Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has declared that the inauguration of Dominica’s first indigenous President, Her Excellency Mrs. Sylvanie Burton, underscores his government’s unwavering commitment to the empowerment and progress of the indigenous Kalinago community. His remarks came on October 2, 2023, when Burton officially took her Oath of Office as Dominica’s 10th president, replacing Charles A. Savarin.
“Indeed, we have diligently served the interests and well-being of our indigenous people ensuring that they occupy VIP seats at the forefront of national development,” Skerrit stated.
The head of government noted that in this era of heightened social awareness, where representation holds significant importance, the government takes pride in its track record of providing both the women and indigenous people of Dominica a more prominent voice in the administration of the country’s affairs.
He noted that during the intensive search for a new head of state a few weeks ago, it was “the almighty God who said to us to think and act outside of the box.”
Skerrit stressed that there was no law, natural or legislative, that the journey should only be continued and enhanced by someone of the male gender, nor was there any rule that stated that the office of president had to be occupied by someone of a particular socio-economic, cultural, or ethnic background.
Instead, he declared, “We deliberated long and hard and [were] led to Mrs Slyvanie Burton.”
Having served in public office in Dominica for 23 years, the prime minister claimed to have a keen ability to understand the sentiments of his fellow citizens and believed that the majority of Dominicans, both at home and abroad, fully support Mrs. Burton’/s appointment.
He added, “Her Excellency Slyvanie Burton stands tall on a distinguished career as a public officer of 39 years, rising to the rank of permanent secretary. She is a dedicated community and cultural leader in the Kalinago territory, where she cultivated the trust
and confidence of her people over many years of advocacy for the improved status and integration into the socio-economic life and heritage of Dominica.”
Skerrit called upon all citizens to focus on shaping Dominica’s future, letting go of past events and political divisions. He viewed Mrs. Burton’s election as a gesture of hope and optimism, reflecting her journey of struggle and triumph. I wish once again to use this opportunity to appeal to all Dominican residents at home and abroad to let us shift our political swords. There are too few of us for there to be so much discord, much of which is based on sentiment of rank partisanship,” he remarked.
He went on to wish the new head of state well in the execution of her duties and stressed that while she was this government’s nominee, however, she is the people’s president. “I want you to shine a light for little girls and boys in Dominica to follow,” Skerrit added.
“I pledge to you my support and that of the party and government that I lead. I want to say to you that I may not see you through the end of your term. But you can rest assured of my very best wishes in whatever capacity I serve from this day forward.”
In conclusion, Skerrit expressed confidence in Burton’s ability to serve the country with pride and distinction, urging her to promote a spirit of unity and harmony among all Dominicans throughout her term in office.
True pm waw! It is a good name for the Kalinago people however I would ask the him the following questions: will the position afforded to Mrs Burton bring us more sustainable jobs? Scholarships and skills training for our youth? Better and affordable healthcare for our people? Or is it just going to enrich one woman and her family to become millionaires ? Also I would like to ask Miss Burton the following questions: Why did you deny some Uwi students the opportunity to do their practicum? Which would be in keeping with the PM’s vision to have a university grad in every household by 2021. She spoke the truth about you pm, “what he say in public is not what he saying in cabinet.” This is not the all shall eat labor party, it’s the some shall eat labor party. Remember every rope has an end, if you guys meant good :good things will happen to DA but if all you mean bad, only God know your hearts.
Roosevelt, you need to shut up with that bull crap! In what way your appointing a Carib Indian as president of the country is going to empower the rest of any Carib?
You of all ignorant Dominican, that woman is powerless, you know very well she has absolutely no say in any business of government, except to endorse (affixed) her signature to any bit of paper with any garbage written on it that you shove in her face.
Instead she will enjoy living in the State house bogged with all sorts of Chinese listening devices; and receive her salary, so if that’s empowerment of the rest of the indigenous people, I am just beginning to learn the English language, by all means Dominica (patiosginglis).
“Star boy of Stupidity” you are nothing more than a modern day Christopher Columbus; you think that by offering my kalinago brothers and sisters trinkets, “it’s better to be thought of as a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubts”; just a reminder if you true Dr Dr, the $10,000,000 US which was stolen from the Kaliago people must be returned immediately and with no strings attached.
My advice is to you Ole Police, if you believe 10,000,000 US Dollars was stolen from the Kalinago people find that person he /she to court and let whoever pay simple as that case close, or get the hell out of here!
Man Dog, when you hear something, rather than denying what may be the truth, the best thing you can do is to seek the truth. If one person know about it there might be others who knows too.
What the man said is true!
Had Dominica not be a corrupted place run by practically thieves in high office, plenty people including your god Roosevelt Skerrit would be sitting in jail!
