Meritorious Service Honours Act

The Meritorious Service Honours Act is a legislative framework in the Commonwealth of Dominica that establishes the criteria and procedures for conferring national awards to individuals and organisations demonstrating commendable service to the nation. Enacted to formally recognise and honour contributions across various sectors, this Act emphasises the nation’s commitment to acknowledging excellence and dedication among its citizens.

Meritorious Service Honours Act Overview

The Act outlines several categories of honours, each with specific eligibility criteria:

• Dominica Award of Honour: This is the highest recognition, awarded to 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 organisations 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.

Nomination and Selection Process

The Act stipulates that nominations for these honours should be submitted to the Secretary of the Cabinet by June 30th each year. This process ensures that deserving individuals and organisations 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.
• 2020:
  • Dominica Award of Honour: No award conferred.
  • Sisserou Award of Honour: Dr. Carissa F. Etienne.
  • Meritorious Service Award: Gregory Rabess, among others.
  • Services Medal of Honour: Not specified.
• 2016:
  • Dominica Award of Honour: Not specified.
  • Sisserou Award of Honour: Sir Hilary Beckles (Education), Dr. Curvin Ferreira (Medicine), Julius Timothy (Politics and Business), Irwin LaRocque (Public Service), Jennifer Astaphan (Public Service), Cecil Peter Shillingford (Disaster Management).
  • Meritorious Service Award: Madura Walters

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

Significance of the Act

The Meritorious Service Honours Act is crucial in fostering a culture of recognition and appreciation within Dominica. By formally acknowledging the efforts of individuals and organisations, the Act encourages continued excellence and dedication to national development.