Got TIPS or BREAKING NEWS? Please call 1-284-442-8000 direct/can also WhatsApp same number or Email ALL news to:newsvino@outlook.com;                               ads call 1-284-440-6666

Branson using 'Belongership status' to mortgage VI property - Skelton-Cline

- calls on Gov't to comb agreement & conditions of Necker Island sale
ZBVI radio moderator and Social Commentator, Mr Claude O. Skelton-Cline has called on the Government of the Virgin Islands to review the original sale agreement of 'Necker Island' to British Billionaire, Sir Richard C.N. Branson following revelations that he plans to mortgage his VI property to aid in the bailout of Virgin Airlines. Photo: VINO/File/Twitter
Mr Branson plans to use the Necker Island property as social security to raise a £500m loan from the UK Government in order to offset the drop in Virgin Atlantic's business as a result of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. This he says will save as many jobs as possible. Photo: Virgin Atlantic
Mr Branson plans to use the Necker Island property as social security to raise a £500m loan from the UK Government in order to offset the drop in Virgin Atlantic's business as a result of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. This he says will save as many jobs as possible. Photo: Virgin Atlantic
BAUGHERS BAY, Tortola, VI - Commentator and consultant, Mr Claude O. Skelton-Cline has called on the Government of the Virgin Islands (VI) to review the original sale agreement of Necker Island to British billionaire Sir Richard C.N. Branson, following revelations he plans to mortgage his VI property to aid in the bailout of Virgin Atlantic airline.

Mr Skelton-Cline made the call on the Monday, April 21, 2020, edition of his 'Honestly Speaking' radio show, alleging that because Mr Branson is holding Belongership status in the Territory, he can do as he likes with the land in terms of having the same rights as locals; however, the commentator urged Government to explore if they can have a say in his proposition.

Cabinet approval not required - Skelton-Cline 

"We, on one hand, can get up in arms about that... because Sir Richard Branson is now a Belonger, he doesn't have a Non-Belongers landholders licence [therefore] anybody who has [that] licence, any change of hands, anything at all that has to do with that particular piece of property, always will require Cabinet's approval." 

"But if Sir Richard and anybody else who has been deemed to belong to this country holds a piece of property, they do not need government's approval," Skelton-Cline implored. 

According to the 'Man of the Cloth', "What now needs to happen when we see matters like these, our government now needs to review that agreement to see what if any conditions are in that sale, and what they need to be looking for, is that do we as a country have first right of refusal," he said.

COVID-19 & saving job 

Branson plans to use the Necker Island property as security to raise a £500m loan from the UK Government in order to offset the drop in Virgin Atlantic's business as a result of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. This he says will save as many jobs as possible.

Skelton-Cline said the VI, therefore, should have the right to be able to have oversight in a deal like that, "but you see you can't do these things when the paste is already, out of the tube. First of all, I am never in favour of selling islands. I don't know what that was about back then."  

He said going forward, VI properties should instead be leased and the Virgin Islands on a whole should work on securing as much land its as possible, "When you lose your land, you lose your country," urging the people 'responsible' to analyse the original sale agreement.

'Just a Loan' - Branson 

Branson in correspondence to Skelton-Cline on the impacts of COVID-19 on his business assured that the proposal to the UK Government is only a loan.

"It is just that, a loan that would be repaid [and] as the Premier [Andrew A. Fahie (R1)] has said in our fight for the BVI, together we will come we will come through this, together we will win."

