In a historic gesture of gratitude and recognition, the Government of Barbados will bestow its highest national honor, the Honorary Freedom of Barbados, upon Shri Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India. This distinguished award acknowledges Prime Minister Modi’s contributions and the strengthening of ties between Barbados and India.
The award will be presented during a formal ceremony and parade on Saturday November 30, the 58th Anniversary of Barbados’ Independence and the Third Anniversary of its transition to republican status.
The announcement of this award comes days after Guyana bestowed its highest national order, the Order of Excellence on Modi who was attending the Caribbean Community’s CARICOM-India Summit in Georgetown.
A statement from the Barbados government said Prime Minister Modi is being honored for his compassion and humanity during one of Barbados’ most challenging times—the global COVID-19 pandemic.
“His strategic leadership and urgent action taken to assist Barbados with Covishield vaccines that changed the course of the COVID-19 pandemic and minimized its social and economic impacts on island remains forever etched in our hearts,” the statement said.
The Honorary Freedom of Barbados is a revered accolade, granted to individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to Barbados or its people.
It represents the nation’s highest gratitude and acknowledgment of outstanding service.
The November 30 event will also mark significant milestones in Barbados’ journey as an independent and republican nation, with attendees expected from across the world to witness this momentous occasion.