The entire judicial system is corrupted, judges, and magistrates, one of the reasons assigned judges to Dominica, do not remain for long is because of the politicians trying to corrupt them into rendering bogus verdict to favor labor supporters whether they are rapists murderers or thieves.
Not too long ago a magistrate was practically fired by Roosevelt, because he dare to do the correct thing!
Boy; Roosevelt will suffer for all the people he victimized in Dominica; his suffering must have already started, only that we don’t know!
Ole Police, you sound like Matt on Q95. Very bias and unprofessional. Get your facts straight before spewing your garbage.
Hi mr Am, have you ever considered building one of your resorts/villas in the Kalinago territory? Would make you good money 💰 since it’ll be close to the “Dr. Roosevelt Skeritt International Airport.” We know you can afford it with your “DRY CLEANED CASH.” The Caribs would love ❤️ U more.
Dominica is heading no where positive.Boy,you must be in jail for more than 25 years,or you must be buried in a pit toilet up to your eyebrows.Another liar and scumbag.Why do you think the majority of Dominicans vote DLP over and over again? Do not blame Skerrit for your laziness and failure.Nobody want to fool a passing cloud you are in the minority.
@Lin cliwn
Majority of Dominicsns living here on island, have NEVER voted LABOUR. If you are dreaming, please wake up and head for the shower.
Well, the majority of Dominicans do not vote, in any case; maybe they do not qualify or they are not interested.
What is sure is that the majority of persons who have voted, have consistently done so for the DLP. As uncomfortable as this fact is to you, it is as real as night and day. Are you still asleep?
The telling word is ‘living’! Guess what so, all our dead brothers and sisters have been voting Labour in the past 20 years. I wonder what’s motivating them?
@Me, You having a laugh, or you are a complete waste of space on this planet earth, and that is being nice to you.
To nominate one Kalinago sycophant for President equates to empowering the Kalinago people? The Kalinago territory is the most underdeveloped community in Dominica. Stark poverty, high unemployment, sparse essential public services, poor infrastructure, gross underdevelopment plague these people for eons.
When education, the health and wellbeing of all the people, availability of good paying jobs, easy access of sporting and entertainment facilities, increased life expectancy span are prevalent in the Kalinago territory, then and only then should King LIAR make his loud pontification.
“The Kalinago territory is the most underdeveloped community in Dominica.”
Not anymore. The Labour Party has succeeded in stemming the tide and has positioned the Territory to be a semi-urban district. Of course, I know that you are not interested in such facts.
@Putin, I have come to realise that it’s better not to reply to any of Ibo, the Lucifer stupid comments he is a loser with no friends that is trying to make himself look and feel good, with nothing to show in his sad old life, any person that is spending hours on end day and night posting hate mails on this forum is definitely a nutter, getting out of hand.
You IBO!!!at least he started somewhere. She has given the higher office. Can we all just get along. Be happy for the woman and her community. How so you are dissatisfied with even the good works. Teach your mouth to give a bit of praise. Only hatred. My My My what would your parents think? Learn to build each other up. We are all different but people but can any good thing comes out of SAMARIA? Be bless!!
Not when we know the real reason. If these people had any love for Kalinago they would not have tried to denigrate M Sanford a Kalinago woman. Play ostrich if you like but dont expecct us to follow you in your nonsense. Have a little pride.
You should make a public statement on de disappearance of monies that were given to the Kalinago community by your chosen grandpa Hugo Chavez………that is a red flag hanging over you.
these words you speak………..i see how u use words against people in parliament and try to say that what you say is not what you meant……i will treat this statement de same way.
What you saying about love for de indigenous people is taken with a bag of salt because i don’t think you mean anything at all about what you saying.
you just bumping your gumbs and words flying but it is not really what you want to say or that you believe what you saying at all.
Dominica is heading no where positive..Dominican are making a huge mistake by not removing this man in office…compare any island in the Caribbean and see how we are behind…
setting up his minister and being rich by the time he leaves office….this country stinks
Pure Malachi. Hug wash we are more advanced than alot of the Caribbean islands stop crushing our paradise.
Advance poverty? Ok. Tell us why we are running to other island is droves. Imagine St Kitts we? An island we use to feed. See how they are spending CBI money to build their country. Meanwhile our hospital does not have plaster. Because we are anonymous you chose to embarrass yourself chupes
Name one English-speaking Caribbean country of which Dominica is more advanced. Juxtapose Dominica with any other Caribbean country and you will be embarrassed.
Reginal Austrie said it best. He is tired of Dominica being LAST in everything. Do you want a more credible witness than him?
Skerrit you can’t fool me. This has nothing to do with Kalinago and empowerment indigenous people that you are simply using to do your dirty work and sign papers for you. You are an evil and wicked man and will do nothing to empower anyone.