Dominica has formally welcomed a new ambassador from the Swiss Confederation, with His Excellency Pascal Bornoz presenting his credentials to President Sylvanie Burton at the State House Conference Centre in Roseau.
The credential ceremony, held on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, marks the official start of Ambassador Bornoz's diplomatic mission to the Commonwealth of Dominica. The presentation of credentials is the constitutional step by which a foreign ambassador is formally recognised as the representative of his or her government to the President of Dominica.
President Burton accepted the credentials on behalf of the State, in keeping with the established diplomatic practice of the Office of the President. The ceremony took place at the State House Conference Centre, the official venue for such formal engagements in the capital.
Switzerland and Dominica maintain diplomatic relations conducted largely through non-resident ambassadors accredited to Roseau. The Swiss Confederation has historically engaged with small island developing states on matters including climate change, sustainable development and humanitarian affairs, areas in which Dominica has taken a prominent international voice.
The accreditation of a new Swiss ambassador comes as Dominica continues to strengthen its diplomatic network across Europe and the wider world. The island maintains missions and honorary consulates in several countries and works through multilateral bodies including the United Nations, the Organisation of American States and the Commonwealth.
Details of Ambassador Bornoz's prior postings and his specific priorities for the Dominica mission were not immediately outlined in the official announcement. Further information on the new ambassador's programme of engagement with local authorities is expected to follow in the coming weeks.
The ceremony was held under the standard protocol observed for the presentation of credentials, which typically includes an inspection of a guard of honour and a formal exchange with the Head of State. Such events are among the highest formalities in the diplomatic calendar of a small state.
Dominica's relations with European partners have focused in recent years on climate resilience, renewable energy and development cooperation. The island's geothermal energy programme, its citizenship by investment programme and its recovery from major storms have all featured in discussions with international partners.
Switzerland, though not a member of the European Union, maintains an extensive diplomatic presence in the Caribbean and participates in regional cooperation through its own foreign policy channels. Its ambassadors accredited to the Eastern Caribbean often cover several states from a single base.
The Office of the President has not indicated when Ambassador Bornoz will present his letters of recall or when a reciprocal appointment might be made. Dominica's own diplomatic representation to Switzerland is handled through its network of non-resident ambassadors.
The government is expected to publish further details of the accreditation in due course. For now, the presentation of credentials stands as the formal beginning of a new chapter in relations between Roseau and Bern.
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