61 Responses to “Branson using 'Belongership status' to mortgage VI property - Skelton-Cline”

  • Stop It (21/04/2020, 14:29) Like (48) Dislike (17) Reply
    Branson is a good ambassodor for the BVI..As soon as thing get a little ruff with people u all forget the good they did...
    • Why (21/04/2020, 22:08) Like (13) Dislike (4) Reply
      Base on the English report He still has 4.7 Billion in the bank, so why he is asking for 500 Million bailouts. I don't get it.
      • @Why (22/04/2020, 14:11) Like (13) Dislike (1) Reply
        Because he is a business man and knows how and when to leverage... making his money and assets work..that is how business works. It is an elementary skill in the world of finance. Most of us in the VI cannot understand and do not have the knowledge and the skill. This is why,even with assets we remain barely with our heads above water but convince ourselves we are all that .
        • Yep (23/04/2020, 04:22) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
          Amen to that. Until people get financially literate they will forever be where they are.
    • Ambassador (22/04/2020, 15:54) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      For who?
  • naughty (21/04/2020, 14:37) Like (28) Dislike (8) Reply
    Hmm Mr COS-C, I hope you are not discriminating against a fellow belonger because he is white. Are you -accepting that the BVI should have a right of first refusal on all your property? Are you going to transfer all your property to the crown and then lease it back. The Cuba model - except it does not apply to important people in Cuba!
    • Comment (22/04/2020, 16:01) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
      He has separated himself from our society, he does not know much about us personally.
  • how much (21/04/2020, 14:50) Like (9) Dislike (17) Reply
    how much money will this territory gets from the transaction the chairperson of cabinet could be in favor, local government hands tied because Sir UK got them wrapped around his middle finger thanks to N.D.P: are we just taxing money gram or western union money transaction.....
  • Lipidee (21/04/2020, 14:55) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    This man asking a question when clearly he has also answered it. This is a provocation . Would he sit and let his airline and part of his empire perish ? SMH.
  • BigBoxOfCornflakes (21/04/2020, 14:58) Like (28) Dislike (2) Reply
    No Clause, wealth is for you alone. You in all melee. Man just go skidding!
  • My girl (21/04/2020, 15:07) Like (17) Dislike (19) Reply
    How did Richard Branson get belongership status, that what I want to know.
    • Ummm (21/04/2020, 15:49) Like (45) Dislike (8) Reply
      Because he has been here for over 40 years and contributed lots to the community.
      • Like What? (21/04/2020, 19:34) Like (8) Dislike (19) Reply
        ...Petitioning past government officials to stop the shark fishing industry? Why would the BVI government allow the sale of an Entire island to a foreign entity? This man is a complete stranger to the BVI community, he knows nothing and cares nothing for our traditions or culture.
        • Sick (22/04/2020, 08:14) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
          Some of u people just like to talk, after Irma what u did for the BVI people how many people u help start a business in the BVI you ever put money into anything in the BVI for the BVI people to use that was needed?
          • @sick (22/04/2020, 16:49) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
            It’s always about money with many of you! Jesus Christ took care of my ancestors during Hurricane years of straw houses dwellings and we made out just fine. That’s always a motive in the heart to everything a person does, that’s how my Lord Jesus judges man’s contributions to society. If he was in Europe do you think he would be given anything to the BVI? Please!
      • to ummm (22/04/2020, 11:28) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
        What has he contributed to the BVI?
        • james (16/05/2020, 12:01) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          Maybe he should have built an oil refinery or chemical process plant on Necker,,,,,,,lots of good blue collar jobs for BVI. Would that have made you happy?
      • @Ummm (22/04/2020, 15:53) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
        List a few, cause I have never seen this man walk the streets of Tortola yet. He knows and cares nothing about our culture or tradition. He bought himself a stay.
    • Hmmm (21/04/2020, 21:55) Like (6) Dislike (5) Reply
      My own bad mind people stop it. Don't watch Claude. He likes to bark.
    • tretretrete (22/04/2020, 08:52) Like (5) Dislike (4) Reply
      Anyone that invest over 1M into a country can get status. It’s nothing new. He’s invested more into the BVI than asking for...... We the BVI people forget so fast!!
      • ? (22/04/2020, 16:06) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
        So anyone that gives the BVI $1 million can get status here? According to Credit Suisse's new Global Wealth Report 2017, there are now 36 million millionaires in the world. What you are saying makes no sense at all!!!
  • History (21/04/2020, 15:13) Like (18) Dislike (7) Reply
    Careful there Claude. His ancestors probably owned some of yours. Have a happy day !
  • Just thinking (21/04/2020, 15:28) Like (31) Dislike (1) Reply
    Do you suppose Claude hates being black ?
  • ? (21/04/2020, 15:40) Like (5) Dislike (5) Reply
    Jack that's none of your damn business
  • for real (21/04/2020, 16:03) Like (37) Dislike (2) Reply

    So if the man wants to take out a mortgage on his property he has to ask cline permission.
    Who did cline ask for permission to mortgage his property.

