Dr. Carissa Etienne to receive Dominica’s highest honor; Anthony Astaphan second highest

Dr. Etienne (left) Anthony Astaphan
Dr. Etienne (left) Anthony Astaphan

A number of prominent individuals will be recognized for their outstanding contribution to public life at the Parade of Uniformed Groups on November 3, 2015.

At the ceremony, Meritorious Service Honours will be bestowed on fourteen (14) individuals/group.

Dominica’s Highest Award, the Dominica Award of Honour, will be bestowed on Dr. Carissa F. Etienne.

Senior Counsel Anthony Waddy Astaphan will receive the Second Highest Award, the Sisserou Award of Honour.

The third highest honour, the Meritorious Service Award, will be conferred on nine (9) individuals, namely:

Mr. Francis Emanuel in the area of Private Sector Development; Mr. Andreas “Andy” Burkard in the field of Physical Education and Sports; Mr. Akel Hanna Raffoul for Business and Tourism; Mr. Clifford Parillon in the area of Education; Mrs. Zetma Augustine Toussaint in the field of Health Management;
Mrs. Josette Maria Jno. Baptiste in the area of Early Childhood Education;
Mr. Benoit Bardouille for Sea and Airport Development; Mr. Mc Carthy Marie in the area of Music Industry; and Mr. Wilson Brumant for Agriculture.

A number of individuals are also due to receive the Services Medal of Honour, namely:
Mr. Allan John (Community Service)
Mrs. Cylma Agnes Cuffy (Early Childhood Education)
First Serenade Band (Music)

The Parade of Uniformed Groups will take place on 3rd November, 2015 starting at 8.00 a.m. at the Windsor Park Sports Stadium.

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69 Comments

  1. too late
    November 2, 2015

    it is suggested that tony has a bird he cant keep in its cage so he is given another bird , one he can have full control over

  2. too late
    November 2, 2015

    once gain roosvelt proves that no matter what he gives dominicans to drink they will drink. whether they are cacdores, cocroaches or mosquitoes they still love their PM

  3. Hmmmm
    November 2, 2015

    To give Anthony Astaphan this award is shameful. Yes he is a good lawyer and has worked successfully for Roosevelt Skerrit. But what has he done for the Commonwealth of Dominica? Not the Dominica Labour Party. The Party and Dominica are separate. We seem to be forgetting that. I fear that we are watering down our highest awards for political favor. That is a very bad thing that we are doing. If Roosevelt Skerrit wants to reward him for getting him off from all the scandals fine! But don’t use our awards to do this. Disgraceful! Distasteful!!

  4. confused
    November 2, 2015

    Have Dominicans been informed as to what are the criteria for receiving national awards?

    The entire system seems to have fallen into disarray with persons being awarded and rewarded for what can be perceived as loyalty to the Government of the Day or more specifically to the Head of Government of the Day.

    Once upon a time, such national awards were bestowed upon persons who contributed to national development far above and beyond the call of duty. That meant they were not paid to do their job but selflessly gave of their time without seeking pay in cash or kind. When civil servants, local, regional or international or private sector persons especially Consultants are paid handsomely for jobs they are recruited to do,,what is the logic for giving them national awards.

    The entire process seems to have become immersed in partisan politics and the system, sadly, has lost its true value and meaning.

  5. jojo
    November 2, 2015

    Y’all complain too much and too early.the pressure is just beginning.it’s too early to start crying wolf

  6. Views Expressed
    November 2, 2015

    Disgusting to have this man Astaphan next to our esteemed Dominican Hero Dr. Ettienne let alone to receive Dominica`s award.

    Shame and disgusting. What has Tony done for Dominica lately???????

  7. Observing
    November 2, 2015

    Independence is a time to Celebrate with the locals, here and abroad… I really believe that the Men National Soccer Team should be recognized during this year celebration and be present at the award ceremony for their outstanding performance during their qualifying games in Dominica and Canada… We need to learn to appreciate our own from small…

    They represented to the highest, the world was watching; With this being Said… I give Soccer Player, Goal Keeper, Glenson Leebeng Prince, the Highest Award for his outstanding performance and Saving Dominica from an embarrassing loss to Canada Soccer Team.
    To all the other players and coaching staff, hats off.

