Opposition Leader Jesma Paul-Victor has officially put forward the name of former Opposition Senator Anette Sanford as her choice for the upcoming presidency of Dominica. This announcement coincides with the impending conclusion of President Charles Savarin’s term, set to end on October 1, 2023.
On August 30, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit unveiled his nominee, senior public officer Mrs. Sylvanie Burton, for the presidential position. Two weeks later, Skerrit revealed that Paul-Victor did not support his choice of nominee for the nation’s next President. Consequently, a 14-day nomination period was initiated, which will culminate in an election.
During an interview with the state-owned DBS radio, he did disclose that due to Paul-Victor’s disapproval of his nomination, instead of going to parliament on the morning of September 12, to announce his choice of Mrs Slyvanie Burton as the incoming president, he has instead written to the Speaker of the House of Assembly that there is no joint
nomination.
Skerrit expressed his disappointment in the leader of the opposition’s unwillingness to support Mrs. Burton, highlighting her qualifications and lifelong commitment to the Kalinago people and the nation as a whole.
“We had a golden opportunity as a country to allow for history to be created first with the appointment of the first female president in our political history and the first person of Kalinago descent to be considered for such high office,” he said.
Skerrit added, “So it is unfortunate and I see this as a vilification of a woman and the vilification of a Kalinago which is unfortunate because they are the people who first came to our county and defended our patrimony and allowed us to now call Dominica our home.”
However, with the opposition leader’s nomination of Mrs. Sanford, a nurse by profession who served as a Senator in the House of Assembly from February 10, 2020, to December 6, 2022, for the opposition United Workers Party, the potential to create history for Dominica arises. If elected, she would become the first female President and the first Indigenous head of state.
Dominica News Online (DNO) will provide further updates on this unfolding development.
awa wi. While i like and respect Annette, i cannot agree with that choice. SERIOUSLY? No just because another Kalinago woman is being presented by the DLP? NO! Granted we know their new target is to use and abuse the Kalinago people. Recently i heard they found Pumice there and have plans to do MINING in the Kalinago territory and want to use Mrs. Burton to get the Kalinago people’s approval. But i wouldnt say Annette would be a good choice. Not yet.
What a shame and a disgrace!
Chief, ParlRep, President. The Territory needs good nurses. Stick to what you trained for. Politics is not your strength.
Dominica shall forever be the joke to the rest of the world!
There is no point of anyone asking why her?
And I wonder what is the criteria for the nomination of someone to become President?
Of all the Dominican’s in the world, I think that this Anette Sandford is a poor, and very bad choice! Although the position of president, which is not an elected position; rather an appointed ceremonial position; a position in which Roosevelt can manipulate that person as a puppet to sign any bit of paper with anything written there on without question I think the one appointed should at least have to guts to question what may look like something what might do more harm to the country than good.
In my opinion Annette is not suitable!
This is someone who watch American TV: Most recently she commented; on DNO, that there is systemic discrimination against Carib Indians in Dominica; she is the one who within one week said she resigned from a political party that was not yet off the ground!
Anette, if you feel you are so qualified to be the Head of State( the president) of Dominica , why can’t you be the LEADER of your party(UWP)? They rejected you both( husband too) and They put a drop out to be leader, does not that tell you something?! You should be a shame to be fighting your own people. What sense does it makes to accept such nomination when in truth you know you won’t win? Are you that POWER hungry or are you motivated by greed and jealousy? Shame on you.
Idiot Annette isnt the one feeling anything. As the Article say is is JESMA PAUL who wants to nominate her. That is like me nominating YOU as the next president of Dominica. Regardless of how you feel.
@ admin..is this really okay?..I know you respect “freedom of speech”..but how far is too far?..
So anybody can just say anything and then say their name is Tim Durand or Roosevelt Skerritt and we just supposed to know they’re lying?..
And please correct me if I’m wrong but I don’t recall ever seeing these “Names” making comments on DNO..
ADMIN: We appreciate that you took the time to make your point as eloquently as you did. This particular comment was oversight and has been removed.
