Claude O. Skelton-Cline lawsuit heats up! Each Cabinet Member served!
He is seeking Leave for a Judicial Review (JD) on his non-renewal of contract as Managing Director (MD) of the BVI Ports Authority. Skelton-Cline’s attorneys are Monique Peters from the law firm of Hunte & Co, and Jamaican Attorney Tana’ania Small-Davis.
Each Cabinet Member served
The former MD, who had his first day in court on March 15, 2016, had his Attorneys amend the case file from just ‘versus the Attorney General’ to having each of the five Ministers of Government, as well as the Governor and Attorney General, be party to the lawsuit.
It is our newsroom’s understanding that all Ministers of Government, along with the Governor John S. Duncan OBE have been served with the legal papers.
While there seems to be secrecy over the case with the matter not accessible to the public at the Registrar of High Court, it is unclear if the media was allowed into the courtroom on March 15, 2016 as most were unaware of the court hearing that took place at the Commercial Court.
Our newsroom received information that Judge Vicki A. Ellis gave directions to both parties on the next step forward, including dates persons must respond to the Leave for Judicial Review on Skelton-Cline’s complaint.
The matter is heating up where we could see the Governor and Premier Dr The Hon D. Orlando Smith on the stand to explain Cabinet’s decision not to renew Mr Skelton-Cline’s contract.
Background
Mr Skelton-Cline contested the 2011 general elections with the National Democratic Party in District Two. He lost to former legislator J. Alvin Christopher in a four-way race. Mr Christopher received 423 votes to Skelton-Cline’s 339.
Following his election defeat, Mr Skelton-Cline was hired on a close to $100,000 a year contract as a consultant with the Ministry of Communications and Works where he had special over-sight of the NDP Administration’s plan to expand the cruise ship pier.
In 2013 he was appointed Managing Director of the BVI Ports Authority on a three-year contract that ended last year December 2015. According to an NDP source, he requested a renewal before the June 8, 2015 general elections after the BVIPA Board had already advanced an early recommendation for such a renewal.
However, he was reportedly told by Communications and Works Minister Hon Mark H. Vanterpool (R4) and reportedly other Cabinet Ministers to wait until after the 2015 elections.
To date, his contract has not been renewed and he is now unemployed, even after his NDP party won the elections in a landslide.
Recently, the subject Minister Vanterpool said Mr Skelton-Cline has done a good job in executing the Tortola Pier Project but “his assignment is over…time to move on.”
While Government Officials, High Court Registry, Hunte & Co, and the Mr Skelton-Cline are tight lipped on the legal details, it sets up another battle between Government and a private citizen.
Our newsroom will be the first to bring you more details as they become available.
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67 Responses to “Claude O. Skelton-Cline lawsuit heats up! Each Cabinet Member served!”
LOLLLLLL just picture that.
So you will be a witness attesting to the skulduggery? You must be Al..e or a lice member in the clothing of this Gov,trying in vain to bring them down and supporting the libelous bs...geez, you need a good flitting.
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Another Ace for NDP.
Luv it!
1 Could it be that the suit is a legitimate attempt to bring a court case and although prima facie( on the face of it) it does not appear that he has a case maybe just maybe he has some evidence of a promise to renew his contract after the election. Whether it be audio with all the ministers present or in writing. They reneged on the promise and he is suing to recover the loss of income.
2 Could it be that this is just an elaborate plan by all the parties involved to get Cline his money so he could be satisfied and move on. Hush money possibly. Of course they cannot pay him upfront money from the country's coffers so why not concoct this plan to sue and then settle.
3 Could it be that CSC is playing a bluff with this court case in hopes of getting a settlement.
Whatever it is...Leaves for interesting times ahead.
"government then being paid lawfully thousands and in one case millions from the goverment treasury..... oh what a tangle weave".
We the people must hold them accountable. If there is a settlement by the Government should that not be public information??Once we get word of such a settlement of this case we need to march down to Admin office and demand answers.
Would like to know more of the cases that were settled but if it i what you said then more and more it looks like # 2 scenario seems most likely. True you are correct in the fact that we are not united and I believe that the Government is taking this for granted. I assure you that a lot of people are feeling the squeeze and it i just a matter of time before it reaches a boiling point and nothing unites people more than sharing the same frustration and distrust of Government.
dog u need to hand over your paster permit until d case finish
Withdraw it!, NO!
There should not be a reward for corruption.