    Would really like to see you guys on the grounds tomorrow. Peace

  8. November 1, 2015

    *many philanthropist and charitable organizations all over the world. Contributing millions of dollars worth of aid, goods and services to people most in need. As one blogger stated, Mr. Astaphan was seen in Petite Savanne and Coulibistrie giving out aid to the those seriously affected by Tropical Storm Ericka. Mr. Astaphan. by doing his duty as Senior Counsel is misunderstood by a very small segment in our society. This very small number of people continue to feed off the propaganda machine of a certain radio station and a “novice leader” of the Uneducated Wicked Peo Bravely telling others who dare to continue this rogue behavior in journalism to “head for the hills”!!! A brave man indeed who will always defend Dominica!!!ple in opposition. They see Mr. Astaphan as a torn in their sides because he continues to expose their lies and misinformation. Mr. Astaphan, as a fact, was instrumental in bringing the “novice” one of the most resounding legal blows in Dominica’s…

    • Peter Potter
      November 2, 2015

      You are the most stupid, ignorant and foolish individual.

  9. mujahardin
    November 1, 2015

    I am listening to the cockroaches, mosquitoes and cacadors support a man who gave our young girls from St. Joe dog food and then boasted about it. This is a man who stands publicly accused of defrauding the NCB of 80K. This is a man caught lying on too many occasions. This is a man who does not pro bono work, he does not come to our funerals, he doesn’t even live in DA. He is the creator of hate in Dominica. He gets all government cases not because he is good but because he is Skerrit puppetmaster. What has he done for DA. he has benefited too much from our treasury. What has he done for DA?

  10. November 1, 2015

    Congrats to all the Comrades who will be receiving Dominica’s recognition for their devotion and contribution to Country. Dr. Carissa Etienne, a very heartfelt congratulations to you as you continue to serve our Island-Nation with pride and dignity in the field of Medicine. Comrade Tony Astaphan, you are well deserving of your honors and warm congratulations from ALL at the blessed Dominica Labour Party are in order. Congratulations to everyone else due to receive an award. Your unflinching loyalty and service to Country has been recognized. Now, to the sour grapes who choose to gripe about Mr. Astaphan’s award of the country’s second highest honor, let me assure you that it is well deserved. Mr. Astaphan has served this Country with distinction for many years. He is a top notch Attorney, commonly known as one of the best on Island. Athough, not one to toot his own horn, Mr. Astaphan has been involved in may philanthropist and charitable organizations. Don’t judge him!

    • November 1, 2015

      *many philanthropist and charitable organizations all over the world. Contributing millions of dollars worth of aid, goods and services to people most in need. As one blogger stated, Mr. Astaphan was seen in Petite Savanne and Coulibistrie giving out aid to the those seriously affected by Tropical Storm Ericka. Mr. Astaphan. by doing his duty as Senior Counsel is misunderstood by a very small segment in our society. This very small number of people continue to feed off the propaganda machine of a certain radio station and a “novice leader” of the Uneducated Wicked People in opposition. They see Mr. Astaphan as a torn in their sides because he continues to expose their lies and misinformation. Mr. Astaphan, as a fact, was instrumental in bringing the “novice” one of the most resounding legal blows in Dominica’s history. Bravely telling others who dare to continue this rogue behavior in journalism to “head for the hills”!!! A brave man indeed who will always defend…

  11. A Doubting Thomas In Solidarity
    November 1, 2015

    Congratulations to all those who will be receiving Dominica’s Awards on November 3rd, 2015. It is an honour to be recognized by your country in this manner. We are happy for you and your family and we celebrate with each and everyone of you.

