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‘I will not support NDP next elections; Too much damage done’- Skelton-Cline

- tells the Premier to stop beating up on his own Ministers & answer the public's questions
Former Managing Director of the BVI Ports Authority and National Democratic Party (NDP) ‘soldier’, Mr Claude O. Skelton-Cline, right, has made it clear he will not be supporting the NDP currently led by Premier and Minister of Finance Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL), left, in the next elections due 2019. Photo: VINO/File
Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Ronnie W. Skelton (AL), left, told the public that Premier Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL) will ‘be stripped of his powers of finances’ under the Recovery and Development Agency 2018 Bill. Junior Minister for Tourism Hon Archibald C. Christion (AL), right, has complained about the lack of information and that as part of Government he does not know ‘diddly squat.’ Photo: VINO/File
Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Ronnie W. Skelton (AL), left, told the public that Premier Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL) will ‘be stripped of his powers of finances’ under the Recovery and Development Agency 2018 Bill. Junior Minister for Tourism Hon Archibald C. Christion (AL), right, has complained about the lack of information and that as part of Government he does not know ‘diddly squat.’ Photo: VINO/File
There is no secret of a civil war within the ruling National Democratic Party (NDP). Photo: VINO/File
There is no secret of a civil war within the ruling National Democratic Party (NDP). Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- While election is about one year out, the political rhetoric on all sides is heating up. There is no secret of a civil war within the ruling National Democratic Party (NDP).

So far only one person has made it clear he will be an At Large (Territorial) candidate in the next election and that is former Permanent Secretary and Businessman Julian Willock. Prominent Attorney Gerard St. C. Farara QC also told a radio show recently that everywhere he goes throughout the Virgin Islands “people are asking me to run.” However, he said the question is under serious and deliberate consideration and he will make a decision shortly. 

Meanwhile, the ruling NDP headed by Premier and Minister of Finance Dr The Hon D Orlando Smith (AL) is imploding from within.

Ronnie Skelton don’t speak for me- Premier Smith

There continues to be open warfare and jabs against the Leader from his own elected Members and Premier Smith has been hitting back at both the frontbench and backbench members. It was last week March 23, 2018 during the debate on the Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency Bill 2018 that Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Ronnie W. Skelton (AL) told the public that Premier Smith will “be stripped of his powers of finances” under the same Bill.

Hon Skelton, a former Finance Minister [2003-2007], said that the UK is turning the clock back, after they have fought so hard under the 2007 Constitution to handle their own affairs.

However, the next day Premier Smith embarrassed his Minister by saying, when asked about the comments, he has “distanced” himself from those comments and they do not “represent” his government. He told a local journalist that the British has been good to the VI post Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

Archie on his own- Premier

Also in the debate, Dr Smith’s Junior Minister for Tourism Hon Archibald C. Christian (AL) complained about the lack of information and that as part of the NDP Government he does not know “diddly squat.”

However, at a press conference a few days ago, Premier Smith dismissed Hon Christian’s statement, saying one cannot know everything and if someone comes in to work for a line Ministry, unless the particular Ministry announces it, the information will not be made public.

But former Managing Director of the BVI Ports Authority Mr Claude O. Skelton-Cline, in a brief statement issued to our newsroom today, Thursday April 5, 2018, lambasted Premier Smith for fighting his own Minsters.

Mr Skelton-Cline, who is now a commentator of a popular talk show Honestly Speaking, said “Honourable Premier, it might be more helpful to provide the people of the Virgin Islands actual and factual answers to their very legitimate questions and concerns, as opposed to the continued public decapitation of your own members of government, the two latest of which are your long standing comrades Honourable Ronnie W. Skelton and now Honourable Archibald C. Christian.

I’m not sure who from the NDP government is going to be left standing by the time you’re done or if they will let you continue to stand.”

