Skerrit Weds

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit on Saturday May11, 2013 married Melissa Poponne, "his sweetheart for many years," an official statement issued by the Government Information Service (GIS) stated.

The release said that Skerrit, 40, and Poponne were married at the Bourne Roman Catholic Chapel; a private reception followed at the Prime Minister's home in Vieille Case.

The statement said the couple left a day later for a "short period" but gave no other details about the bride, the marriage or where the couple would be travelling to, presumable on their honeymoon.

Much secrecy surrounded the event which prompted many rumours and calls to radio talk shows for many days after the wedding.

But Skerrit told the public about two years ago that he, one of Dominica's most eligible bachelors, was about to say "I do". The Sun reported on…that during the third and final Test between India and West Indies played at the Windsor Park Sports Stadium Prime Minister Skerrit announced on the "Line & Length" broadcast commentary that, "very soon I will be settling down."

He made the revelation in response to a question asked by Barry Wilkinson about a female companion who followed him into the broadcast booth.

"That's my better half and soon it will be official," he said.

When reporters questioned him further about his comments he responded: "That's a personal matter and we will deal with it later."

But sources close to Skerrit told the SUN then that wedding plans are in the making for the couple. During the final day of the Test match and at several other functions including church services at Vielle Case, Skerrit has been accompanied by Mellissa Poponne, a woman whom he has been dating for the past few years. In fact for Poponne's birthday, on May 14, 2011 he had a big 30th birthday party bash for her at the Krazy Kokonut, the SUN was told.

Mellissa, 32, is the third of three children of businessman Valentine Poponne. A few years ago she studied computers in the United States but she currently manages the Dons & Divas boutique situated on Cork Street a few yards from her father's store.

As Skerrit "settles down" he is likely to leave many broken hearts behind.

In a profile of the newly appointed political leader, published by the Sun on March 22, 2004 just after the death of Prime Minister Pierre Charles, friends said the once little-known teacher had an affinity for the opposite sex and is "a lady's man".

"It's like asking me if I drink water," one friend responded, almost instinctively when asked if the new Prime Minister, who was then unmarried, had a girl friend or girlfriends.

"That's a joke now. Women as far as St. Lucia want introductions to him. Women consider him to be quite attractive and he is soft spoken and charming," added a senior education official, who is a woman. But that official was quick to point out that Skerrit's relationship with women would not negatively affect his ability to effectively lead the country. Or as the future Mrs. Skerrit hopes, the ability to be a good husband.