After winning Dominica’s first-ever Olympics gold medal at the Paris Olympics, Thea Lafond-Gadson has received the country’s highest national award — The Dominica Award of Honour.
Upon Lafond-Gadson’s arrival in Dominica on Sunday, she rode at the head of a grand motorcade that progressed from Portsmouth in the north of Dominica to Roseau, the nation’s capital.
On Sunday, Dominican Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit heralded her arrival. He promised Lafond-Gadson a number of other honours, including a tract of land, international sports ambassador status and the accompanying diplomatic passport for herself and her husband.
“The government of Dominica has decided to grant you a cash gift of EC$400,000, appoint you as international sports ambassador, along with a diplomatic passport. The courtesy of the diplomatic passport will also be extended to your husband,” Prime Minister Skerrit said on Sunday night.
“[We] bestow upon you Dominica’s highest national award, The Dominica Award of Honour during this year’s Independence celebrations (in November) at which you will be our special guest of honour,” he added.
In a nod to Lafond-Gadson’s previous calls for a track for Dominicans, Prime Minister Skerrit also unveiled plans for a track and field complex.
“We are aware of your desire for a facility that provides opportunities for track and field athletes to develop their skills, and this remains a priority on our agenda for sports development in Dominica. The government of Dominica has the designs and has already identified a location for the construction of a synthetic track,” the Prime Minister said.
“I give you and the people of Dominica the assurance today that we will proceed with the development and construction of this facility and upon its completion, it will be formally named the Thea LaFond-Gadson Track & Field Complex,’ he added.
Speaking to the gathered crowd, LaFond-Gadson proclaimed her pride in representing Dominica on the world stage.
“I have always said it is an honour and a privilege to represent you and let it be known that seeing all your faces along the route today….has only increased my motivation to do well and good by you,” she told the crowd.
