Dominica to get first female and indigenous President

By Dillon De Shong

Dominican Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit announced that Sylvanie Burton is the government’s nominee to become Dominica’s next President.

At a media conference today, Skerrit said he spoke with Opposition Leader Jesma Paul regarding Burton’s nomination so that a joint nominee can be sent to parliament for approval.

The constitution requires the prime minister and opposition leader to agree on a nominee and submit their selection to the Speaker of Parliament. However, if a consensus is not reached, any member of parliament can submit a nominee.

The government has the majority needed to approve her nomination.

Once her appointment is approved by the National Assembly, Burton will be Dominica’s first woman and indigenous head of state.

Burton is the current Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environmental, Rural Modernisation and Kalinago Upliftment.

She replaces Charles Savarin, who is demitting office after serving two five year terms.

Savarin term expires on October 1.

The 58-year-old will be Dominica’s ninth president.

Loop News