  12. ATKINSON
    November 1, 2015

    :mrgreen: Was this a “cabinet” decision :mrgreen: Who will it be next year Ng Lap Seng, and John Ashe

  13. Emile Zapatos
    November 1, 2015

    It is not the award . It is some Dominicans do no like their fellow men to succeed. Astaphan has become the nost successful lawyer in Domonica. His service is being saught by overseas people. We should be proud that a son of the soil is going international. He now have celebrity status. He has never lost a case. He has done nothing wrong to deserve such hatred. CONGRATULATIONS Tony. May you be blessed with continued success’

  14. well...
    November 1, 2015

    Like Tony or not..You can hate him all you want.. but he is extremely good at his job. His JOB.

    It’s a fact. No one can deny that.

    Tony the lawyer and Tony the person are two different people.

    • Views Expressed
      November 2, 2015

      Do you recal the Bin Bobol corruption…I wonder who was behind it and made it appear to be legal.
      When Lennox exposed this guys it was the same Tony who said not true, when the evidence came running their faces they said wil be repaid on 2 weeks, it took them 6months to gather te money to repay.
      To this day I believe it is our own money from the treasury that paid back.

      Some people very happy with bin bobol money.

      Was it not a ministers brother who did the purchasing n Pennsylvania???

      Who stole our money. ???

      Please ask Ton to represent us to find that money and I will consider him for an award…

  15. The truth
    October 31, 2015

    What has Tony Astaphan done for Dominica,…….. I an really ashamed. Where are the people who have worked so hard , labour, fredom and UWP to take Dominica to where it is . I am talking of all works of life. May God bless the hard working people , your reward is in Heaven

  16. truththe
    October 31, 2015

    Congratulation Dr. Ettienne. Please evaluate Primary Health Care in Dominica. You are in the right position to do so. I am sure you will cry, the hard work from the various teams. ” Health for all by Year 2000″ has gone to the drain Mr. Mc Intyre and Menard most be rolling in their graves.

  17. JoJo
    October 31, 2015

    This is not a reward for what Anthony Astaphan did for Dominica but what he did for my old friend Roosevelt. I am so upset about this I can not attend that ceremony again. Do you know this even upsets a lot of labour people and they should boycot that presentation.

  18. Emile Zapatos
    October 31, 2015

    I agree with you 100% plus. Patrick John deserve the highest honour. That is the opinion of most Dominicans. D N O will never conduct a poll on this.

    • Emile Zapatos
      October 31, 2015

      The above is in agreement with Brp

      • November 2, 2015

        Which most Dominicans? How quickly we forget. Is this not the same Patrick John that had the DDF fire on unarmed demonstrators in 1979 killing one Phillip Timothy and wounding many others? Is it not the same Patrick John who was in 1979 passing laws to restrict press freedom? Is this not the same Patrick John who had links with the racist KKK and apartheid regime in South Africa?

  19. Jack
    October 31, 2015

    Tony Astaphan- is a Dominican , lighten up , his family employes more people than any other families in Dominica. You people should concentrate on job creation and stop the talking creating nothing. In 70 yrs since the British left you all as Black people have created very little in your life time. Stop the nonsence and do the thinking , and get to work.

    • TRUTH , No lie
      October 31, 2015

      Jack, Stop your foolishness, The country do not award you on the behalf of your family, Is what you personally have contributed to your country,and what have tony contributed to this country?Hatred decietfulness , corruption, He has cause this country more harm than good,, Emancipate yourself from mental slavery

      • Emile Zapatos
        November 1, 2015

        @ truth….What harm has he done to anyone. Let people know. He has represented his client successfully, that is what good lawyers do. You want to hate a person for doing his job efficiently. Wow ! That is the attitude you want Dominicans to have.

      • November 2, 2015

        @ Truth no lie, you are clearly a UWP propagandist. Tony is a Dominican and as such deserves this award. I might not have recommended him but other Dominicans think differently and recommended him for the nations highest award so live with it and stop spreading propaganda.

    • Tjebe Fort
      October 31, 2015

      This is not about the Astaphan family but specifically about Tony Astaphan. Leave the rest of them out of it. You can not tar them with same brush.

