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'Keep eyes on new governor' - Mr Claude O. Skelton-Cline warns

- said new Governor was more suited to be Commissioner of Police
Former political candidate with the National Democratic Party (NDP), Mr Claude O. Skelton-Cline (right) has said the new Governor, Mr Agustus J. U. Jaspert aka Gus (left) is more suited to be Commissioner of Police. Photo: Facebook/Youtube
The move by former Governor John S. Duncan OBE to take monies from the Consolidated Fund to give to the police, Director of Public Prosecutions Office and the courts, essentially stripping the Minister of Finance of his power to determine where monies are spent, has still left a bitter taste in the mouth of many, while some have applauded the decision. Photo: VINO/File
The move by former Governor John S. Duncan OBE to take monies from the Consolidated Fund to give to the police, Director of Public Prosecutions Office and the courts, essentially stripping the Minister of Finance of his power to determine where monies are spent, has still left a bitter taste in the mouth of many, while some have applauded the decision. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - "We at this point as a people of this jurisdiction cannot take our eyes off this ball," is a heads up by Virgin Islander Mr Claude O. Skelton-Cline, who asserted that the ball in this case is thrown at the people of the Virgin Islands (UK) in the form of a governor who seemingly has no real experience in governing.

Today, August 22, 2017 at 10:00am a ceremony gets underway for the swearing in of the 13th unelected Governor of the British Overseas Territory of the Virgin Islands, Mr Agustus J. U. Jaspert aka Gus.

His swearing in comes at a time when many, including Mr Skelton-Cline, have called on the National Democratic Party (NDP) led administration headed by Premier and Minister of Finance Dr The Honourable D Orlando Smith (AL) to "Wake up" and do what's constitutionally correct and not leave loop holes that have the potential to allow governors and the British agenda to sneak in on the territory.

Two of the issues which have caused controversy are the many UK nationals holding powerful positions in the Territory and the recent move by former Governor John S. Duncan OBE to take monies from the Consolidated Fund to give to the police, Director of Public Prosecutions Office and the courts, essentially stripping the Minister of Finance of his power to determine where monies are spent.

Is something afoot?

While a recent guest of the local TV CH55 show, Big Story, with host Peta-Gay Coombs and co-host Cathy O. Richards, the sacked chairman of the BVI Ports Authority questioned the qualification of Jaspert based on what was provided to the territory’s people.

"When you look at the dossier, at least the one that has been provided to us, there is no real experience in governance," said Mr Skelton-Cline.

He further noted, "Most of his experience is in intelligence which begs the question, because the fact of the matter is when you look at his dossier, he is more suited to be the commissioner of police. So it raises more questions than answers."

At the time of his appointment, Mr Jaspert was serving in the United Kingdom Cabinet Office as Director of Security and Intelligence.

Jaspert is a former member of the Royal College of Defence Studies, as well as former head of Drugs and Alcohol, and Head of Policing.

The newly appointed governor was Private Secretary to the Prime Minister from 2012 to 2014, and Delivery Manager in the Prime Minister’s Delivery Unit from 2007 to 2009.

He was also Lead Manager of Children’s Services (Surrey County Council).

Stay focused

Mr Skelton-Cline is challenging legislators to stay focused and to stick to the constitution and policies and not leave loop holes. He blasted the government for lagging in their responsibilities of holding Public Account and Registry meetings as they should.

He also blasted the out-going governor John S. Duncan OBE of displaying a bully like attitude, which resulted in him not making smart moves as in the instance of using his reserved powers to reach into the territory's treasury and puĺl out monies for his agenda.

43 Responses to “'Keep eyes on new governor' - Mr Claude O. Skelton-Cline warns”

  • wondering (22/08/2017, 09:35) Like (74) Dislike (2) Reply
    Why is this news? The opinions of this failed civil servant are simply opinions, we all have them.
    • Wink (22/08/2017, 10:44) Like (81) Dislike (2) Reply
      He too needs to be watched
      • i second the motion (23/08/2017, 10:32) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
        I just endorse your comment. You beat me to it.
      • Ajic (24/08/2017, 04:59) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
        Lol..I was also thinking that we need to be watching Cline more than the Governor
    • Yours (22/08/2017, 13:25) Like (2) Dislike (7) Reply
      Where is your opinion and how come you have not voiced them.
    • the rock (23/08/2017, 05:15) Like (25) Dislike (0) Reply
      Claude we the people want our $600,000.00 back for the failed youth development program you and Andrew Drew up, we want it all back, matter of fact if you win the case against the ndp, they should deduct it!, "If you live in a glass house don't throw stones!
  • Just My Two Cents (22/08/2017, 09:40) Like (66) Dislike (3) Reply
    Please Governor hold these crooks accountable. I dont care it means turning here to another TCI, just please hold these crooks feet to the fire.
    • bvi (22/08/2017, 10:12) Like (3) Dislike (28) Reply

