Cancer Society.
Mrs. Royer congratulations. You deserve it. I always draw on your source of strength and inspiration when trials come my way. Will call you my dear.
see my people boy, love you both, teach I will forever love you kelver You my buddy. congrats. She too has helped in moulding him.
And Mr. PM, while you are at it, try to allocate some resources for cancer research into the link between Teachers and Breast Cancer. The statistics in Dominica alone is alarming.
DNO, the highest award according to the Act is the Dominica Award of Honour. CONGRATULATIONS are in order.
congrats ma royer. u r a role model
Congrats …truly deserved. Continue the good work
Congrats teacher Vina.
She is such a nice lady. May God continue to bless and protect her.
Congrats you are a hereo