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Clyde Lettsome tipped to be new BVI Ports Authority Chairman

Retired Permanent Secretary Clyde Lettsome, who served in three government ministries, has been tipped to be the new Chairman of the BVI Ports Authority Board, according to our newsroom’s National Democratic Party sources close to the matter. He is expected to replace J. Edward De Castro (right) who opted not to have his three-year tenure as Board Chairman renewed after it ended last year September 2015. Photo: Oil Nut Bay/VINO/File
The Chairman of the Ports Board will report to the Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Mark H. Vanterpool (R4), left, who has the portfolio of all Ports in the Territory. One of Mr Lettsome’s first order of business will be to help in the recruitment of a new Managing Director (MD) for the BVI Ports Authority or the renewal of the contract of the former MD Claude O. Skelton-Cline (right). Photo: VINO/File
The Chairman of the Ports Board will report to the Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Mark H. Vanterpool (R4), left, who has the portfolio of all Ports in the Territory. One of Mr Lettsome’s first order of business will be to help in the recruitment of a new Managing Director (MD) for the BVI Ports Authority or the renewal of the contract of the former MD Claude O. Skelton-Cline (right). Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Retired Permanent Secretary Clyde Lettsome, who served in three government ministries, has been tipped to be the new Chairman of the BVI Ports Authority Board, according to our newsroom’s National Democratic Party sources close to the matter.

He is expected to replace J. Edward De Castro who opted not to have his three-year tenure as Board Chairman renewed after it ended last year September 2015.

Lettsome, who before his 2011 retirement from the civil service served as a Permanent Secretary in the then Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Premier’s Office and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour, will have his hands full as the eyes of the people are on the alleged corruption surrounding the Tortola Pier Park Project.

The Ports is governed by a board comprised of a Chairman, Deputy Chairman, five members and three ex officio members.

Chairman’s Job

If confirmed by the Cabinet of Premier Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith, Mr Lettsome will take over a troubled agency (government statutory body) that has been rocked by some four years of scandal and fallout over the Ports Development Project.

One of Mr Lettsome’s first order of business will be to help in the recruitment of a new Managing Director (MD) for the BVI Ports Authority or the renewal of the contract of the former MD Claude O. Skelton-Cline. To date, there has been no decision to renew Mr Skelton-Cline’s contract after it expired the first week in December 2015.

There has been intense lobbying by the ruling party’s base, for and against the contract renewal.

The Chairman of the Ports Board will report to the Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Mark H. Vanterpool (R4), who has the portfolio of all Ports in the Territory.

Mr Lettsome has also served on the BVI Airports Board.

After his retirement from the public service, Mr Lettsome went to work in the private sector with Oil Nut Bay on Virgin Gorda, as the Director of Government and Community Affairs and Human Resources.

The Oil Nut Bay property is own by millionaire David V. Johnson, as part of his Victor International group of companies.

Ports scandal new voice: Hugh E. Darley

The chorus of the calls for an investigation into the Ports Development Project and confirmation of what was said in the two reports have come to light again. This time a former insider, considered the architect of the project, Hugh E. Darley, President of I D E A, Inc., has verified many of what the reports have claimed.

In the Virgin Islands, for two days more than a week ago, Mr Darley spoke to many of the local media, including our newsroom.

He confirmed in his interview that the people of the Virgin Islands did not get value for money on the Ports Development Project. He claimed that the NDP government through the BVI Ports Authority utilised cheap building material and cut back on the number of buildings at the Tortola Pier Park Project.

Mr Darley told our newsroom that the ports development project was to be built for $45 million but the estimates for the project is approaching well over $75 million USD.

The President of his company, with years of experience in the cruise sector industry, Mr Darley also made serious allegations that some $10 Million dollars was overpaid to contractors and others on the marine work portion of the project.

He confirmed what both the House of Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee and the Auditor General said that Hon Mark H. Vantperpool (R4) was pulling the strings on the project. When pressed by our newsroom on this Mr Darley said he is willing to provide the evidence to the UK or anyone to back up his claims.

