Presidential nominee, Sylvanie Burton, is of the belief that her Kalinago ancestors are dancing on the clouds in anticipation of the first woman and Kalinago to be president of Dominica.
She gave her first major speech since she was nominated by the Government of Dominica to hold that office during a celebration which was held in her honor at the Barana Aute on Saturday afternoon.
“Ladies and gentlemen, brothers and sister, I believe our Kalinago ancestors are dancing on the clouds in anticipation of the first woman and first Kalinago to be elected to the office of president, the highest office in this our homeland,” she said.
She praised God and said she was humbled by the opportunity to serve the people of Dominica.
“To God be the glory, great things he has done,” Burton stated. “Proverbs chapter 16 reminds us that the mind of man plans his way but it is the Lord who directs his stead. I stand here before you today humbled by the opportunity to serve the people of this majestic island, Waitukubli, a land that is soaked with the blood, tears, and sweat of my indomitable ancestors, the Kalinago.”
She thanked her immediate family for their support, saying that they would shelter her with their love when the storm clouds gather.
“My heart is filled with gratitude first and foremost for Almighty God, our creator, for my husband Gilbert, who has been the anchor in my life for the past 33 years, my son Irwin, my daughters Kimara and Natasha, and my beautiful granddaughter, princess Gabrielle who is at the front,” she remarked.
“I know when the storm clouds gather, they will shelter me with their love.”
She also thanked Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit, the man behind her nomination.
“I am very grateful to the Prime Minister Honorable Dr Roosevelt Skerrit and his government for my nomination to be president of the Commonwealth of Dominica and to my Kalinago people and to the entire Dominican community who have so warmly and enthusiastically embraced my nomination,” Burton stated.
She gave a brief summary of her education and professional life expressing her gratitude to numerous families in the Kalinago Territory who nurtured her, however, she said she believed it was God who plotted her destiny.
“I am of the firm belief that God plotted out my destiny as a Kalinago woman but, as is always said, he helps those who help themselves,” he said.
“The sacrifices were made, the challenges made me a stronger individual, and with determination and the opportunity, we can conquer any background.”
A lay minister in the Catholic Church, Burton told her audience that they should always give praise to God.
“Develop a relationship with the Divine Master and let him guide your path,” she stated.
“Let us unite as a people to bring hope and development to ourselves, our communities, and our country. As I end, I want to pledge my fullest commitment to the service of my Kalinago people, to the service of my country. I love you. I will continue to love you. May God bless us all, may God bless our beautiful country.”
The election of the next president of Dominica will take place during the Fifth Meeting of the First Session of the Eleventh Parliament on September 27 as the second and final term of the current president, Charles Savarin ends on October 1, 2023. Burton will be facing Annette Sanford, another Kalinago woman, who was nominated by the parliamentary opposition.
However, her election is certain since the Dominica Labour Party-led government holds the majority in parliament and MPs have always voted along party lines.
All this chaos that is happening and taking place over that president thing is just PURE POLITICS stem from the bowels of the UWP. Just can not imagine why these POWER HUNGRY PARASITES let the country be at peace and rest for a moment. there were persons nominated by all previous parties before this ruling party. No one showed interest or concern of the Constitution during those time to disqualify anyone. LeBlanc was there. Patrick John was there. Mamo was there. Edison was there. No one burst the bowels of the Constitution to talk about it. Today, this UWP hate Skerrit so much , they are invoking every letter in the Constitution. They are talking about Skerrit’s nominee but THEY are not saying one word about their own. My question is, Is Anette qualified for such a position?
If “Ancestors” didn’t know Jesus as their Savior, then they could not be dancing on any cloud or water. This gives us an idea of the ungodly beliefs that this nominee for president has. It’s quite telling that the am picks people of the same type of spiritism and atheism beliefs so they together could dance on coals of fire 🔥 and “To hell with the constitution.” Carry on, the Train is nearing its terminus for its final voyage. So, mr. Am, enjoy the ride while it lasts.
What an unimaginative bunch you Workers are!
Skerrit nominated a Carib woman, you nominated a Carib woman. With this tendency of copying Skerrit, why should Dominicans change him to install you?
They will only be getting a worse form of Skerrit.
I hope when Skerrit starts to pull all your strings and give you stress pan stress, you will sing the same song.
And when Parliament passes stupid laws, you will have the balls to refuse to assent.
Long may you reign.
As much as it would be nice to have a female President, and I know I eh have a vote, i disagree with both nominations. On principle, that is not a job for party hacks!!!!
There is nothing those blue DON KEYS can do about it.On Wednesday it is going to be Mrs.Sylvanie Burton for President,the I’s have it and those UWP losers,MEME,Ibo,Francisco,Juanita,Jonathan,Bwa and Hmmmm have lost again.
The citizens of Dominica are the real losers. Everything Roosevelt does turn to cigarette ash. Completely useless.
Your ancestors looking at a person who reflects political instability in Skerrit party…..seriously Skerrit couldn’t find another Kalinago woman/person with less flaws than you?
I find you blowing your horn loud eh……is this supposed to appeal for support from your community?
I haven’t heard any congrats for de nomination from your young chief.
Allow de leaders/elders in your community to brush your shine for you instead nuh……..it will prove your worthiness to de ancestors that you already claim for yourself just because Skerrit say!!!!!!
Lady you mispoke when you said your ancestors are dancing on the clouds on hearing the announcement of your presidential announcement. In fact, your ancestors are restive, turning in their graves.
The ancestor used to be proud people. Now they have to look down at corrupt descendents who sing to the tune of an incompetent dictator.
The two nominees for President of the Commonwealth of Dominica are both politically affiliated with either of the two major political parties, Labour and Workers, but at the end of the day the country comes first, and whoever emerges victorious is expected to serve the country honorably. I believe that they both have the capacity to serve the country well but as is expected the Government nominee is expected to win since the Government has the majority in Parliament and the DLP Parliamentarians will vote along party lines.
I hope that the winner will extend an olive branch and embrace the other since despite who the winner is at the end of the day they’re both Kalinago women and both have a continued role to play in the national development of Dominica.
de current opposition leader got elected as an independent candidate.
” I believe that they both have the capacity to serve the country well…” Nope. Only Mrs. Burton has shown that she has this capacity. She has the education, work experience, knowledge, diplomatic skills, maturity, finesse, temperament (she is a very calm and patient person), and the aura of statesmanship. The other lady has the education and a clear commitment to community building. This is where it stops for her.
Mrs Burton i will pray for you as you will be used as a pawn. So will the Kalinago people.
“’Develop a relationship with the Divine Master and let him guide your path,’ she stated.” Amen to that, sister!
Man go read the constitution,that is why Skerrit have all you UWP supporters passing like aholes.The President job is written out in the constitution.When a bill is taken to parliament,debated and read three times,with the majority in support,it is then taken to the President to be signed into law.The President MUST sign that bill into law, that is his/her duty or be dismissed by the same parliamentary majority who supported the bill.What those UWP do not understand,parliament is given the authority to make laws,parliament run things in Dominica.Parliament is mentioned in almost every page in the 111 page constitution.Parliament is boss.