Social commentator and radio host Mr Claude. O. Skelton-Cline is urging the people of the Virgin Islands (VI) to get themselves familiar with the Virgin Islands Constitution Order 2007, just like they are familiar with the Bible and other religious texts. Photo: Facebook

Back in February 2019, Mr Skelton-Cline faced backlash for his mixing of religion with politics when the Board of Trustees of the New Life Baptiste Church (NLBC) in Duffs Bottom, Tortola issued a release noting that they have distanced themselves from him. Photo: VINO/File

The controversial man of the cloth—who faced distance from the church during the 2019 elections season—in a plea to his listening audience, used the Bible juxtaposition on the Tuesday, April 2, 2019, edition of his ‘Honesty Speaking’ radio show on ZBVI 780 am.

Familiarise yourself – Skelton Cline

“I want you to begin to familiarise yourselves deeply with our constitution, get to know it, like some of you know your bible or whatever your favourite sacred book might be,” Mr Skelton-Cline implored as part of the opening commentary of his radio show.

According to him, “It’s very important from where we are on our journey that we familiarise ourselves with our constitution, the executive branch, the legislative branch and the judiciary and how they work.”

Further, Mr Skelton-Cline said that it is important for the people of the VI to know the powers of all elected officials and others like Premier and Minister of Finance Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1), in addition to the Governor and Deputy Governor, including what reserved powers those positions hold.

“We ought not to be guessing about things we could know about and one way to know about is to pick up the constitution… read and read it some more, until we get it straight,” he said.

Religion & Politics

Back in February 2019, Mr Skelton-Cline faced backlash for his mixing of religion with politics when the Board of Trustees of the New Life Baptiste Church (NLBC) in Duffs Bottom, Tortola issued a release noting that they have distanced themselves from him.

In breaking his silence on the February 19, 2019, edition the same radio show, Mr Skelton-Cline said he was undisturbed by the move, calling the church’s action, “a distraction and a diversion from what the people ought to be focused on.”