Dominica Elects First Female President: Celebrating Sylvanie Burton’s Historic Victory
During a recent parliamentary address, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit expressed his thoughts on the election of Mrs. Sylvanie Burton as Dominica’s first female President. He believed that this historic event should have been an opportunity for unity, rallying around a single candidate. However, the democratic process resulted in two candidates vying for the presidency.
In the election, Burton, nominated by the Roosevelt-Skerrit-led administration, secured her position as President with an impressive 20 votes. Her opponent, Mrs. Anette Sanford, who also shares Kalinago heritage, received five votes. Burton is set to succeed President Charles Angelo Savarin as his second five-year term comes to a close on October 1, 2023.
Prime Minister Skerrit, while acknowledging the democratic process, highlighted the significance of this election. It marks the first time in Dominica’s history that a woman will hold the highest office, a momentous occasion that should not be overshadowed by the competition. It also represents a significant recognition of the Kalinago people, adding to the historical importance of this event.
Skerrit urged the nation to focus on the positive aspects of this historic moment. He particularly emphasized that women both in Dominica and around the world should celebrate this achievement, as it stands as a symbol of their potential to overcome challenges and reach remarkable heights.
In response to the election, Cozier Frederick, the Parliamentary Representative for the Salybia Constituency, extended his congratulations to Mrs. Burton. He expressed pride in her accomplishment and its significance for the Kalinago community. However, he also conveyed a sense of sadness regarding the missed opportunity for greater unity in the nation.
Despite the division in the election process, Frederick stressed the importance of not only building a resilient country but also resilient citizens. He believed that Dominica should aspire to demonstrate unity across its diverse spectrum and showcase this unity to the rest of the region and the world.
Opposition Senator Sean Douglas briefly questioned the eligibility of Sylvanie Burton’s nomination for President. However, Prime Minister Roosevelt countered this by pointing out that the Opposition’s nominee, Anete Sanford, was in breach of certain sections of the Constitution, highlighting the complexities of the electoral process.
President-Elect Her Excellency Sylvanie Burton is scheduled to be sworn into office on Monday, October 2, 2023. This historic moment will not only mark her as Dominica’s first female Head of State but also as the first Kalinago to hold this prestigious position. Her election stands as a testament to the democratic values and processes within the Commonwealth of Dominica and offers a significant milestone in the country’s political history.
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