(OPM) -Sylvanie Burton is the Government of Dominica’s nominee for President of the Commonwealth of Dominica, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit announced on Wednesday.

If elected to the position, Burton, a career public servant, will become the first female president and the first indigenous head of state.

The term of office of the current President, His Excellency Charles A Savarin, D.A.H expires on October 1, 2023

Prime Minister Skerrit explained that according to Section 19 of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Dominica, the Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition are required to, within 90 days before the term of office of the President expires; consult with a view to agreeing upon a joint qualified nominee as a suitable candidate for election as President.

“In the event a nominee is agreed upon, the process is straightforward and the Prime Minister is required to notify the Speaker in writing of the joint nomination.  The Speaker must then summon a sitting of the House at which he must notify the House of the nomination, and declare the nominee duly elected without requiring a vote,” he said, adding that he had accordingly consulted with Opposition Leader, Hon. Jesma Paul.

The Prime Minister said a tentative date of September 12 has been set for the parliamentary session; and he would await word from the Opposition Leader on his recommendation for the presidency.

Sylvanie 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 District Development Officer (DDO) for many years.

She has been a Justice of the Peace for 25 years and has served as 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.