      Let them try that ^&*£$. Bvi ain no TCI.

    • Stopit!! (22/08/2017, 13:02) Like (16) Dislike (12) Reply
      No wonder you call yourself Two cents. You can't love this country and want it to turn to another TCI. You understand your history, Boss? This is insult to the sacrifices of your ancestors. When the British ruled, people with colour were not considered humans. You want to return there? Your two cents have no value; move on to another topic.
  • Just My Two Cents (22/08/2017, 09:45) Like (42) Dislike (2) Reply
    Maybe if these elected officials spent more time educating the locals and offering more scholorships there wont be a need for the UK Nationals to hold these top positions. I hate that the UK Nationals are given the top jobs but I dont blame them, I place the blame squarely on our elected officials.
  • The Watcher (22/08/2017, 09:51) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    "Is something aloof?" Yes, I think it is.
  • come on man! (22/08/2017, 09:58) Like (47) Dislike (0) Reply
    You cannot be serious, you sir talking about being experienced? This must be a joke.
  • Just saying (22/08/2017, 09:58) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
    All of them is the same!
  • Sigh... (22/08/2017, 10:00) Like (51) Dislike (1) Reply
    Welcome Governor, NDP & their cronies need to be humbled! Stop insinuating sh*t! If your hands are clean there shouldn't be anything to worry about! As for you Mr. Sk*ton lets start with you doing the right thing and give back the tax payers their money, the one you had a hand in that ran us millions of dollars! If you can't correct your wrong doings I suggest you STFU and stay hidden! @NDP#WhiteCollarCrime#allroadsleadtoprison#Governorleavenostonesunturned#CleantheVI
  • His thoughts views and opinions of us, wondering. (22/08/2017, 10:38) Like (21) Dislike (29) Reply
    British Historian Reveals Racist Sentiments Held by Queen Elizabeth
    By
    Arianna Herriott

    June 8, 2017

    Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother’s strong racial biases were revealed in a recent interview with British historian Sir Roy Strong.

    Strong has published several books about his decade’s long relationship with the royal family.

    He claims he kept the Queen’s prejudiced thoughts a secret because he was very protective of her.

    Strong states that at one event, The Queen Mother leaned over to him and said, “Beware of the Blackamoors.” While the term Blackamoors has evolved in meaning over time, the British use of the term is considered a slur in reference to Black people of North Africa.


    This is not the first time The Queen Mother’s racism has been brought to the public eye. In 2009, journalist Tanya Gold wrote about her experience with her. Gold said the monarch said that the Africans did not know how to govern themselves and what a shame it was that the British were not still looking over them.

    In a Atlanta Black Star video, the late Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother’s racism is brought to light.

    8 Racist Things Queen Elizabeth and the Royal Family Have Said About Black People and Others
    By
    Taylor Gordon
    May 11, 2015

    Back to the Colonies:

    The Los Angeles Times reported in 2004 that when Princess Michael of Kent was dining in New York, she turned to a table of Black New Yorkers she considered too loud and told them: “You need to go back to the colonies.”

    The German-born princess is the wife of Queen Elizabeth’s first cousin, Prince Michael of Kent, and her father was a former high-ranking Nazi officer, according to the LA Times article. Her spokesman said, “She did not make a racist comment.”
    By
    Taylor Gordon
    May 11, 2015

    Mocking Traditional African Dress:

    When Prince Philip met with the former president of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo, he caused a media whirlwind after he commented on his traditional African garments. “You look like you’re ready for bed,” he said with a laugh, according to a report by the Telegraph.
    Taylor Gordon
    By May 11, 2015

    They All Look the Same:

    When President Barack Obama made small talk with Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip upon meeting the royal family for the first time in 2009, the prince made a comment that was widely regarded as racist.

