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Is CoI a prelude to UK taking control of VI? - Skelton-Cline asks

- says UK pattern after inquiry is either suspension of constitution or forcing out leaders
Honestly Speaking radio host Mr Claude O. Skelton-Cline has brought into question the true motives of the Commission of Inquiry ordered by outgoing Governor, Augustus J.U. Jasper aka 'Gus' in the Government of the VIrgin Islands, pointing to previous CoI’s in other OTs and the decisions that came after. Photo: VINO/File
According to Claude O. Skelton-Cline, the outgoing Governor Mr Augustus J.U. Jaspert could not have been acting alone regarding his decision to call a CoI in the Virgin Islands. Photo: VINO/File
According to Claude O. Skelton-Cline, the outgoing Governor Mr Augustus J.U. Jaspert could not have been acting alone regarding his decision to call a CoI in the Virgin Islands. Photo: VINO/File
Skelton-Clone said while only the Governor and Premier Andrew A. Fahie (R1) can divulge the nature of their relationship, several questions remain unanswered over the upcoming inquiry. Photo: VINO/File
Skelton-Clone said while only the Governor and Premier Andrew A. Fahie (R1) can divulge the nature of their relationship, several questions remain unanswered over the upcoming inquiry. Photo: VINO/File
BAUGHERS BAY, Tortola, VI - Honestly Speaking radio host Mr Claude O. Skelton-Cline has brought into question the true motives of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) ordered by outgoing Governor, Augustus J.U. Jaspert aka 'Gus' into the affairs Government of the Virgin Islands, pointing to previous CoI’s in other Overseas Territories (OTs) as an example of what could come.

He said the case is often that OT Leaders are either forced out of office or in some cases, the local constitution is suspended, paving way for the UK to step in  for a takeover.

“I believe that this Commission of inquiry coming 5 minutes to midnight from Governor Jaspert, who is on his way out… could not be done on his own,” Skelton-Cline said on the Tuesday, January 19, 2020, edition of his radio show.

'Gus' not working alone - Skelton-Cline alleges 

“He must have had the blessing of the Minister of State, the Foreign Secretary Minister, the Secretary of State and Prime Minister Boris Johnson of the United Kingdom. So he is not operating in isolation here. Somehow, he must have been able to convince them that this is the right course of action for the Virgin Islands.”

Skelton-Cline underscored that while only the Governor and VI Premier Andrew A. Fahie (R1) can divulge the nature of their relationship, several questions remain unanswered over the upcoming inquiry.

“What might it be that the United Kingdom is up to? Is this a prelude on a pre-step to the United Kingdom coming in and taking over?" 

“Is the United Kingdom through this Commission of Inquiry laying the groundwork for whatever this six month period is, to give justification, find whatever it is they could find, that then justifies their moving in and taking control of these Virgin Islands?” he questioned. 

UK laying groundwork for takeover of VI? - Skelton-Cline questions 

Mr Skelton-Cline then called on citizens to examine the current state of affairs in world politics and the presence of the Coronavirus pandemic, only for attention to be given to the VI at this time. 

“And did you notice that after the Governor gave his statement... almost immediately every paper in the United Kingdom had a story, a lead story on the Virgin Islands?" 

The Man of the Cloth moved to question the coordinated approach taken by the UK press around the announcement, with international press seemingly having advance information about the CoI ahead of its local announcement. 

“Should we not pay attention to what was seemingly, apparently, is a coordinated collaborative organised effort to put all eyes on the Virgin Islands in the international press?”

UK Press & Publicity 

He said with articles even in an Australian newspaper, the publicity could signal that the UK is sending a message to the world, about the alleged VI corruption, which justifies a need to 'step in'. 

While the theories of Mr Skelton-Cline, a Government consultant, are all speculative, he hinted that next 6 months the territory could be a turning point regarding its governance. 

He also pointed out that in several of the international articles, no distinction was made between the Current Fahie Administration and the previous National Democratic Party (NDP) government, regarding the allegations of corruption.

The CoI comes as the current administration has been pushing an agenda of self-determination while preparing for constitutional review with the UK.

It is also no secret that the Administration and the Office of the Governor have not been seeing eye to eye on many issues, including on the VI's wishes for more self autonomy, which includes the need to reduce the power of the Governor.

17 Responses to “Is CoI a prelude to UK taking control of VI? - Skelton-Cline asks”

  • trevor (20/01/2021, 09:20) Like (99) Dislike (1) Reply
    Sir, you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem.
    • That he is (20/01/2021, 09:59) Like (6) Dislike (10) Reply
      However in a western world where free speech and democracy are ideals any inquiry must be based on facts and not rumors.

      Not based on Claude wondering if it’s time to go independent.

      No European trickery, no people paid to post hearsay, paid to create a view that is not real, paid to write articles that misconstrue.