The former ports project coordinator called on the powers that be to conduct an investigation into the project, something Governor John S. Duncan OBE has refused to do. When told that the local appointed Governor refused to investigate the project despite two reports claiming corruption, Mr Darley said he had already approached the United Kingdom to investigate this project since “your governor seems to have no interest in doing so.”

57 Responses to “Clyde Lettsome tipped to be new BVI Ports Authority Chairman”

  • Boo (02/01/2016, 10:46) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
    Just like potter mark will not get him handle...
    • white house (02/01/2016, 22:53) Like (13) Dislike (2) Reply
      All those who were in charge in the NDP government shaking in their boots now . Why they scared? Because all the mess they did is about to be exposed.
      • Not So Easy (04/01/2016, 22:49) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Nothing to expose. When the people of Biras Creek was crying and in anger where was Mr. Lettsome so
        If you think any thing would come out I got news for you. By the way what is there to hide every check, wire transfer etc always have more than one signature. So if any thing have to come out more than one person have to give account don't be fool. Its not so easy . if you ever find one signature there is a red flag trust me thing to talk then.
  • wize up (02/01/2016, 10:51) Like (8) Dislike (10) Reply
    Lettsome is a good choice for the post( so is it bye bye to Cline )
    • Concerned (04/01/2016, 11:01) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
      Now, Mr. Lettsome is very qualified for the post BUT his present job at Oil Nut Bay would be a huge CONFLICT OF INTEREST and he should not have such a position in government...and I say no more on that issue....
  • BVI positions (02/01/2016, 11:08) Like (27) Dislike (2) Reply
    Hopefully one day people who are actually experienced, trained and qualified to do these jobs will be appointed. Someone in hospital management and administration will run the hospital, when someone trained likewise in ports and all the rest will get to do what they know how to do. No offence to the good gentleman. What would happen if a police was not heading the force? Some stuff are unique to our shores
    • answer (02/01/2016, 12:21) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
      A good administrator who respects others opinions, although the final decision his/hers would do well at Police. Don't bat what the force may well need until it is fixed in there. Ports is no different.
    • wize up (02/01/2016, 14:39) Like (4) Dislike (11) Reply
      @ BVI position; would you rather some blue eye boy from overseas; let the VI Landers develop their territory
      • @wize up (02/01/2016, 19:14) Like (14) Dislike (6) Reply
        OK then. I am a Belonger and have a few papers. I don't know the different between a yacht, a ferry and a dinghy, nor the difference between a dock and a side-walk. Put me in with all of my papers and see what happens. From here or not, doesn't cut it. Let's face it. Our people are NOT qualified for a lot of stuff that's why we are how we are.
        • wize up (03/01/2016, 07:38) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
          @ wize up:- as you noted you are a belonger with a few papers but not duly qualified to function adequately at ports ...don't you think its about time our leaders see about education the VI Landers in those areas where they intend to develop such as the marine industry: in 2015 the hospital was opened it took about 12 years were any arrangements made to educate VI Landers for leadership positions in that facality: all I am saying or even asking when will the VI Landers became masters of their own destiny; It is just a matter of grooming the VI Landers from the high school level to take up management post as the territory develop: I left BVI High around 1980 and we had the same issue back them simply because we were not educated in the areas where the territory has heading...my question, wont you fell proud to see the VI Lander in strategic positions as the territory develops; I personally know that persons were brought in to this territory to take up post and they did not do a good job but got loads of money on 3 years contracts....the key here is the educating of the youth in specific areas; we have loads of VI attornies and accounts but that scope needs to be more diverse..let me say this somewhere out there is a VI Lander that is qualified to fill that post but he or she might not be friend of a friend in government or will not be paid the salary requested
        • betty (03/01/2016, 18:45) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
          @wize up. We have belongers here who are vry much qualified for that Ports position but, they aredont intend to kiss butts for the position. Who wants to be caught up in that Ports mess.
      • @ wize up (02/01/2016, 19:41) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
        Like how we developed BVIEC, Water & Sewerage Dept, and Public Works?
      • Ajic (03/01/2016, 07:18) Like (9) Dislike (6) Reply
        We have plenty of expats in positions and all they have done is to line their pockets and takeadvantage oof our people. We just need to train our people to lead theircountry .
    • What a ting to tell the king (03/01/2016, 11:24) Like (5) Dislike (3) Reply
      Most of you are talking about a subject you know nothing about. A chairman and directors on a board do not need to be experts to manage. They are well educated and knowledgable about business. If they need information they know how to go about getting it. They are not running the day to day operations. They get reports and they are capable of doing research on their own.

