Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar on Thursday praised Indian PM Narendra Modi’s leadership and announced that the country’s highest civilian honour, “The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago,” will be conferred upon him on Friday.
The award is being bestowed in recognition of PM Modi’s global leadership, his deep engagement with the Indian diaspora, and his humanitarian efforts during the Covid-19 pandemic.
In her address, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar described PM Modi’s visit as a moment of shared pride and historical connection.
“We are graced by the presence of someone who is near and dear to us,” she said. “We are honoured by a leader whose visit is not just a matter of protocol but a profound gesture of friendship. I am deeply privileged to welcome one of the world’s most respected and visionary leaders – Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India.”
Calling him a transformational force, she added, “You have refined governance in India and positioned your country as a dominant global power.”
She further lauded his visionary leadership, “Through your futuristic initiatives, you have modernised the Indian economy, empowered over a billion citizens, and instilled pride in the hearts of Indians across the globe.”
Recalling PM Modi’s earlier visit to Trinidad and Tobago in 2002, she said, “Back then, you visited not as a Prime Minister but as a cultural ambassador. Today, you return as the elected leader of more than 1.4 billion people—a distinguished statesman whose influence transcends borders. We bow to you, Sir.”
Persad-Bissessar also highlighted Modi’s unwavering support for the Indian diaspora and his efforts to preserve shared heritage and cultural bonds. She expressed deep gratitude for India’s support during the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly through its global vaccine initiative.
“Under your leadership, India extended its hand to the world – never more so than during the pandemic. Through your compassion and benevolence, vaccines and medical supplies reached even the smallest nations, including Trinidad and Tobago. You brought hope and calm where there was fear. This was more than diplomacy; it was an act of kinship, of shared humanity, and of love,” she said.
“This is one of the many reasons we are proud to confer upon you the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago,” she added.
The honour adds to a growing list of accolades awarded to Prime Minister Modi during his current Caribbean tour. Earlier, Barbados, Guyana, and Dominica also conferred their highest national awards on him.
The governments of Guyana and Dominica cited PM Modi’s exceptional leadership during the pandemic, his contribution to the global community, and his efforts to strengthen bilateral ties with the Caribbean nations.
from National https://ift.tt/X69kgcz