    The queen and the prince asked the president and his wife about their grueling schedule since arriving late Tuesday evening. “The time lag,” said the queen. “You’re just trying to stay awake!” said Philip

    “I had breakfast with the prime minister; I had meetings with the Chinese, the Russians, David Cameron … And I’m proud to say I did not nod off in one of the meetings,” Obama said.

    A laughing Prince Philip then blurted out: “Can you tell the difference between them?”

    Obama replied that he had no trouble telling them apart.
    By
    Taylor Gordon
    By May 11, 2015




    Racist Comment by Prince Harry
    In 2009, Black British comedian Stephen K. Amos said Prince Harry told him the previous year that he didn’t “sound like a Black chap.”
    Taylor Gordon
    BY May 11, 2015

    Prince Harry Dresses as a Nazi
    In 2005, Prince Harry’s antics got him in trouble when he picked an insensitive costume for a party.

    While this didn’t lead to any racist quotes, it was one of those moments where actions spoke much louder than words.

    In a public comment to the press, the prince issued an apology for dressing up as a Nazi and flaunting a swastika armband at a costume party.

    Various publications have shown the historical links between the British royal family and the Nazi party.
    By
    Taylor Gordon
    By May 11, 2015

    Beginnings of Racist Differentiation:

    In 1596, Queen Elizabeth I issued an “open letter” to the Lord Mayor of London, proclaiming there were too many Blacks in England, “of late divers blackmoores brought into this realm, of which kind of people there are already here to manie…”

    She ordered that they be deported from the country, according to Nationalarchives.gov.uk.
    Taylor Gordon
    By May 11, 2015

    Prince Philip Strikes Again:

    Prince Philip to Black politician Lord Taylor of Warwick (which is in England), 1999: “And what exotic part of the world do you come from?”
    Taylor Gordon
    By May 11, 2015


    … And Again...

    Before Prince Philip was asking Black people what “exotic part of the world” they were from, he was insisting that hanging out with Asian people will eventually leave someone with their own “slitty eyes.”

    When addressing a group of British students in China he warned that “if you stay here much

    longer, you will go home with slitty eyes.” In fact, Prince Philip has uttered so many racist comments that they now fill an entire book titled Duke of Hazard: The Wit and Wisdom of Prince Philip.
    • Boo (22/08/2017, 13:18) Like (15) Dislike (7) Reply
      Relevance? and where do you find this drivel?
      • really dude (23/08/2017, 10:02) Like (3) Dislike (6) Reply
        YOU EXPECT US TO READ THIS LONG DISSERTATION! THIS DUDE LOOK LIKE HE HAVE MI-6, JAMES BOND CREDENTIALS. HE WAS SENT FOR A REASON, TIME WILL TELL!
      • Relevance? (23/08/2017, 15:40) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
        Thank you for asking 'Boo'...
  • Tired ah he (22/08/2017, 10:46) Like (57) Dislike (0) Reply
    I wonder if these Clines think before they talk. He is a preacher. Did he have any experience in running a port? Yet he has the government in court for not renewing his contract for a job that he had no experience in. What is your point. I am tired of you. We all know who you are and that is why we did not vote for you.
  • wize up (22/08/2017, 10:57) Like (15) Dislike (1) Reply
    Commissioner of Police after collaboration with the Governor will hold conversation with DPP the Mr Foot and will find space at HMP for some of us
    • Tears. (22/08/2017, 15:48) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply

      Wize up you say conversation with DDP and the commissioner of police yes but with Mr F..... . F...... is part of our problems he needs to be locked up in balo also, for allowing and hiding the mess thats going on up there . He needs to be accountable for the hole in the perimeter fence and prisoners being spotted on the road at nights . The cell window being cut out, these are things that need addressing . F...... standing up for prisoners and back stabbing his officers jeopardizing officers life . Mr Governor your cup is full take control of this facility please in the name of the Queen.

      • wize up (22/08/2017, 21:02) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        @ tears: you just bad!!!!! So Foot will do time with the politicians: white collar crime is white collar crime.....
  • Online Now (22/08/2017, 10:59) Like (28) Dislike (1) Reply
    Once again, before the new Governor is even sworn in, the people looking to remain relevant are knocking him and displaying bad faith. Either go independent or accept we will have an appointed Governor.

