Roseau, Dominica: Roosevelt Skerrit, Prime Minister of Commonwealth of Dominica, informs that Sylvanie Burton D.A.H. was sworn into office as the tenth President of the Commonwealth of Dominica on Monday, October 2, 2023.
PM Skerrit shared details and images of the inaugural ceremony on his social media account. The ceremony took place before High Court Judge Jacqueline Josiah-Graham. He welcomed Burton’s election as a gesture of hope and positiveness.
He briefly explained her inspiring background filled with courage, struggle and success. Dr Skerrit emphasizes that President Burton is a source of inspiration for all Dominicans, especially for youth. The Prime Minister pledged his support and expressed confidence in Burton’s ability to serve the country with honesty and dignity.
At 58 years old, Burton originates from the Kaliangoo Territory, which is the homeland of the Carib people’s descendants. She expressed her commitment to be the President of Dominica and perform her duties with dignity.
Burton became the first woman president of Dominica on October 2, 2023. She acknowledged the historical significance of her election as a woman and a member of the Kalinago community.
The newly appointed Dominican President also received Dominica’s highest national award, the Dominica Award of Honour, a day before her inauguration. Sylvanie Burton was a former senior public servant who succeeded Charles Savarin, serving two five-year terms.
During the inaugural ceremony, President Burton pledged to serve the country with courage, empathy, honour and dignity, quoting from the Bible.
Additionally, she acknowledged the sacrifices of her ancestors, especially the Kaliangoo people, who defended Dominican lands with their lives.
President Burton Burton recognized the country’s biggest challenges, such as climate change, global economic instability and Artificial intelligence. She vowed to face these challenges with wisdom and understanding.
Born between 1964-1966, Sylvanie Burton D.A.H. has served as permanent secretary in various ministries since 2014.
