PM Mottley receives Suriname’s highest national award

Prime Minister Mia Mottley received one of Suriname’s highest national awards for her exceptional contribution to the relationship between the two countries, her leadership within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and her commitment to the region.

President Chandrikapersad “Chan” Santokhi bestowed the Grand Cordon in the Order of the Palm, one of Suriname’s highest honors, on the visiting Barbadian leader, during a ceremony at the Presidential Palace.

President Santokhi praised Mottley for her visionary leadership, unwavering dedication, and steadfast adherence to the principles of the Caribbean community since taking office in 2018. He said that she is the first female leader of the ruling Barbados Labour Party (BLP) and prime minister of her country and that her term in office is marked by significant initiatives that have advanced Barbados and strengthened regional ties.

Santokhi said that under her leadership, Barbados has transformed into a republic which he said demonstrates her commitment to sovereignty and self-determination.

He called her leadership in this historic constitutional change a “beacon of progress and inspiration,” and that her commitment to regional integration is also evident in her role as head of government within CARICOM with responsibility for the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) that allows for the free movement of goods, skills,  labour and services across the region.

President Santokhi said further that Prime Minister Mottley’s efforts have been crucial in promoting economic cooperation, free movement, and shared prosperity in the region and that the relationship between Suriname and Barbados has significantly improved under her leadership.

In July 2022, both countries signed an agreement for a strategic dialogue and cooperation platform, paving the way for more intensive collaboration in various areas, such as agriculture, trade, and tourism.

According to Santokhi, this agreement is proof of Mottley’s commitment to unity and development within the Caribbean community.

In addition to her regional commitment, Prime Minister Mottley is also a strong international advocate, particularly in the area of climate change, with President Santokhi pointing out that this urgent problem disproportionately affects small island states.

He said her passionate calls for climate action have resonated globally and led to her receiving the Champions of the Earth Award in 2021, the highest environmental accolade of the United Nations.

The Surinamese leader said the award to Mottley not only recognises her achievements but also the shared values and aspirations that connect Suriname and Barbados.

He praised her “visionary leadership, unwavering commitment to regional integration, and passionate advocacy for sustainable development,” which, according to him, “embody the spirit of resilience and unity that defines the Caribbean”. (CMC)