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Governor has too much power over people who should be free - Skelton-Cline

- says VI should not be in that position in 2020
Pointing to the Virgin Islands Constitution, Order 2007, Social Commentator and radio moderator, Claude O. Skelton-Cline sais it remains concerning how much power the VI Governor and his office has over the territory. Photo: VINO/File/GIS
The current VI Governor Mr Augusts J. U. Jaspert was appointed by the UK and has the power to assent VI bills with oversight of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF). He can also make and remove appointments, handle external affairs and has the power of pardon should the need arise. Photo: Internet Source
The current VI Governor Mr Augusts J. U. Jaspert was appointed by the UK and has the power to assent VI bills with oversight of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF). He can also make and remove appointments, handle external affairs and has the power of pardon should the need arise. Photo: Internet Source
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - Pointing to the Virgin Islands Constitution Order 2007, commentator Mr Claude O. Skelton-Cline said it remains concerning how much power the Virgin Islands' Governor and his office have over the Territory.

"That is an area that I am deeply concerned about when I see so many powers vested in that office as an overseer over people who should be free," he said on the Tuesday, July 14, 2020, edition of the Honestly Speaking radio show on ZBVI 780 AM. 

Governor a representative of UK Monarch 

The current Governor, Mr Augusts J. U. Jaspert, was appointed by the UK and has the power to assent VI bills and has oversight of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) and the Public Service. He can also make and remove appointments, handle external affairs and has the power of pardon should the need arise.

Under Section 27 of the VI Constitution, that Governor can also declare emergencies as in the case of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"A period of public emergency may be declared by the Governor, by proclamation published in the manner provided in subsection (2), when— (a) the well-being or security of the Virgin Islands is threatened by war, invasion, general insurrection, public disorder, natural disaster or other public emergencies."

Emergencies can also be declared when considered necessary to maintain or restore peace and order as per subsection (b).

However, in Section 27, (3), it states that the Governor still has to consult with either the Cabinet or the Premier, but can make public emergency decisions over the Territory at his or her discretion outside of consultations.

Consultations with Cabinet & Premier 

"Before exercising any function under Subsection (1) or (3) or under any law enacted by the legislature to like effect, the Governor shall consult the Cabinet or, if that is not practicable in the circumstances, the Premier; but if in the judgement of the Governor it is impracticable for him or her to consult either the Cabinet or the Premier, the function shall be exercised by the Governor acting in his or her discretion."

Skelton-Cline said with the number of powers the governor has, according to the constitution, the VI should be aware and remain awoke by reading the constitution.

He said Mr Jaspert's office has a 'disproportionate' amount of powers vested in it and that "in this 21st century... we should not be in this position and status."

As the Territory prepares to embark on Constitutional Review with the UK, legislators and the public have agreed that some of the powers of the Governor should be removed.

21 Responses to “Governor has too much power over people who should be free - Skelton-Cline”

  • 911 (16/07/2020, 17:51) Like (2) Dislike (70) Reply
    I agree with clude the white man is bad news
  • w (16/07/2020, 18:18) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    Well Mr Cline u ain't playing u have the stage for your self lol
  • Just my 2 cents (16/07/2020, 19:18) Like (31) Dislike (0) Reply
    Did the Governor gave himself these powers? Did the Governor wrote the Constitution?

    The beauty of freedom of expression.
  • down2earth (16/07/2020, 19:52) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    This reminds me of the Bible story where the Israelites demanded a king...

    With freedom of speech comes responsibility!
  • YOU (16/07/2020, 20:08) Like (17) Dislike (0) Reply
    Why you hating me so lol. Who gave him the powers you all can't get this govenor to bend easily. Bow is a mistake he have his head on. Try your best but he don't have you to study bro.
  • concern (16/07/2020, 20:14) Like (48) Dislike (1) Reply
    Mr Cline, Please do your self a favor. I wonder who really run the Government you or the Premier. Let the people in the Government service do their job without your interference please.
  • cromwell (16/07/2020, 20:20) Like (20) Dislike (0) Reply
    His first paragraph says it all, people that should be free. Just say the word and the UK will make you free in a heartbeat, it’s as simple as that.
  • How (16/07/2020, 22:44) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    i'm free i'm free thank GOD i'm free
  • More Power (17/07/2020, 02:21) Like (22) Dislike (0) Reply
    After the governor is finished with the Pier park, High school wall, BVI Airways etc. we will take a look into his powers. Not too long ago we were saying, the governor not doing enough. Don't try to intimidate and discourage him at this point. We want action!
  • The Queen (17/07/2020, 04:01) Like (7) Dislike (4) Reply
    If you have a problem with the a white man in the seat, next time I will send a black man.
  • Norris Turnbull (17/07/2020, 05:56) Like (31) Dislike (0) Reply
    Claude need to stop. Just stop.
  • The island man (17/07/2020, 06:52) Like (5) Dislike (3) Reply
    Alleluia. You all sitting down chasing and chastising your black brothers , trying to put your feet on their necks ,dehumanizing them by calling them names while the white men are capitalizing over or ignorance. My people wake up ,you are shouting yourself in the head every time you killing a black brother dreams just because the white men teach you to hate yourself. Decolonize your brain my brothers. We are our own problem,not the governor. What the white men did to us they give us name and strip us of our dignity and we approve it. It is time for black people to unite. Stop spreading the seeds of discord among us . Learn to read before we sign.
  • really ? (17/07/2020, 07:56) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    what about the powers previous government had to squirrel away millions of dollars without any oversite. its only the govenor who insisted on looking into and more importantly follow up with all of the embezzlement which has gone on. save you energies mr xline for looking into these more important matters. previous government had too much power which pales in comparison to the governor. govenor isnt costing us millions and millions of dollars to lost contracts ..out of control spending...and simple "hand in the cookie jar" way of doing busniess previous government had....look in to all of that mr cline
    please
  • Seriously (17/07/2020, 10:14) Like (17) Dislike (0) Reply
    Does Skelton-Cline check under his bed every night to see if the Governor is lurking beneath?
  • IBO (17/07/2020, 11:27) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is a free democratic society; Claude need to stop harassing the man.
  • Don’t Worry (17/07/2020, 17:41) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Be Happy !! Claude will stroke out sooner or later from his own stress over the Gov.


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