As per our comment policy: “We may delete those comments that…are made under the names of well-known public figures.”
That’s what you call a laughing stock. Annette congratulated Burton for being nominated for the President position and disgracing herself accepting to be a nominee. She lose the pal rep position, the Kalinago chief and also the UWP deputy leader and will also lose on the 27th of September. I think that’s a decision you will regret.
Anette, are you taking the State House for a DOLLY HOUSE or a political play pen?
This selection by the opposition reminds me of the last Senate race in Georgia, US. There was a black incumbent senator therefore the opposition fielded a black candidate, by all accounts not the best candidate but a black man.
Same scenario here. One Kalinago candidate against another.
What a joke. A blind man can figure out this game.
Anette has made some poor decisions, either due to naivety, bad advice, or blind personal ambition. I fear she will regret this one more than all of them. It’s a pity.
A naiive decision by Sanford to accept a nomination that’s politically motivated and unwinnable. She has damaged her credibility and would have been better advised to target the Chief position again. Now that’s also out the window. It’s a shame. Partisan politics has ruined her prospects.
@Lucas
That’s not how people damage their credibility. You have absolutely no idea what you are talking about. She has 100% right to accept or reject. Sylvanie’s credibility as deputy political campaign manager of the Labour Party was the one who damaged her credibility. Not Sanfird.
Thank-you Ms Jesma Paul Victor for this nomination. Mr. Skerrit must not be allowed to automatically have it his way all the time – though it seems that far too many Dominicans think just that. This used to be a democracy people! Though this deck is stacked against her, Ms Sanford is an excellent choice.
ahhh…tit for tat
Politicization is where we are now, Burton was a highly partisan political pick and so is Sanford.
I have nothing personal against either of these candidates but we have to ask ourselves if this is the standard we want to accept for our country.
Then again do we even understand what standards are anymore. So self-centered and shorted as we are now.
Wake up and grow up my people!
I take it that Jesma is aspiring to be the ‘Laugh Out Loud Dominica’ champion! Lol 😆 🤣
Good one!
Dominicans need to get serious. The position of President should be reserved for a mature and experienced citizen ideally and of course non-politically aligned.
Charles Saverin resigned as Minister of Gov’t to hold the office of President. I didn’t particularly liked that, especially after he had showed his colors and naevity by calling for a boycott of Breezee’s Mart. That was petty and politically motivated.
A true statesman should have realized the negative economic fallout but he had seniority and experience on his side. Still he did nothing significant even. Dominica has never been the same since we got blinded by party politics.
Past time Dominicans see the bigger picture. Leave Annette where she is please. Let her do her teaching/nursing and community work and run for political office.
Where are our worthy (qualified and experienced) Dominicans?
This situation tells us one thing, that the depth of our Dominican society is being severely trivialized by blind party…
Seeing sensible remarks like yours fills me with joy that there are still even minded people in this country.
There may be hope yet for change, but im convinced I’ll turn red, blue and purple before I could ever stop holding my breath.
That might be the closest I’ll ever get to being politically aligned…
What nonesense.
Living in Dominica is akin to living in a school playground.
Annette told Dominicans,Skerrit had offered her $120,000 to contest the CARIB territory election on a DLP ticket.She said she had the audio and would make it available to the public.Years later Dominicans are still waiting to hear the audio.Once again Starboy have the same handful of aholes where he want them,exposed.The decision to nominate Mrs.Syvanie Burton
for President is not that of Skerrit but government.
waiting to hear what the overeducated 6 MEME,Jonathan,Ibo Juanata,Bwa and Francisco have to say.
@Lin clown
Why didnt you take advantage of being abroad to attend night school? It’s shameful that a Dominican can be so stupid and shameless. Why can’t you learn a new word from MEME, Ibofrance, Juanita, Bwa and Francisco everyday? This would help you greatly.
My lady bffr!
I took you serious up until now.
Your nomination is just as bad as the PM.
These both people are politically motivated.
Ive never seen a country where the government and opposition forces are both in need of an overhaul.