    • %
      October 31, 2015

      @ Jack
      Jack. I wonder if your surname starts with Ass.

  20. Jack
    October 31, 2015

    History is made in Dominica again a princess is born to Royalty which I will name Queen Nefertiti.

    • the bushmaninda
      October 31, 2015

      Hay Jack what is your sir name, is it one of those naughty little words we should not use in public. I can only guess.

  21. memoi
    October 31, 2015

    These things are getting ridiculous now. What are we awarding Tony Astaphans for again, can somebody please remind me? I am not sure if we Dominica are blind or flat our stupid that we cannot see what is going on around us. The PM is awarding a man and most of us Dominican don’t have a clue what he is being awarded for. The PM and his inner circle maybe the only ones who knows what the award is for. The sad thing is Dominicans are going to go there to salute those things.

    Sad Times In Dominica…sad times

  22. Derick Gonsalves
    October 31, 2015

    Lets talk something serious here instead of the usual political nonsense…….Admin please correct me If I am wrong……. The Dominica Award of Honor (DAH) has always been bestowed on persons who have been appointed Head of State…..If this is true……could it be that the government may be considering this amazing daughter of the soil to be our next and first woman head of state??? I for one would be thrilled if that is so…….

  23. hmmmm
    October 31, 2015

    Tony ???? getting this high award??? why??? what has he done to improve the life of anybody in Dominica???? is this a Dominica award or a Labour party award?? Come on we can do better than that. So many teachers , nurses and the like who sacrifice so much to help people within their communities and they are not recognized.Why Tony? Thats a shame and Tony be an honourable gentleman and decline the acceptance this award.

  24. Respect
    October 31, 2015

    The only contribution that i know Mr Astaphan made is how he has helped Dominicans hate each other. It’s an insult….

    • Me
      October 31, 2015

      That would be Lennox Linton/Edison James

      • Emile Zapatos
        November 1, 2015

        Me ….You are right 100% plus. The hate mongers are the United Useless Party and their leader La Lie, But don’t worry , they will reap what they are planting.

  25. \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"Josh Shaw\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"
    October 30, 2015

    I for sure would not my name to be mentioned togther with this

  26. too late
    October 30, 2015

    ummm what did tony do for dominica again ? now skerrit and his gang have confirmed that they consider Dominicans as fools.

  27. The Real Facts
    October 30, 2015

    Congratulations to each one of you. In your own specialized manner, whatever your contribution, you deserve the award.

  28. I, Me, & I Alone
    October 30, 2015

    We can run but can’t hide

  29. Strong
    October 30, 2015

    Somethings are better left not saying……. Mr Prime minister, please name the grounds upon which Tony is being given Dominica”s second highest award?
    It’s to obvious that Dominica has gone down so low in the gutter that even with the awards political games are being played?
    Honestly speaking, what has Toni Done for Dominica -not the pm and labour?
    Why did the pm not just award the whole of Dominica for bravery?
    Such moves are signs of a man who has no more ideas …….
    The Pm should award himself as man of the year..
    Award himself for rebuilding Dominica after the storm…..
    But when will Dominicans rise up and speak out?

  30. %
    October 30, 2015

    Tony Astaphan? Really?

  31. 4-cars
    October 30, 2015

    These honours were about to expire, so they said, what the heck; we might as well trow dem awt. :lol: :lol: :lol:

  32. crapuad
    October 30, 2015

    Pappas met, papa met, well now Crapaud smoke our pipe….

  33. Titiwi
    October 30, 2015

    This is not fair to Dr. Etienne, who is universally respected in Dominica , and beyond. Making her appear in the same awards ceremony with a controversial, an universally unpopular figure like Anthony Astaphan puts her in an unenviable, spot. What does she do? Gracefully decline or be diplomatic and accept, thereby giving credence mr. Astaphan. Mr. Skerrit should not have put Dr. Etienne before such an impossible choice. Maybe it his “reward” for her being so up front,, transparent and outspoken during her last visit?