      By the way in most hospitals Doctors don't run the hospital and corporations that own these hospitals have a very good reason for that. Doctors are good when it comes to the medical field but most are terrible in Business. Even when they own their own practice a hire an office administrator to run the business.

      Clive Lettsome is a respected fair and intelligent BVI landers that plays it by the book. The Premier knows why he is planning to put him in that position. He is over qualified if anything and really does not need a government job

      Wake up
    • Boo (03/01/2016, 21:55) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      Their are qualified BVIslanders to do many of the key jobs in the Territory including those you speak of. They simply refuse to be political hand puppets, and take crap unprofessional treatment, or pay. These BVIslanders will neither take nor be offered those positions.

      Instead what we have is poorly qualified expats, party hacks, and those who rise to their level of incompetence in accordance with the "Peter Principle". Hospital and Ports are cases in point. Police thankfully is out of the politicians hands but still a mess. This sadly is the situation across the Ministries, departments, and statutory boards.
  • SW (02/01/2016, 11:19) Like (8) Dislike (4) Reply
    Good man
  • Mainstream Observer (02/01/2016, 11:20) Like (21) Dislike (2) Reply
    I guess since all has gone pretty much as government planned at Oil Nut Bay, they need their boy somewhere new.
    • virgin gorda (03/01/2016, 22:32) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
      TROUBLE MAKER ----------- BOY GO AND PITCH SOME MARBLES SOME WHERE NAH
  • Charley Rose (02/01/2016, 11:22) Like (31) Dislike (10) Reply
    Ha-Ha-Ha. Mr. Clyde Lettsome will serve the interest of the people and we will get value for money. It is rather late, however, he will serve above board. No nonsense will pass him. Hugh Darley has broken the basket and spill all the eggs onto the floor of the Road Town harbour. Honourable Andrew Fahie has been saying the same thing and NO ONE listens to him. Moon light does run until day catch him. Minister Vanterpool will have to buy fans to cool him down if the fire burn him too. Wait for the British Government to act.
  • chad (02/01/2016, 11:28) Like (21) Dislike (1) Reply
    The NDP gravy train continues
    • @@@@@ (02/01/2016, 22:58) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
      THOSE ARE THE TYPICAL dUNCess AND PUPPET MASTERS. THE SAME ONES WE SAW DOWN AT THE TAXI STANDS. NOT A CLUE!. TRIBAL POLITICS!
  • well saw (02/01/2016, 11:30) Like (19) Dislike (0) Reply
    He is going there to protect the Cuban and his interest because they are the same thing. The early morning walking gang strikes again.
  • clyde don't know port from staboard (02/01/2016, 11:31) Like (27) Dislike (3) Reply
    john samuel or dave smith will be better to run the ports.
    • wize up (02/01/2016, 14:44) Like (7) Dislike (4) Reply
      @ Clyde: are John & Dave in the NDP circle; the education guy must be pissed his buddy from the bay not getting the post!
    • Observer (02/01/2016, 19:45) Like (12) Dislike (2) Reply
      I endorse John Samuel. The other fella is CSC in disguise.
  • pep (02/01/2016, 11:32) Like (19) Dislike (2) Reply
    This is just another NDP reward.
  • oh (02/01/2016, 11:34) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    So that's why he always down by the white house. They send him to kill who & what they want killed & resurrect who they want resurrect. Well don't forget those who left the service under a heavy cloud of conflict of interest.
    • one one (02/01/2016, 12:47) Like (1) Dislike (11) Reply
      Hope he is running against fahie next election
      • @one one (02/01/2016, 17:35) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
        That's a good new year's laugh. To represent people you have to love all people not just the ones who you consider to be the high, mighty & Iinfluential. He is DEAD ON ARRIVAL!
  • shaw (02/01/2016, 11:45) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply

