World
Sylvanie Burton to become the first woman President of Dominica
DOMINICA – The second and final term of Hs Excellency Charles Savarin will end of October 1, 2023 and a new President will be inaugurated on October 2.
The Government of Dominica has nominated career public officer Mrs. Sylvanie Burton for the position. Mrs. Burton is set to be the first woman and first person of Kalinago decent to hold Dominica’s highest office.
A sitting of Parliament to elect a President became necessary when Prime Minister Skerrit informed the Speaker of the House that he and Leader of the Opposition Hon. Jesma Paul-Victor had not agreed on a joint nominee for the position of President.
“I have received a letter form the Hon. Prime Minister, which I shall read. It says that ‘Dear Hon. Speaker, in accordance to Section 19:3 of the Commonwealth of Dominica Constitution Order 1978, I hereby inform you that the Leader of the Opposition and I have been unable to agree on a joint nominee of a candidate for election as President. Signed Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit, Prime Minister.’, the Hon. Speaker stated.
Chapter II of the Constitution outlines the procedures to follow once the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition do not agree on a joint nominee.
Parliament will meet again on September 27, where the Government of Dominica will officially nominate Mrs. Sylvanie Burton. Leader of the Opposition Hon. Jesma Paul Victor has given no indication as to who will be nominated by the Opposition.
“If you oppose, then you should have something else to propose. So we look forward to her proposed nominee if she has one, then there will be an election in the next fourteen days. We will come to Parliament so we can have a President Elect who will take up office on the 2nd of October 20223. So today was important. It was a fulfillment of the obligations mandated by the constitution that I inform the Speaker that there is no joint nominee and the Speaker convenes Parliament to inform the Parliament of that situation and advising Parliament of the process involved in the nomination and election of a President for Dominica as per the provisions of the constitution,” Prime Minister Skerrit explained.
The nomination by Government of the first woman and first indigenous person for the position of President has been described as historic. Many have expressed surprise that the Opposition has not supported the nomination.
“It’s unfortunate that she allowed an opportunity to be a part of history to pass her as a woman, and I think that recognizing that our nominee is not only a woman but an Indigenous person. And I think that this has received tremendous regional and international accolades for not only a woman but an indigenous person. Those of us who are students of history understand and appreciate the contributions of Indigenous people to the protection and preservation of our patrimony,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Parliamentary Representative for the Marigot Constituency Hon. Anthony Charles has expressed support for Government’s nominee Mrs. Sylvanie Burton. Hon. Charles is calling for unity in the process of the election of the President.
“It’s not you come with one and you come with one and we agree. I think we should come together, call out some names and pick the best candidate together. We should have a mutual agreement. I have no problem with the young lady. Mrs. Sylvanie Burton is a close family friend, so I have no problem with the candidate, but it’s the process,” Hon. Charles stated.
A person shall be qualified to be nominated for election as President once he or she is a citizen of Dominica, above the age of forty and who at the date of his nomination has been resident in Dominica for five years immediately preceding his or her nomination.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (FNN) – President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. has declared a major disaster in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico following the devastating impacts of Tropical Storm Ernesto from August 13 to August 16, 2024. Federal assistance has been authorized to aid recovery efforts in over 25 municipalities, addressing emergency work and the repair or replacement of damaged infrastructure.
A bridge submerged by the flooded La Plata River is seen in the aftermath of Ernesto, in Toa Baja, Puerto Rico, on Aug. 14. (Ricardo Arduengo/Reuters)
Puerto Rican Heritage Network Praises Federal Disaster Declaration for Storm Ernesto Relief
The announcement comes as a relief to many Puerto Rican families on the island and the mainland. Former Florida State Representative Daisy Morales, President of the Puerto Rican Heritage Network (PRHN), commended the Biden Administration for its prompt response and support.
“Families in the mainland are relieved Puerto Ricans in the motherland are getting federal assistance from the Biden Administration,” Morales stated. “We will continue to monitor the recovery efforts.”
Federal Assistance Overview
The declaration provides federal funding on a cost-sharing basis for:
- Emergency Work: Clearing debris, restoring critical services, and temporary housing.
- Repair or Replacement: Addressing damage to public facilities, roads, bridges, and utilities.
- Hazard Mitigation: Efforts to reduce future disaster risks across the entire Commonwealth.
David Miller, Jr. of FEMA has been appointed to coordinate federal recovery operations in the affected areas. FEMA will work closely with commonwealth and local governments, as well as nonprofit organizations, to ensure swift and effective aid delivery.
Impact of Tropical Storm Ernesto
The storm wreaked havoc across Puerto Rico, causing:
- Severe flooding and landslides in several municipalities.
- Damage to homes, public facilities, and critical infrastructure.
- Economic disruption in both urban and rural areas.
The municipalities most affected include Aguas Buenas, Aibonito, Añasco, Barranquitas, Canóvanas, Ceiba, Coamo, Comerío, Corozal, Hormigueros, Jayuya, Las Marías, Loíza, Manatí, Maricao, Maunabo, Mayagüez, Naguabo, Orocovis, San Lorenzo, San Sebastián, Santa Isabel, Vega Alta, Vieques, Villalba, and Yabucoa.
What’s Next?
- Further Assessments: FEMA will conduct additional damage evaluations, and new designations may follow.
- Long-Term Recovery: Reconstruction of homes, roads, and facilities while implementing hazard mitigation projects.
- Community Support: Nonprofit organizations and local governments will play a vital role in supporting affected families.
For inquiries or updates, the FEMA News Desk can be contacted at (202) 646-3272 or FEMA-NEWS-DESK@FEMA.DHS.GOV.
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