  34. too late
    October 30, 2015

    Any one wants to president, chairman of the board ,foreign minister ,be awarded or rewarded? Just sing the praises of Roosvelt

  35. Jesus_Was_A_Captalist
    October 30, 2015

    Tony Astaphans was in petite Savanne and Coulibistri giving relief to victims of Tropical Storm Erika, take your roses while u alive toney. :mrgreen:

    • The Real Facts
      November 2, 2015

      Blasphemy, you will pay for this. God took note.

  36. Retired red teacher
    October 30, 2015

    Presently these awards have little or no significance. All dog and cat are getting these. It’s just plain politics. However I believe that the doc deserve her award which should be of some great significance but it has been so overated over these pass years that it has lost its essence. This party just defiling everything that was once honourable to Dominicans

  37. REAL!!!!
    October 30, 2015

    Dr. Ettienne decline the honor…..My view is a corrupt entity gives you the highest honor to appear credible. Not that you are not deserving of it but when Tony is second inline it is clear they are looking to you for credibility for their organization.

  38. jude
    October 30, 2015

    great

  39. TRUTH , No lie
    October 30, 2015

    Wait a while,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Eh,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, TOOOOOOOOOOOOOONy? for what?
    Well is true DOmiNIcA FINISH

  40. JoJo
    October 30, 2015

    Roosevelt you keep doing that. Dr. Etienne, yes by all means but the award for Tony is like poking a finger in the eye of most of us and devalues the award. Brother why you want to keep provoking the people you say you love? You think that can bring peace and harmony. No.

  41. October 30, 2015

    Forget the award..make him President one time!

  42. Erasmus B. Black
    October 30, 2015

    Per the current President of the United States, “you can’t make these things up.”

  43. kisses
    October 30, 2015

    Tony astaphan?????? Wdma!!!!

  44. Helen Valentine
    October 30, 2015

    Congrats to Dr. Ettienne, well deserved.
    What has little bopeep done for DA to receive honor? all that man did was bring our country down to a slippery slope, what has national honor come to nuh? stupes man!!

  45. Stirling Moss
    October 30, 2015

    Finally, the ‘Minion’ award is awarded!

    • Neutral
      October 31, 2015

      Well said. LOL

  46. Peter Potter
    October 30, 2015

    Astaphan…? What for?

    • October 30, 2015

      Empting our treasure, nou fini Bat. When he goes up to receive his Award, all true, Peace, and loving Dominican should turn their backs, send a clear and strong message of our discontent to this Mockery, with what was an honorable Award. Mr Leo Leblanc must be rolling in his Grave. Only in Dominica!!

  47. October 30, 2015

    What did Tony Astaphan contributed to Dominica? help me :-D

    • October 30, 2015

      You could ask the same question about all the other persons getting awards. How many of these people volunteer their expertise ahead of compensation. I guess if Angelo Allen was getting an award it would be OK.

    • out of south city
      October 30, 2015

      Not surprising! He is a descendant of foreigners.

      UNAPOLOGETIC

      • Me
        October 31, 2015

        Unless you are a Kalinago you are a descendant of foreigners too. Dominica is not part of Africa.

    • Joan
      October 31, 2015

      he sent the police to arrest lenox where as he was thr one who commited the crime. shame on skerrit

  48. Channel 1
    October 30, 2015

    But wait a while dere nah. So first, I reading in another article that Dr Darroux is now saying the ground breaking for the new hospital will start later this year or next year.

    Look now, I reading that Tony will be receiving a national award for outstanding contribution to public life. Can somebody please point out to me what outstanding contribution to public life has Tony made? 8-O 8-O 8-O 8-O 8-O

    But what today really is nuh? World Joke Day – Dominica Style?

  49. October 30, 2015

    Congratulations, to all, Win, loose, or Draw. HMMM, is in the mix??? Then MY uncle Patrick John, should be honored as well. Leave the rest for those who like Drama. This just my opinion.

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