58-year-old public servant Sylvanie Burton is the government’s nominee for President of the Commonwealth of Dominica to replace Charles Savarin who demits office on October 1, 2023, after serving two consecutive terms in that position.
At a press conference, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit made that announcement stating that he as per the Constitution had met and held discussions with Opposition Leader Jesma Paul Victor.
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, in making the announcement. I have named Mrs. Sylvanie Burton as the candidate for election as President of the Commonwealth of Dominica.
The term of office of the current President, His Excellency Charles A. Savarin, D.A.H expires on October 1, 2023; and in keeping with Section 19 (1) of the Constitution, I consulted with Opposition Leader, Hon. Jesma Paul on my nominee.
Mrs. Burton, 58, is from Salybia, Kalinago Territory, and has served as Permanent Secretary in various ministries since 2014.
She was Permanent Secretary in the Ministries of Community Development, Foreign Affairs, Trade, Youth and Social Services and is currently the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Rural Modernization, Kalinago Upliftment and Constituency Empowerment.
Mrs. Burton is a former Development Officer in the Ministry of Kalinago Affairs and was a District Development Officer (DDO) for many years.
She has been a Justice of the Peace for 25 years and has served as a Lay Associate in the Roman Catholic Church for over 20 years.
She holds a Master’s Degree in Project Management and a Bachelor’s Degree in Rural Development.
Skerrit stated, “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 meet on September 12, 2023, and it is expected to ratify the appointment.