Answer the public’s questions- Skelton-Cline

Mr Cline also added “I suspect you’re under tremendous pressure, but might I suggest a more graceful exit. Honourable Christian said he does not know “diddly squat” in reference to who’s here and what they are doing...It’s not just his sentiment, it’s all of ours. Simply tell us. How many persons are here on assignment from the UK? What are they doing? What is their area of expertise? How many are in each department? How long are they expected to be here? Who is responsible for their compensation? Are we collecting the requisite takes? Do they have work permits? Are they a part of the in-kind $12M grant from the UK? How many contracts have been signed with local contractors directly from the FCO? What is the scope of works for said contracts?”

The NDP has been chastised over the years, since 2011, for being one of the most secretive regimes in the region and many have compared the Dr Smith’s 7-year old Government to that of Kim Jong-un of North Korea or Syria Bashar al-Assad.

However, Dr Smith has dismissed those allegations, saying we have freedom of information simply because information that his regime hides from the public is usually leaked.

Dr Smith’s answers are just a marketing scheme- Skelton-Cline

But Mr Skelton-Cline said of the Premier: “The staged interviews may be a part of some grand marketing scheme but your responses continue to fall short, as they fail to communicate complete answers and in some instances you are not even answering the questions being asked,” he noted.

He further added: “Premier, you don’t have to wonder where I stand politically. I’m on record that I will not support this government in the next election. Too much damage has been done,” the man of the cloth stated.  

In hitting back at Premier Smith, Mr Skelton-Cline noted: “If you no longer trust the players on your team, I can understand, simply ask them to leave. To the players on the team, if you can no longer trust or believe in the competency of the leader and the direction of the team, leave. And leaving, does not have to mean you’re joining the other side, rearrange the furniture in the HoA. Be independent until there is a more opportune time to make a permanent decision. But the bloodletting and mockery that is being made of our Territory must cease. And please spare us the shallow wisdom that this is all a part of a healthy democracy. We are destroying ourselves and each other. We are better than this.”

32 Responses to “‘I will not support NDP next elections; Too much damage done’- Skelton-Cline”

  • @ @ @ @ (05/04/2018, 14:30) Like (4) Dislike (4) Reply
    This his heavy
  • rewrsdffds (05/04/2018, 14:39) Like (53) Dislike (1) Reply
    Like when the Public wanted to know about the pier park and you provided all the answers Claude? WOW!
  • call a quick election (05/04/2018, 14:43) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Right away and we MIGHT see who have the country at heart right after.Too much in fighting all over. well sa power too sweet.
  • Hmmmm (05/04/2018, 14:48) Like (41) Dislike (2) Reply
    The same man that was trying to get back in with them now listen to him.
    • Mason (05/04/2018, 16:02) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
      That's his right I would imagine. Hmm.
    • wize up (05/04/2018, 16:41) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
      @ Hmmmm: it’s called a hyperacte these folks assisted with the mismanagement of our tax money....our own people set us back now trying to distance themselves after the facts....what a country!!!(nothing personal)
  • wize up (05/04/2018, 14:51) Like (21) Dislike (0) Reply
    What a country: just imagine this territory being 2 square miles bigger because just look at where we at now....after all that progress throughout the 60s, 70s, 80s & 90s: our very own people are our biggest stumbling black
    • TO WIZE UP (06/04/2018, 07:19) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
      Be specific. The so called "bright boys" in the NDP has caused the BVI demise. Don't blame another soul.
      • wize up (06/04/2018, 10:09) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
        @@ wize up: there is no difference between the upholder and the theif: had Mr gotten that extension this conversation will never be here now...what specific you here talking about(you not in the Big Apple) you forgot the size of this BVI population; even the kindergarden students can sit you down and talk to U: stop playing politics the people of this territory deserve much better....stop defending wrong; I have no political assperrations or any political affiliation(no skin off my nose)....keep the faith
  • just asking... (05/04/2018, 15:21) Like (29) Dislike (0) Reply
    is this the same man who provided only 10% of the answers at his press conference? When are we going to hear the rest?
    • wize up (05/04/2018, 22:03) Like (15) Dislike (1) Reply
      @ just asking: when one ask such relevant questions some political cronies take it personal but if you are not part of the solution then you are part of the problem and homeboy is part of the reason this territory is back against the wall yet have the nerve to point fingers(WTF)
  • Interested (05/04/2018, 15:28) Like (19) Dislike (0) Reply
    And that is news to whom?I’m sure everyone in the BVI who cares to know already figured that one out.The question is who will support you if you try to run!
  • True That (05/04/2018, 15:37) Like (34) Dislike (1) Reply
    Claude, you have too many unanswered questions about your past and trust cannot be bought and sold. It is difficult to understand how you can profess to be above reproach and others are not. You are disrespectfully to the leader of these islands and if you cannot show respect to your elders, why should the voters show you any respect.