    Good luck sir, I wish you and your family a happy and successful time in the BVI.
    • wize up (23/08/2017, 09:26) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
      @ online: you sound just like a former master(just before 1834)....at most you can get vex and take the frustration out on your computer(thank God for VINO)
  • wowee (22/08/2017, 11:09) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
    Please give the man a chance to settle in. Everything is in the hands of JEHOVAH GOD,
  • Ah good (22/08/2017, 11:59) Like (5) Dislike (28) Reply
    @ Tired ah he, You sound so stupid. While every body is entitled to their opinion, you too must think before you talk. Should he have gone to school to get a degree in Port management; what qualifications does the current one have? The man has lots of business experience and academic qualifications to show. His business acumen qualifies him to hold that post. If you are so tired of him then you can easily drop dead or just not pay attention to him. You not voting for him is also your prerogative. Ah set of evil people you are. Good thing he didn't get in cause you would probably be the first one in his face BEGGING. Please note I am not in his district nor did I vote but it's time somebody rebut the foolishness that comes from some of your mouths.
    • Tired ah he (22/08/2017, 12:13) Like (20) Dislike (0) Reply

      @ah good, I done talk. That one burn you. You all take it and go sit down. We are sick and fed up of the two Clines running their mouths everyday. People are fed up of them. Every job that you do imparts certain skills. The job of a governor calls for good leadership and management skills that you could get from other jobs the same way Cline would say he got the skills to run the port from other jobs.
      He still have things to answer for. Things in Detroit. Things with the neighborhood project. Things with the cruise pier. Take several seats dude. You are annoying.

      • Ah good (22/08/2017, 16:13) Like (2) Dislike (13) Reply
        @ Tired ah He, could it be that the two Clines have something that you were longing for and continually seems out of reach? You sound like you have developed the 'sour grapes syndrome.' How long are you going to try to use this over the man head? Go right ahead sonny boy, continue to allow them to annoy you maybe soon the fruits of this annoyance may come to light. (TOUCH NOT THE LORD'S ANOINTED AND DO HIS PROPHETS NO HARM.)
  • W*F (22/08/2017, 12:33) Like (22) Dislike (0) Reply

    Claude Cline don't want oversight in their kr**** dealings, that's why he is whining like a little b*t*c*h. Claude you were not qualified to be CEO at the Ports, but you were appointed and failed miserably. But you were given the opportunity. Now you are suing government because you want to be compensated for failing? Go sit your *&& down.

  • SB (22/08/2017, 13:01) Like (20) Dislike (0) Reply
    Lets be REAL now. This is coming form a guy and please correct me if I'm wrong, held the top Port position he is fighting for with a THEOLOGY DEGREE really my nig?
  • B Real (22/08/2017, 13:03) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply
    With you guys THEIVING ASSES we need MI 16 James Bonds and all to be the governor.
  • Boo (22/08/2017, 13:15) Like (17) Dislike (0) Reply
    They used to watch you back in Detroit?
  • Street reporter (22/08/2017, 13:32) Like (28) Dislike (0) Reply
    What is Mr Clyne objectives? What is he really saying? I'm confused...One point hr is saying the NDP is out of control and need to be held accountable... The next time he is slamming the Governor...Who is going to watch the thief and who's going to watch the watch man? Answer me that question Mr. Clyne....
  • ................ (22/08/2017, 16:38) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    Lock them up
  • yesi (22/08/2017, 17:47) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    We need to keep our eyes on you


  • 1 (22/08/2017, 19:19) Like (0) Dislike (11) Reply
    White power
  • watch (22/08/2017, 21:03) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    He goin drain the swamp
  • Ques (23/08/2017, 02:55) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    What experience did the one talking about experience have to run the port? He is now in court to save his name he claimed. Why try to destroy someone else before getting to know that person. There are lots of questions left unanswered.
  • Windy (23/08/2017, 10:36) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    And we're keeping an eye on you !!!
  • 2 grand (23/08/2017, 10:43) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    life and death is in the power of the tounge so be careful of what yuh wish for.as for wolfes in sheep clothing the most high says i'm profane among them flames and fire
  • @1 (24/08/2017, 18:21) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Black power back a you!


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