  • old (21/04/2020, 16:15) Like (5) Dislike (4) Reply
    Branson get belonger ship status because he have Money.And not he alone ,You more like him..
    • @ old (21/04/2020, 16:29) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      some will think you discriminating but once you come here with money, automatically you get your residency papers and before the sun sets you are a belonger(bank book rule) Thank God for that fast track system because some folk in BVI from when Adman was a lad and only recent got freedom(no deep pockets)
      • @@ old (21/04/2020, 16:51) Like (10) Dislike (7) Reply
        Fair enough.
        You bring something to the table, you are an ASSET, have a seat at the table. You also have the option to leave.
        You bring empty pockets and a handful of gimmee with bad hehaviour and ingratitude,you are a LIABILITY, take crumbs.
        You too have the option to leave.
      • @@old (21/04/2020, 21:34) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply

        It is the same in the US and other countries...capital in the form of cash brings job dodo bird.
  • for real (21/04/2020, 16:36) Like (12) Dislike (8) Reply
    Branson did not get a loan from the UK and from Australia because he did not pay any income taxes for the last 14 years since he called the BVI his home all these guys does is use us here for what they can get that’s all check what’s going on what have he done for this country versus what this country has done for him purchase nicker island in 1988 for $300,000.00 that’s right three hundred thousand dollars and the said value
    In 2008 was over $150 million dollars and what is the government of the BVI getting in taxes ? You tell me .what did the government of the BVI get from the chess of treasure on the island . Maybe he might want to tell you ,so if you don’t know ask or research something.
    • those in favour (21/04/2020, 19:33) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
      For real///it is great to know the face of adversity someone see it fit to call those things as thou there were. It is remarkable how when you speak in your homeland you get all manner of reprisals
  • Blackbeard's Duppy (21/04/2020, 18:54) Like (2) Dislike (8) Reply
    Yes you are correct that he found a treasure chest as workers were excavating in 2016. What really has happened to the BVI national treasure? Branson needs to answer this promptly!
    • lodger (21/04/2020, 21:46) Like (9) Dislike (3) Reply
      That was an elaborate joke! God, some of you people are gullible!,
  • Are you All Crazy (21/04/2020, 20:16) Like (25) Dislike (3) Reply
    It is Mr. Brandson's prpoerty he can do as he please! You can tell some of my people in the BVI don't understand how large business work. I truly feel sorry for some of you as you will drown the BVI with your ignorance, just for publicity.
  • Voterlist (21/04/2020, 20:17) Like (13) Dislike (3) Reply
    Who authorized this man who branded himself as a Freedom Fighter to represent us? We rejected him some years ago and he still does not get the message. He should have been one of the first persons to volunteer to go out there helping to serve his people, even if it is to deliver care packages or in some other public capacity.
  • Wow!! (21/04/2020, 20:39) Like (13) Dislike (1) Reply
    People we need to change. When he gives, it’s all good, but now he’s in trouble it’s a problem. If you want to be that way then the country/government at the time should NOT accept charity from people. Come on people. I thought hurricane Irma would have changed our mentality, but I was so wrong. It was a temporary change. I’m praying that the Corona virus does induce a positive change.
    • @Wow!! (22/04/2020, 16:12) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Let’s take a vote, how many believe his many is in real trouble? You truly do not understand what trouble is.
  • trrefdrfds (21/04/2020, 20:58) Like (22) Dislike (3) Reply
    Branson bought Becker island from one of you so called indigenous bvi lander and yes so called because none of us are indigenous bvi lander's. This was never the black man land in the first place. The white man came and stole it and then give some and sold some to our fore parents. Branson son is a belonger by birth. Cline you need to get your story straight first u like to stir up confusion to often now. Government has nothing and cannot do anything about Branson legal property. Don't you Cline have property?? Do you want the government to tell you when and when not to mortgage yours?? I believe am going to live long enough to see you destroy your own self a second time. Take my word for it you are going to and this time its domes day for you.
    • @Truth (22/04/2020, 20:42) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
      When you are telling a story tell the whole truth not half truths, this is always the issue throughout history when you let someone tell your peoples history. We are as indigenous as it comes after the Europeans killed off All of the first inhabitants. Gave who some?? Europeans gave us what? We bought just about ever peace of land we own in the territory from the crown, and if they did, we earned that too ‘with slavery’. You have to be kidding? How can you steal something from someone that you killed off the face of the earth. Look stop trying to pass as a BVIslander who cannot tell a story. Ridiculous human being!
  • Puppet (21/04/2020, 21:10) Like (5) Dislike (3) Reply
    This titt on both government past and present.$40 million over run on pier park no one was jailed.they bought ferries to run Disney passengers.
    • good (21/04/2020, 22:23) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Yea yea puppet u got it right. Crooks
    • TALK THAT (21/04/2020, 22:27) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Puppet look like the ferries was a bad deal cause they just park up well 40 million lots to pay off for them lol
  • short man (21/04/2020, 21:14) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Claude who?
  • BranstonPickle (21/04/2020, 22:56) Like (3) Dislike (4) Reply
    @manofthecock

