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Dominica’s first Olympic gold medalist Thea LaFond, being greeted during her motorcade on Sunday. (Via CMC)
ROSEAU, Dominica, CMC -The Dominica Government on Sunday night announced that it is providing the island’s first-ever Olympic gold medalist, Thea Lafond Gadson, with the country’s highest national award, as well as a cash gift of nearly half a million dollars (One EC dollar=US$0.37 cents) following her exploits at the Paris Olympics earlier this month.
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, speaking at a public ceremony held at the Windsor Park Stadium, after LaFond had travelled in a motorcade from the second town of Portsmouth, north of here to the capital, Roseau, also revealed that the triple jump winner would be appointed as the International Sports Ambassador and that she and her husband-coach would be provided with diplomatic passports.
“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.
“[We will also] 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,” Skerrit said, while also disclosing that LaFond would receive a parcel of land measured 7, 495 square feet in Warner.
Skerrit said LaFond was being honoured for “her strength, determination and resilience.”
He maintained that her achievement at the Olympics was not only a historical feat for the country but also a unifying moment that had inspired deep appreciation and pride among all Dominicans.
He told the ceremony that her victory is a timely reminder of investing in youth and sports programmes, and that his government is extremely proud of all their investments over the years in youth initiatives, sports and education.
Skerrit said the government is also aware of Lafond’s desire to have a facility that has opportunities for track and field athletes to develop their skills and that it remains a priority on the agenda for sports development in Dominica.
Skerrit said that Dominica’s three other athletes, Dennick Luke, Warren Lawrence and Jasmine Schofield would receive grants of EC$20,000 each.
LaFond said she was pleased to have represented Dominica at the Olympics and that prior to the games she had suffered a minor injury which now required surgery, hence the reason for her walking with crutches.
“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.
