The search is on for someone to replace President Vernon Shaw when his first term expires in October, usually reliable Dominica Labour Party (DLP) and government sources have told the Sun.

    "We definitely want to replace him (President Shaw)," said one DLP source familiar with the discussions.

    A second source, also familiar with the discussions, was a little less direct, telling that Sun: "The current holder's term ends in October and we are not sure if he wants to continue."

    Both sources, along with two high-ranking government officials confirm that the discussions are ongoing. They all said that the recently retired Methodist Superintendent, Rev. William Watty was the administration's number one choice, although other names have come up.

    "Rev. Watty features highly in all the discussions," one of the sources said. He would have the better appeal."

    "The religious background puts him ahead of the others. We want to stress the religious," said another source.

    The sources said that attorney and magistrate G.O.N. Emmanuel has also been considered, while one of the sources stated that of Dr. Nicholas Liverpool, as member of the Organization of American States (OAS) Administrative Tribunal, has also been considered but that he turned down the invitation for personal reasons.

    The DLP's top choice also seems set to turn down the invitation. The sources said they were not quite sure if Prime Minister Pierre Charles had contacted Rev. Watty, and the retired cleric suggested to the Sun that no formal approach had been made.

    "One or two friends have talked to me but each time I've said I'm not interested," Rev. Watty told the Sun. The Sun did not contact either Dr. Liverpool or Emmanuel.

    At a news conference last Thursday, Prime Minister Charles revealed little to reporters about the issue.

    "The latest on this right now is that Mr. Vernon Lorden Shaw is the president of Dominica," he responded to a reporter's question.

    Charles Savarin, the leader of the coalition partner, the Dominica Freedom Party (DFP), was himself saying little on the question of the presidency.

    "I don't think it would be proper for me to discuss this at this time. I am part of the coalition government and I don't want to fuel speculation on anything the government should announce," Savarin told the Sun. The DFP leader refused to say whether or not his party had discussed the matter. However, another senior DFP official told the Sun that the party had not discussed it.