Nominally, the position was created on November 3, 1978, when Dominica gained independence from the United Kingdom.

Hitherto, the position existed de facto as Premier.

Roosevelt Skerrit is the incumbent prime minister.

He took office on 8 January 2004 According to Chapter 59 of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Dominica; The President, acting in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister, appoints the Cabinet of Minister.

The Prime Minister supervises Cabinet meetings and in the spirit of the Westminster system is nominally 'Primus Inter Pares' or first among equals.