      No landslide victory predicted when it’s 50/50 and that’s how they play. Use the media to make you think winning is impossible when it is within reach.

      Silence any concerns about the safety of vaccines created in a rush. Free speech is dying in the west.

      it would not be right for this government that the people voted for to come out any other way than the next election.

      If people will continue posting crap online post your sources. Any idiot from f-ing Australia can post and talk about injustice in the VI. post your sources!

      Victimization pshh.

      I never saw nor heard the past government. They were too snobby. This is the one I voted for and they are the most approachable even though they know not where my x was placed they are for the people.

      The same cannot be said about the U.K. rightly they are for their people not us. They are painting a very bad picture of us to their people.

    • Sheriff (20/01/2021, 13:35) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
      He is part of the target
  • Yep! (20/01/2021, 09:24) Like (2) Dislike (116) Reply
    Yepp that is exactly how i see it claude. Uk think we foolish but we aint falling for it
    • mad max (20/01/2021, 09:50) Like (137) Dislike (2) Reply
      If the UK does take over, it will only be temporary until good governance is restored. The Premier kept talking about "draining the pond" - looks like it will happen after all.
    • Boris J (20/01/2021, 10:08) Like (1) Dislike (10) Reply
      You are foolish
  • Richie (20/01/2021, 09:30) Like (5) Dislike (5) Reply
    I, for one, welcome our new robot overlords.
  • Greed vs Reality (20/01/2021, 09:43) Like (13) Dislike (59) Reply
    Nothing was done while NDP administration was in power and all of a sudden this "sonic boom" of an announcement.

    Let me get this! NOTHING was done regarding "BVI Airways, the Pier Project, the expensive wall, etc." What has changed to render such an "investigation"?

    The issue with drugs smuggling in the VI is nothing new and we Virgin Islanders do know that. And if the big "find" of late was the tipping point, then i must admit that the UK are years too late in helping us rid the drug trade!

    I would have respected "Mr Governor" if the "investigations" started during the NDP tenure.

    It all seems like "a response of a man being scorned".

    I rest my case your highness!!
    • At greed Vs power (20/01/2021, 11:59) Like (33) Dislike (1) Reply
      The previous government didn't had a confusion maker like claude,,,,,, Claude think he Big enough and educated enough to challenge and fight the governor and win,,,,It's a jungle and the lion is in charge,,,
    • Get your facts (20/01/2021, 12:54) Like (12) Dislike (2) Reply
      Do your research, the COI includes last and present administrations, including, the very same, wall, pier park and invisible airplane . Read before posting sh*t.
  • From the rooftop (20/01/2021, 10:42) Like (51) Dislike (2) Reply
    THE UK SHOULD TAKE OVER FOR A WHILE. Who don’t like my comment can kick ROCKS.
  • Challenger (20/01/2021, 10:46) Like (7) Dislike (6) Reply
    well so far there has been absolutly NO progress on tracking down the bvi airways money..the wall...the tortola pier park money......so yes, i think it it right and lawful for the govenor to take this course.
    i disagree with the the way it was presented to the h
    world, that was damaging to us as a country.
    it is good to see that our elected government shares the same view.
    i do t belueve this is a prelude to uk taking control and there is no evidence to support that claim. I think the govenor has just become frustrated with the lack of progress.
    we need this outside help right now if we are going to get to the bottom of this once and for all.
    VIP party is transparent....NDP.......not so..it is NDP governence which has ultimately brought this upon our country and i hope they are brought to justice.
    respectfully submitted
  • Peaches (20/01/2021, 15:39) Like (8) Dislike (3) Reply
    Premier should have belt this cat!
  • from buckingham palace (20/01/2021, 17:59) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    The BVI Constitution say,UK is in control.
  • Deh Watcha (20/01/2021, 19:47) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    This guy need to scrape together some sort of reports for all the consultancy work he been contracted to do.

    He said one time if he going down others going down.

    They will all soon be trying to save their own skin.
  • lol (21/01/2021, 07:37) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Sound like the one for PO, she say when she go down they all go down
  • WHY? (21/01/2021, 11:26) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    You flatter yourselves if you think the UK has any interest whatsoever in taking over the BVIs. What's so good about the place? It's nice and all, with its beaches and clear waters (available elsewhere too), but besides that, where's the benefit? The BVI GNP is about 0.01% of the UK, so it can't be about the money. BVI inhabitants don't offer any particular skill set in short supply in the UK. The BVIs doesn't manufacture anything of particular large scale value. Reports in the media for over two decades shows mismanagement of funds, cronyism, large scale cocaine trafficking. All headaches to deal with, particularly at a time when the UK has plenty of troubles of its own. Why would anybody want to take over the BVIs, other than those who live here? Just like Brexit, those who want independence will probably wish otherwise in retrospect.


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