    Personally, I hope that you never get elected because this will be the beginning of the end for these Virgin Islands.

    You are
  • Not2Sure (05/04/2018, 16:08) Like (14) Dislike (9) Reply
    Claude you are not alone many of us are not supporting the NDP
  • Kirkpatrick (05/04/2018, 17:04) Like (5) Dislike (4) Reply
    The round head party got to go.
  • one (05/04/2018, 18:11) Like (4) Dislike (7) Reply
    We will deal with them at the next elections
  • Well (05/04/2018, 20:38) Like (11) Dislike (3) Reply
    The NDP was in bed with Clause now they are at war. The NDP too corrupt.
  • Wendy (05/04/2018, 20:56) Like (31) Dislike (4) Reply
    Skelton- Cline,your non support of NDP is a compliment to the NDP.
    You are damaged goods and having your support would be a negative.
    Thanks for the nonsupport Not that anyone thought otherwise.
    • right (06/04/2018, 09:48) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
      EXACTLY!!! He doesn't realize the favor he is doing the party by saying this and god forbid he endorses some other party and/or candidates, they DEAD! LOL!
  • Really (05/04/2018, 21:58) Like (21) Dislike (0) Reply
    Come to me like Claude forget that he too is apart of the same "damage" he speak of. Well sah
  • rich white friends (05/04/2018, 22:30) Like (7) Dislike (34) Reply
    We not supporting either VIP or ndp we going with Branson and Johnson
  • @Rich (06/04/2018, 09:50) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Rich people ever need poor people for anything other than to be workers? Wake up and stop the foolishness as if rich people don't run the world. We the people pretend to be principled but all we see are dollar signs and the rich knows this that's why they will forever win! Nothing else explains why people sell their prime properties outright to these people instead of long-term leasing where the value and wealth can remain within their families. Stop blaming rich people and blame our short-sightedness. If we lived within our means and genuinely looked out for our fellow brothers and sisters we could easily tell the rich folks cart their ass with their money, but trust me that's not what we want, we want the money and still complain about who has the money.
  • Stup back benchers (06/04/2018, 10:40) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    What a set of Foxxxoollss.. Have the numbers to take over, start something new.. That's their only hope.. NDP is gone next election. I like NDP. I supported NDP. Truth is truth.. The writting is on the wall.. Their time is up.. Tough decision is hard and hard decision is tough..
    • Foolishness (06/04/2018, 12:20) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      If the back benchers form their own party only then Andrew will have a field day. Get out on the street and figure out what the voters are talking about, don't just sit around reading blogs and listening to small group of people who don't like the government. Who will lead the back benchers?
  • Nic (06/04/2018, 14:12) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    So who are we supporting next election? when are they going to show themselves? I need to know sooner rather than later.
  • Sue (06/04/2018, 15:21) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Who cares
  • Trump (07/04/2018, 00:09) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Let's revisit Detriot USA just for s sec.Now tell me this is s man of the CLOTH ?When he was amongst why he didn't reveal then & there all the @$$#% he now wants to proclaim
    FAKEMAN
  • Boo (07/04/2018, 05:36) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Ok..are you supporting an explanation for the Port Authourity's depleted reserves and cost overruns at tge Pier Park?
  • To much (08/04/2018, 07:41) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    Everywhere is corruption in politics? Tell me people who are you all going to put in power.some party has to rule this country, they all have the same mentality (Me, Myself and I.
  • chad (09/04/2018, 10:06) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    But you Mr Cline was in the inner circle and contributed to the damage. The tab at the Port is still accumulating!


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