    I find it interesting that Clyde used to be on the Airport authority and then later working for ONB when the airport is presumably being expanded for the benefit of ONB. J*****n is an opportunist much in the Trump vein.
    I am not convinced that Clyde will iron out any allegations depending on his friendship with Mark Vanterpool.
    In other words, the pool of candidates is quite small and most drink the same kool aide. How is that going to help?
    One saving grace--- maybe he can figure out how to get more ferries to West End from St Thomas coordinated with air flights. Forcing people to Road Town and east end is ridiculous when they live on west end.

  • JVD (02/01/2016, 12:57) Like (1) Dislike (16) Reply
    the best man for the job
  • insider (02/01/2016, 14:53) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    So another paper written outside the ministry of works lord
  • anyways (02/01/2016, 15:11) Like (19) Dislike (1) Reply
    The more things change the more they remain the same...it only looks different because the new one seems up standing to those who don't know better.
  • Crap (02/01/2016, 15:54) Like (19) Dislike (0) Reply
    the man done retired can someone else not get the job and let a retired man just stay retied
    • Music (02/01/2016, 18:37) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
      Agree 100%. All those jobs and then retired once and worked after. He is too old and inexperienced in the subject. There are others appointed like him. This is not encouraging younger locals to attain experience for top jobs.
  • sad in vg (02/01/2016, 15:58) Like (14) Dislike (1) Reply
    Johnson and oil but bay will now own and control the poet. What a thing
  • qc (02/01/2016, 16:26) Like (5) Dislike (5) Reply
    Clyde is the man but the minister is the issue
  • Van Dyke (02/01/2016, 17:33) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    The minister is the money hawk and have all the issues .
    PWD And water and sewerage need A over hauling and better management Pearline need not to manage water sewage worst department in government.
  • bvi (02/01/2016, 19:17) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    Ahhh come on! Cant there be an appointment without having to be a political soldier? i mean he being good or not, cant we have a Government that appoint someone without it being political?
  • farmer brown (02/01/2016, 21:14) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Vino you all have too much insiders
  • dog man (02/01/2016, 22:21) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    a rat can only find a other rat to mind the cheeseeeee.
  • Lily Ann (02/01/2016, 22:42) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    Why all the fuss, this part of the local politics, we are corrupted to the core.I want to see corruption outlawed and to never show its dirty face again.
    • wize up (03/01/2016, 09:47) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
      @ lily Ann: well written and you have such a great point; some of these job offers are simply political appointment has nothing to do with knowledge of the subject matter
  • Look now (03/01/2016, 08:50) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    He was PS for the Greenhouses. What could possibly do at the ports!
  • Wowwy (03/01/2016, 10:53) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    We out for more trouble if he handles the port the same way he handled the greenhouses.
    • wize up (03/01/2016, 12:39) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
      @ wowwy: in defense of Lettsome don't hold him liable for the greenhouses; the government changed hands as a matter of fact the maduro guy was asked to deal with that project but somehow could not make the grade; yep! that someone on radio bashing everything had the golden opportunity to move that greenhouse project forward and did nothing...
  • chad (03/01/2016, 14:41) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
    Another NDP. Is he giving up oil nut ? Let us hope that this is not to give more to oil nut bay. We know they have some politicians in their pockets.
  • Struggling Man (03/01/2016, 23:11) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    These political appointments are sickening and stink of corruption. All these positions should be advertised and a committee appointed by the governor to recruit the best person for the job.
  • Dulcina (04/01/2016, 20:03) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    .Best wishes in your new assignment Mr Lettsome.
    May the forces be with you.
    Advice: Do not read the blogs unless you are in need of a hearty laugh.
  • conflict of interest (04/01/2016, 23:13) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Mr. Minister you need God to direct your path. These are troubling times stop hold in a little while seek the face of God for your self and the Country. Don't let head knowledge fool you for God sake. Call some prayer warriors to help you. Those you can trust and depend on.


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