A New Presidential Dawn: Sylvanie Burton Nominated for Dominica’s Top Office
Dominica is on the cusp of history with the government’s recommendation for its first female and indigenous head of state. During a press conference, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit revealed that Sylvanie Burton, 58, from Salybia, Kalinago Territory, is the government’s nominee for President of the Commonwealth of Dominica. This nomination comes as His Excellency Charles A. Savarin’s term ends on October 1, 2023, after serving two consecutive terms.
Skerrit highlighted that he consulted with Opposition Leader Jesma Paul-Victor regarding his chosen nominee, aiming for consensus. Should they agree, a parliamentary session set for September 12 will formally announce the nomination without the need for a vote.
However, if consensus eludes them, other Assembly members can propose alternative candidates, leading to an election among these nominees.
Mrs. Burton boasts an extensive career, having served as Permanent Secretary in various ministries since 2014, including Community Development, Foreign Affairs, Trade, Youth and Social Services. She presently holds the same position in the Ministry of Environment, Rural Modernization, Kalinago Upliftment, and Constituency Empowerment. Burton’s background also includes roles as a Development Officer in the Ministry of Kalinago Affairs and District Development Officer.
In addition to her government service, Burton has served as a Justice of the Peace for 25 years and as a Lay Associate in the Roman Catholic Church for over two decades. Her academic credentials include a master’s degree in Project Management and a bachelor’s degree in Rural Development.
Prime Minister Skerrit expressed his confidence in Burton’s qualifications, stating, “I believe Mrs. Burton is eminently qualified to hold the position of President of the Commonwealth of Dominica and that she will serve our nation with distinction.” Parliament is expected to convene on September 12, 2023, to ratify the appointment, marking a potential turning point in Dominica’s leadership history.
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