Dear Lord, heaven help Dominica! Can I please advise both Labour and UWP to grow out of the political tribalism. There are great Dominicans out there representing Dominica well capable of being a presidential leader to our country without this political tribalism! Must everything be Labour or UWP? Can’t we just be Dominica and Dominicans putting Dominica first for once?
Teeheeheehee!!
We need people of impeccable character, empathetic and courageous in critical positions throughout the public service, if we are to change the present downward trajectory of Dominica. People who could make independent decisions despite pressure from the powers that be. President Anette Stanford is a perfect fit for this soon to be vacant position.
Since the vote will be by secret ballot, although it may be a stretch of the imagination, I hope the rogue parliamentarians will have an epiphany, and vote for Anette Stanford for president. What a glorious day of rejoicing that will be for the country.
Not surprising coming from Ibo France, total rubbish. Annette Sanford is a politician she has competed for the of position deputy leader of the UWP. She is totally antigovernment, antilabour and of course very anti Skeritt. So where and how did she aquire this impeccable character and ability to be independent. Let us not pretend that the position of president is not a political position, it is.
@Point, was Charles Saverin independent when he was nominated to be the president of Dominica? No one will buy your tea leaves. Oh what rose colored glasses do to some folks.
He actually was a Freedomite at the point he was nominated.
@Putin, therefore he was “NOT” independent. I rest my case.
@ Jonathan Y St. Jean, did I say that Savarin was independent. People like you want to believe that the President is independent only when it suits your political narrative. The nomination of Annette Sanford[former UWP senator, and UWP candidate for Salybia 2019 elections]by the UWP independent leader of the opposition Jesma Paul which you support, speaks volumes of your blatant hypocrisy.
really, what a shame
Anette, where is the respect, integrity, love and unity for the Kalinago people? This is not a by election or general election thing. You are selfish and betrayal. Judas. You are trying to divide your own people because of greed and power. You are a perfect example of what UWP stands for. You should be a shame of yourself to see you are used and will pass as a laughing idiot of the UWP. Judas.
You are BS’ing the forum with horse manure. You sure have an ironclad bond to unadulterated gibberish.
I forgive you Ibo MALAPROP France for you mind is so small and narrow that you can only see to the tip of your nose.
@KID ON THE BLOCK
Pure unadulterated gibberish. Sure you are not responding to the article!! You must be responding to your own dream. But again, can you do better? The answer is no.
The judas.es of Dominica are those who killed Pierro! You are now their door mats and sycophant. Remember someone by the name of Tony told us when Pierro stretched his hand for help, those judasses were biting the hand and stabbing him in the back at the same time?
Those are the real judasses….not Annette!
MEME, I’m just trying to figure out whether you truly deserve an answer. Are you and Ibo MALAPROP France twins?
Ok the joke is going to far now with this
Whatever! You guys are funny and have too much time on your hands. Handbag for President!!
Congratulation Mrs Stanford
Anette, you should be a shame of betraying your own. Where is the LOVE and unity for the Kalinago and Indigenous people? You are going to pass as the laughing stock of the UWP. Greed and power ! Judas.!
So the presidency is a joke now, what’s wrong with UWP.
You are right Mr.Point,Ibo France has always exposed himself as a senior blue Jacka.Here the Jacka is talking about Skerrit is nominating a labour supporters in Mrs.Burton.He is now saying Annette Sanford,who is more political than Burton is the right person for President.Ibo have no choice,because Jesma Paul has exposed his level of stupidity.
“Belle bowl boog”. Nice googlee from Jesma-Paul to the “I’m-the-people” leader. He cannot have a comeback to this as the choice of the leader of the opposition is a Kalinagoo woman who is educated and who has served her people in the territory and in parliament, and who would make history. The war-war style of this “I’m-the-people” leader is part of the problem in this country. He lacks finesse in the way he called out the opposition for not liking his choice. Because of the majority of Labor in parliament, he might get his nominee confirmed but I’m sure he can’t and won’t apologize for the divisive rant about the leader of the opposition. An apology would be a class act and send a positive message to the nation that in politics there can be disagreement but there’s no need to be disagreeable. Can old dogs learn new tricks? I’m not holding my breath.
