On November 3, Dominica conferred the esteemed Sisserou Award of Honour upon the United Kingdom, reportedly in recognition of the substantial support rendered by the UK following Hurricane Maria’s devastation of the island seven years prior. The award was bestowed by Her Excellency Sylvanie Burton, the President of Dominica, who highlighted the critical financial and administrative roles played by the UK in the nation’s recovery process.
During the ceremony, President Burton emphasized the UK’s contribution to the establishment of the Climate Resilience Execution Agency of Dominica (CREAD) as essential. Before its closure on December 31, 2023, the agency’s role was formulating a comprehensive strategy and securing funding for various projects aimed at strengthening Dominica’s resilience to climate-related issues.
CREAD was tasked with developing policies that reflect Dominica’s aspirations for climate resilience, which include the National Resilience Development Framework, the National Resilience Development Strategy, and the Climate Resilience and Recovery Plan. Upon its closure, CREAD had successfully set up a Climate Resilience Execution Unit and a Major Capital Projects Office, both designed to maintain the strategic initiatives launched by CREAD and ensure the successful implementation of significant capital projects.
UK High Commissioner Scott Furssedonn-Wood stated, “I am delighted on behalf of the Government of the United Kingdom to accept this award – the Sisserou Award of Honour – in recognition of the UK’s contribution to Dominica’s extraordinary journey of climate resilient recovery from Hurricane Maria. We are proud to have been part of what is now an internationally recognised blueprint for climate resilient development and of Dominica’s progress towards its bold ambition to be the world’s first climate resilient nation.”
Furthermore, President Burton pointed out several ongoing initiatives in Dominica that are funded by the UK. Among these is the £25.7 million Loubiere to Bagatelle Road and Bridge Rehabilitation Project, aimed at improving climate resilience and road safety. Another significant project is a £24 million grant focused on upgrading the nation’s water supply and wastewater systems, which is essential for enhancing resilience against natural disasters and climate change.
The Sisserou Award of Honour, named for Dominica’s national bird, the Sisserou Parrot, serves as a significant recognition of the country’s gratitude towards individuals and organizations whose contributions have positively impacted the country’s development, embodying a commitment to excellence and leadership.
“The UK is very proud to have accompanied Dominica on its journey from recovery to resilience. The commitment and professionalism of the team at CREAD have been inspirational and offer a model for other climate vulnerable island states. We all have much to learn from Dominica’s experience,” remarked UK Development Director for the Caribbean Malcom Geere.
what about all the other caribbean countries sho sent help, food, water snd much needed aid? could they too not get an award? Dominicans will truly soucee sel
All of Roosevelt’s actions are meticulously engineered with the intention for attention. They are just designed to grab headlines particularly in the local and regional press. They act as a perfect conduit for his trickery to fool the unsuspecting.
Here, on this medium, Roosevelt is given maximum publicity as if this award is the greatest act of government.
How is it we don’t see photos of the decrepit roads, the damaged houses from Hurricane Maria, vagrants on the streets, spoilage of agriculture produce, poor conditions of some schools, et cetera? By exposing these many deficiencies may just shame this shameless regime into corrective action.
An active and vibrant media is the most influential entity in a country. They have the potential to change the southward trajectory of current trends in the country. However, they drop the ball every time. SMDH!
Skerrit hoping this will hobir us with a return of no visa travel
one thing he knows how to bow eh…… give him dat.