Dominica’s National Awards

Dominica’s national awards system honours individuals and organizations for their exceptional contributions to the nation’s development. Established under the Meritorious Service Honours Act, these awards recognize excellence across various sectors, including public service, community development, and cultural preservation.

Categories of National Awards

Dominica’s national awards are categorized to reflect the level and nature of service rendered:

• Dominica Award of Honour: The highest national award conferred on individuals who have significantly contributed to the country’s development. This prestigious award is not necessarily conferred annually.
• Sisserou Award of Honour: The second-highest award, named after the national bird, the Sisserou parrot.
• It is bestowed upon individuals for meritorious service in various fields.
• Meritorious Service Award: Granted to citizens who have made valuable contributions in public service, religion, social work, human resources, agriculture, and politics.
• Services Medal of Honour: Awarded to persons or organizations that have provided valuable contributions to community and social development.
• Long Service Medal: Bestowed upon public officers (current or retired) who have given long service, usually over 20 years, in disciplines like police, fire, prisons, education, health, and agriculture.
• Golden Drum Award: While not under the Meritorious Service Act, it is a prestigious cultural accolade recognizing outstanding contributions to the arts and culture over at least two decades.

Nomination and Selection Process

Nominations for these honors are submitted to the Secretary to the Cabinet by June 30th each year. A thorough review process ensures that deserving individuals and organizations are considered for recognition during the Independence Day celebrations on November 3rd.

Recent Recipients

Over the years, numerous individuals and organizations have been honored under the provisions of the Meritorious Service Honours Act:

• 2023:
  • Dominica Award of Honour: No award conferred.
  • Sisserou Award of Honour: Businessmen Mr. Karl Nassief, Mr. Daryl Williams, Mr. Edrick Robinson, Mr. Patrick Pemberton, and Child Welfare Advocate Mr. Martin Anthony.
  • Meritorious Service Award: Mrs. Cynthia Agnes Joseph (Sports), Mr. Fabierre Adler Hamlet (Electrical Power Engineering), Ms. Gloria Septra Augustus (Social Services), among others.
  • Services Medal of Honour: Ms. Marian George (Tourism), Mr. Cecil Joseph (Agriculture), and Mr. Ashton Shillingford (Media).
• 2022:
  • Dominica Award of Honour: Honourable Reginald Austrie, Minister for Housing and Urban Development.
  • Sisserou Award of Honour: Dr. Donald Peters (Education), Ms. Gloria Dodds-Shillingford (Education and Community Service), Mr. Ambrose George (Agriculture and Community Service), among others.
  • Meritorious Service Award: Mr. Cai Dianwei, Mr. Lui Iiqi, Mr. Jiang Wei representing Hunan Construction Engineering Group Ltd, TK International, among others.
  • Services Medal of Honour: Abilities Unlimited, Ms. Regina Walsh, Mr. Hayford Lafond, among others.
• 2021:
  • Dominica Award of Honour: United Nations Development Programme.
  • Sisserou Award of Honour: Her Excellency Loreen Bannis Roberts, businessman Paul Ainsley Green, and the Maria Holder Memorial Trust.
  • Meritorious Service Award: Rosemund Edwards, Regina Joseph, Hasselt Williams, among others.
  • Services Medal of Honour: Kelvin Francis, Lorana Jno Baptiste, Oliver St. John, among others.

These recognitions reflect the diverse contributions of individuals and organizations to Dominica’s development across various sectors.

Significance of National Awards

The national awards system plays a crucial role in fostering a culture of recognition and appreciation within Dominica. By formally acknowledging the efforts of individuals and organizations, the system encourages continued excellence and dedication to national development.