    Dude he can’t mortgage necker easily. Needs a license for enforcement without a local bank. I don’t think FCIB and others are lining up to give a $100m loan.

    Good luck to him. He has helped the people of Virgin Gorda with his hurricane funds which were raised for the people of the BVI. Tortola not so much, but any help is a help, right?

    Virgin is an important link for the Caribbean. But the loan needs to be with a big warrant and or equity stake. The galactic project needs to be sold.
  • Citizen (22/04/2020, 00:43) Like (15) Dislike (3) Reply
    Iḿ a bit confused. If, as a belonger, I have my land and want to mortgage it with a bank or anyone who wants to loan me huge sums of money, how is that any of the Governments business, let alone some silly talk show host who wants his hand in everything? How is it any of the governments business what Sir Branson does or doesnt do with Necker? its His own. Its true what one of these comments stated which is, people forget the good you at their convenience.
  • ReX FeRal (22/04/2020, 01:04) Like (4) Dislike (8) Reply
    No foreign person should be owning Islands in the Virgin Islands. Lease yeah, own no. Ok. Bitch now
    • lodger (22/04/2020, 08:16) Like (8) Dislike (2) Reply
      If an island is owned by a local family, as they all were, and they want to sell, who is going to get involved in leasing?
      Not the government. How many islands still owned locals have been developed? How many now owned by others have not been developed or preserved, providing jobs, business and wealth to the country?
      • Developed? (22/04/2020, 16:36) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        If I own an island for 100 years, it is mine to develop or to leave as a national park etc. as did Rockefeller, but because we are Black owners we should not own an undeveloped island? What? It’s not fear to the world? Let me be very clear... who God ‘the maker of the universe’ has blessed no man on God’s green earth can curse or take away’. That’s why a lot of you don’t believe in a God, because He gives and takes away from you because of your evil inhumanity and you cannot do anything about it as much as you try your best to. We need better land sale policies in the BVI that’s all.
    • josiah'sbay (22/04/2020, 09:01) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
      ReX FeRal, I agree with you 100%. Not even the Queen should own land in the VI. For a territory that is seeking self determination it make no sense that your colonizer should own any of your resources. The resources of the VI should be own by the people of the VI. If we discover oil, gold whatever do you think that the Queen would give its control and usage to the VI. We should petition the U.N. for control and ownership of all VI resources to be own and control by the people of the VI through our government. We spend enough money on nonsense we should use some monies to make legal challenges to our current state of unbalance and unfair relation with the U.K.
  • ReX FeRal (22/04/2020, 08:27) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    Claude Skelton-Cline needs to stop. Period
  • Challenger (22/04/2020, 10:26) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    mr. Skelton-cline.
    i dont understand what you are suggesting...are you looking for a way for government to capitalise on someone trying to raise funds using their own assests ?.... or are you saying he has no right to use his own property in this way..why are you asking to investigate a property sale which took place in the 70's. why dont you spend your time investivating the 40 mill vanishing act at TPP. or the million $ wall ...dig untll you get answers....oh ..i get it.......hes not "from" here. oh and while you are at it...could you pls investivate your self and submit what value for money you gave us on your government contract with the cruiseship industry last year...90k for 6 months wasnt it. i may of course be wrong on that...so if it wasnt you..could you pls investigate that ans ask the questions. thankyou
  • $5 (22/04/2020, 11:18) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    What is the size of the island?
  • Own biz (22/04/2020, 11:22) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
    Mr. Skelton-Cline needs to mind his own business.
  • Stop & Check (22/04/2020, 13:09) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    For all those who stood beyond No Sale of Land but Lease.....how just lease will hinder needed development?
  • nonsense (22/04/2020, 19:56) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
    I am here 30 years now and when i came, Bronson had already the island and making money for these islands. So why he should not be a Belonger?
    The good pauster is just deceitful and grudgeful.
    • @nonsense (22/04/2020, 20:55) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
      Go to America and live there for 30 years and tell Trump that you wish to purchase a few of the States in America, ‘all the undeveloped land’ and see how the citizens feel about that.
  • legal team (22/04/2020, 20:16) Like (11) Dislike (2) Reply
    Whenever we talk about who belongs to the virgin islands,it is very important to refer to the virgin islands constitution order,2007, which is the supreme law of the bvi.