Jonathan, there is no “might” here. The election of Mrs. Burton to the presidency is an absolute certainty. Annette Sanford is only embarrassing herself.
@Point, By agreeing to be nominated by the opposition, Ms Sanford is also showing how shallow the “I’m-the-people” leader is in resorting to playing victim because his choice for President was not accepted by the leader of the opposition. In a democracy there is freedom to disagree, wives do disagree with husbands and children disagree with parents but In your world, a world of autocracy, you don’t accept disagreement, and it’s clear from your reasoning. Populism and autocracy are what the next level has brought to Dominica and it’s clear that you can’t accept any other viewpoint, yet you masquerade by saying you are democratic. Actions speak louder than words. Also isn’t it historic that two women from the Kalinago territory were nominated to serve as president of Dominica? Shallow minds can’t see the history in this but only see that one is embarrassing herself. Shameful and small minded.
Who is challenging the opposition leader right to disagree? It is her natural and constitutional right to do so. While you are talking about the rights of the opposition leader you want Skeritt to shut up and speak only when you want him to speak saying what you want him to say. People like you are evil and a clear and present threat to democracy.
#,Point, if your comprehension isn’t clouded by one sided and myopic thinking you would have understood from the news article that your boy, Skerritt, is berating the leader of the opposition for not agreeing with his choice for President. He castigated her for not supporting a Woman and a Kalinago person who would be historic. Man it seems you can’t understand what you read. Get outta here!!
@Point, you come across as legal counsel and guardian for Skerritt. With all leaders the maxim holds true that the buck stops with them. The threat to democracy is people like you who want to try to silence opposition to the political leader. I’m sure that Skerritt didn’t appoint you nor need you as his defender. He’s a big boy and can take the heat coming from me. I reference his past actions and statements in finding fault with his behavior and decisions. You are full of it, Point. The buck stops with Skerritt and you have no standing in the matter.
Nobody in Dominica I respect more than this lady. She is not susceptible to bribe. Remember she told us that Roosevelt offered her thousands of dollars and promised her husband a prominent in the civil service. She bluntly rejected his bribe.
This erudite and morally sound lady is capable of rising above the political partisanship and work in the best interest of the all the people regardless of one’s political allegiance.
Lastly, her character is unblemished. Her many years as a nurse/ caregiver shaped her into a Mother Teressa-like personality. It’s a pity we could not have honest and ethics persons in parliament who vote on merit for positions like president.
Total rubbish and refuse and bulldust.
19 to 2, the result is a foregone conclusion. Mrs. Sandord’s humiliating defeat is a certainty. Knowing this the UWP/Paul could have used the opportunity to put forward a more unbiased candidate not one who resides in the belly of the UWP, at least it would show the type of person they would put in that position if/when given the chance.
19 to 2, the result is a foregone conclusion. Mrs. Sandord’s humiliating defeat is a certainty. Knowing this the UWP/Paul could have used the opportunity to put forward a more unbiased candidate not one who resides in the belly of the UWP, at least it would show the type of person they would put in that position if/when given the chance.
Again Skerrit’s response to the leader of the opposition non acceptance of his nominee for the post of president, gives a clear and unambiguous idea of who we have as head of government on island. He only wants things Skerrit’s way! Anything else, he gets into a tantrum! The guy is classless, rude, insultive, disrespectful, he lacks decorum, etc…A quintessential bad example, and an accomplished parody of a leader!
Well with his kindergarten majority in the house, he will get his wish, but trust me this man is both an embarrassment to himself and to the office of Prime Minister!
I think Mrs Sanford is a good choice, but i can’t see Skerrit little boys and girls in parliament, going against Skerrit’s choice!!
And what was Skeritt response that was so offensive?
@Point
Are you an embarrassment to yourself? DNO has a feature where you can get back previous news items. Avail yourself of the opportunity, and stop your laziness.
@MEME, your failure to answer shows that you are unable to support the rubbish that you speak. Skeritt gave a soft political response. Did you expect him to sit back and say nothing? Again, what was offensive in his response?