Dominica’s Minister Skerrit Visits USVI’s Future Female Leaders

St. Croix Times Staff

Governor Albert Bryan Jr. welcomed the Honorable Melissa Poponne-Skerrit, Minister of Housing, Land & Urban Development and First Lady of the Commonwealth of Dominica, wife of Dominica Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, to the U.S. Virgin Islands as a distinguished guest of the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) Future Female Leaders Luncheon: Shaping the Future for Young Women in Our Virgin Islands Communities.

Minister Skerrit is a dynamic leader and dedicated advocate for women’s empowerment and youth advancement in the Caribbean. 

The Minister began her visit with a successful opening event on St. Croix in which Dr. Safiya George, President of the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) delivered a keynote address to UVI students and faculty. Dr. George is a trailblazer in higher education and healthcare innovation and provided students with inspiring insights into her many academic and professional achievements rooted in service and purpose. 

A luncheon in St. Thomas followed the St. Croix event where Minister Skerrit delivered the keynote address at a luncheon at Government House in Charlotte Amalie. 

Spearheaded by the U.S. Department of Tourism under the leadership of Deputy Commissioner RoseAnne Farrington, the Future Female Leaders Luncheon was a transformative initiative that engaged 12th-grade girls from across the Territory, offering them mentorship, leadership development, and career exposure from accomplished women in tourism, business, and public service. 

“You not only motivated our future female leaders but also provided them with the confidence and encouragement they need to pursue their dreams fearlessly,” said Deputy Commissioner Farrington.

“It was my pleasure and my honor to be invited by the Governor and RoseAnne Farrington, and for the kind hospitality that I received,” said Minister Skerrit. “I also greatly enjoyed the opportunity to meet with Dominicans who reside on the beautiful island of St. Thomas. I look forward to seeing all of the young and aspiring women in leadership, who I had the pleasure of speaking with, blossom in their journeys!”

“I was honored to welcome Commissioner Skerrit to the Virgin Islands,” said Governor Bryan. “Her presence at this important event symbolizes the strength of regional collaboration and sends a powerful message to our young women about the limitless possibilities that lie before them. Commissioner Skerrit is a role model whose voice and vision will surely resonate with the future leaders of our Virgin Islands.”

Together, these two impactful events represent a cornerstone of the Bryan-Roach Administration’s broader efforts to empower Virgin Islands youth with the tools, connections, and inspiration they need to lead with confidence and vision. Minister Skerrit’s visit affirms the Virgin Islands’ proud place in a Caribbean community united by purpose, leadership, and shared aspirations for a brighter future.