Sisserou Award of Honour

The Sisserou Award of Honour is a prestigious national accolade bestowed by the government of Dominica, established in 1967 under the Meritorious Service Honours Act; it honours individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the nation’s development and well-being. Named after the Sisserou Parrot, Dominica’s national bird known for its vibrant plumage and symbolic significance, the award embodies excellence, dedication, and the resilience of the island’s people. Recognised as one of Dominica’s highest honours, the Sisserou Award of Honour is an acknowledgement of the recipient’s commitment to their field and positive impact on the nation.

The Award’s Purpose and Eligibility

The Sisserou Award of Honour is presented to individuals who demonstrate outstanding achievements, leadership, and commitment across sectors, such as education, public service, arts and culture, sports, and community development. Recipients of this award are often long-standing contributors whose efforts reflect a deep dedication to Dominica’s progress and welfare.

Distinguished Sisserou Laureates

This prestigious register honours exceptional individuals and organisations whose dedicated service and profound contributions have significantly advanced the social, cultural, and economic prosperity of Dominica.

• Music Lovers Government Band (Awarded, 1981): This national ensemble provided musical excellence for decades during official state ceremonies.
• Alwin Bully (Awarded, 1985): This talented cultural icon designed the national flag and shaped Dominican identity.
• Lennox Honychurch (Awarded, 1987): This esteemed historian documented the island’s heritage through extensive research and writing.
• George Carrington (Awarded, 1988): This sports pioneer dedicated his career to advancing cricket and youth development.
• Felix Henderson (Awarded, 1992): This legendary broadcaster championed the Kwéyòl (Creole) Language through innovative radio program productions.
• Jerome Romain (Awarded, 1995): This world-class athlete secured Dominica’s first international medal in the triple jump.
• Ophelia Marie (Awarded, 1999): This Lady of Song served as a global ambassador for Cadence-lypso music.
• Hubert “Sukie” Winston (Awarded, 2001): This prominent businessman contributed significantly to the marine and tourism sectors locally.
• Clement John (Awarded, 2002): This dedicated sportsman and civil servant promoted cricket and community service nationwide.
• Swinburne Lestrade (Awarded, 2004): This influential economist provided strategic leadership for regional trade and economic development.
• Charles Savarin (Awarded, 2006): This veteran diplomat served the nation with distinction in various high-level roles.
• Petronilla Etienne (Awarded, 2007): This senior administrator provided exceptional leadership within Dominica’s public service and management.
• Grayson Shillingford (Awarded, 2009): This legendary cricketer was posthumously recognized for his outstanding contributions to sports.
• John Fabien (Awarded, 2011): This former minister of health significantly enhanced the nation’s medical infrastructure and services.
• Leo Nicholas (Awarded, 2012): This committed trade unionist advocated for workers’ rights and improved labor conditions.
• George Royer (Awarded, 2012): This educator and public servant championed community development and improved health awareness.
• Crispin Gregoire (Awarded, 2012): This distinguished diplomat represented Dominica’s interests at the United Nations for years.
• Anthony Bailey (Awarded, 2014): This interfaith campaigner fostered international relations through his dedicated global humanitarian work.
• Loreen Bannis-Roberts (Awarded, 2021): This respected diplomat and administrator led Dominica’s representation at the United Nations.
• Paul Ainsley Green (Awarded, 2021): This successful entrepreneur supported local commerce and vital community initiatives for decades.
• Maria Holder Memorial Trust (Awarded, 2021): This philanthropic organization provided essential funding for social and educational development projects.
• Donald Peters (Awarded, 2022): This academic leader revolutionized higher education standards as president of the Dominica State College.
• Gloria Marilyn Shillingford (Awarded, 2022): This dedicated educator served the community for forty years through selfless leadership.
• Ambrose George (Awarded, 2022): This former politician contributed to national growth through agriculture and community service.
• Karl Nassief (Awarded, 2023): This visionary business leader advanced economic development through large-scale commerce and investment.
• Daryl Williams (Awarded, 2023): This successful businessman was honored for his significant contributions to national commerce.
• Edrick Robinson (Awarded, 2023): This dedicated entrepreneur was recognized for his leadership within the local business community.
• Patrick Pemberton (Awarded, 2023): This accomplished professional was honored for his impactful service to the business sector.
• Martin Anthony (Awarded, 2023): This compassionate advocate was recognized for his unwavering commitment to child welfare.
• Cyril Robinson (Awarded, 2024): This veteran dentist provided decades of essential oral healthcare services to Dominicans.
• Government of the United Kingdom (Awarded, 2024): This international partner provided significant bilateral support for Dominica’s national development goals.
• Government of Canada (Awarded, 2024): This Commonwealth ally supported critical climate resilience and sustainable growth projects nationwide.
• Range Developments (Awarded, 2024): This hospitality firm invested in luxury infrastructure to boost the national economy.
• Samuel Johnson (Awarded, 2025): This infrastructure executive managed the historic construction of Dominica’s international airport project.
• J. Evans Dodds (Awarded, 2025): This influential religious leader provided spiritual guidance and social welfare support programs.
• Basil Fadipe (Awarded, 2025): This dedicated medical doctor served the nation through a lifetime of exceptional healthcare.

These distinguished laureates represent the pinnacle of Dominican excellence, inspiring future generations through their unwavering commitment to national service and prosperity.

Significance of the Sisserou Award of Honour

The Sisserou Award of Honour stands as a national expression of appreciation, recognising individuals whose service and achievements have made a lasting contribution to Dominica’s development and public life. Serving as a token of appreciation, this award acknowledges the dedication and resilience of its recipients and highlights the nation’s commitment to celebrating impactful achievements. By recognising these exemplary citizens, the award fosters a culture of service and inspires future generations to contribute meaningfully to the community and the nation.