Sylvanie Burton has been named as the government’s choice to succeed Dominica’s current President, according to Dominican Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit. At a press conference today, Skerrit stated that he discussed Burton’s candidacy with Opposition Leader Jesma Paul so that a joint nominee could be submitted to parliament for approval.
According to the constitution, the Speaker of Parliament must receive a nomination that the prime minister and opposition leader have mutually agreed upon. Any member of parliament may, however, propose a candidate if a consensus cannot be achieved.
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 Modernization 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.