    Chapter 1 of the interpretations defines who belong to the virgin islands.

    In relation to Sir Richard Branson,the virgin islands constitution order states:-

    [" For the purposes of this constitution,a person belongs to the virgin islands if that person-
    (f) is a person to whom a certificate of has been granted under section 16 of the immigration and passport act 1977 of the virgin islands xxxx"]

    Accordingly,Sir Richard Branson is a citizen of the virgin islands and has all the rights and privileges which goes with citizenship.

    Sir Richard has a right to own land in the virgin islands,and he has a right to sell his land if he so choses.
    There is nothing discriminatory in the constitution,which states that a person born in the v.i from a mother or father who at the time of the birth,belonged to the v.i, and that such person has more rights than a person who became a citizen under section 16 of the immigration act.

    That is the kind of behavior which bothers me in the bvi with my bvi people.
    If the constitution declared the man a belonger,the man is a citizen.
    Whether he is a billionaire or zeronaire,he is a citizen.

    Sir Richard has done good service to his fellow citizens in the bvi.
    lets live in peace and harmony.

    one love.
    • @legal team (22/04/2020, 21:03) Like (1) Dislike (4) Reply
      Remember laws can be changed, and people can lose their status in every country in the world in which it is granted.
      • Manabouttown (22/04/2020, 22:38) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
        I do agreed that laws can be amended, however should that happens I will declare a legal battle with any state All written laws has intention.
        What was the intention of Parliament when they created the section of laws as mentioned by legal team?
        I am putting it to you that you are not familiar with the laws of the Virgin islands. I suggested that you get copies of the laws and be aquatinted with such.
      • legal team (23/04/2020, 07:06) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
        laws can be changed?
        Offcourse the laws of any country or territory, can be amended or repealed [changed]
        The immigration and passport ordinance,makes provisions,for person granted belongers status to lose that status under certain circumstances to include:-

        (a) "If a person has shown himself by act or speech to be disloyal or disaffected towards Her Majesty,the Queen",

        and there are about 6 other reason written in law under the immigration act,when a person can be stripped of belonger status.

        But for time being,sir branson does not fall in this category.
        Sir branson,in 2020 is and remained a citizen of the UK's British Overseas Territory of the BVI.

        Sir Branson is a UK citizen with right of abode in the BVI,as a bvi citizen.


Create a comment


Create a comment

Disclaimer: Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) welcomes your thoughts, feedback, views, bloggs and opinions. However, by posting a blogg you are agreeing to post comments or bloggs that are relevant to the topic, and that are not defamatory, liable, obscene, racist, abusive, sexist, anti-Semitic, threatening, hateful or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be excluded permanently from making contributions. Please view our declaimer above this article. We thank you in advance for complying with VINO's policy.

Follow Us On

Disclaimer: All comments posted on Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) are the sole views and opinions of the commentators and or bloggers and do not in anyway represent the views and opinions of the Board of Directors, Management and Staff of Virgin Islands News Online and its parent company.