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Legislators present & past must unite to fight 'assault on territory'- Skelton-Cline

- said Commission of Inquiry transcends political parties
According to the man of the Cloth, now more than ever, the VI needs unity in the form of energies, efforts, brainpower and genius to fight systemic colonialism that still exists under the UK. Photo: VINO/File
Many in the Virgin Islands see the Commission of Inquiry as an imperialist move to possibly impose direct rule and set back the territory's constitutional advancement, as has been seen in other Overseas Territories. The takeover is usually initiated with a CoI called under allegations of corruption and then a suspension of the territory's constitution as was the case in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Photo: VINO/File
Many in the Virgin Islands see the Commission of Inquiry as an imperialist move to possibly impose direct rule and set back the territory's constitutional advancement, as has been seen in other Overseas Territories. The takeover is usually initiated with a CoI called under allegations of corruption and then a suspension of the territory's constitution as was the case in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Photo: VINO/File
‘Honestly Speaking’ Radio moderator, Claude O. Skelton-Cline during the Thursday, January 28, 2020, edition of his radio show calls for legislators to unite against the UK assault on the VI through the CoI. Photo: Facebook
‘Honestly Speaking’ Radio moderator, Claude O. Skelton-Cline during the Thursday, January 28, 2020, edition of his radio show calls for legislators to unite against the UK assault on the VI through the CoI. Photo: Facebook
BAUGHERS BAY, Tortola, VI – Past and present legislators in the Virgin Islands House of Assembly (HoA) have been urged to unite to fight the current United Kingdom's (UK) assault on the territory in the form of the Commission of Inquiry announced by Ex-Governor, Mr Augustus J.U. Jaspert.

These were words of ‘Honestly Speaking’ Radio moderator, Mr Claude O. Skelton-Cline during the Thursday, January 28, 2020, edition of his radio show.

Time for unity in VI – Skelton-Cline 

“Listen to me carefully, I am asking, I am begging, I am pleading with us we have to make a commitment not to fight one another especially now. We must come together collaborate, organise and expend all of our efforts and energies and fight this UK colonialist system and structure,” he said.

Many in the Virgin Islands see the CoI as an imperialist move to possibly impose direct rule and set back the territory's constitutional advancement, as has been seen in other Overseas Territories. The takeover is usually initiated with a CoI called under allegations of corruption and then a suspension of the territory's constitution as was the case in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Ironically, the CoI was called just a month after the Virgin Islands House of Assembly met in honour of the 70th anniversary of the restoration of the legislature in the Virgin Islands and the same day recognised by the United States and some in the Virgin Islands as Martin Luther King Jr Day- January 18, 2021.

“I am asking this country the citizens of this country and especially the leadership of this country the ones present and the ones past, all of you who have sat in the House of Assembly at some point in time. I am asking that it starts with you, that we make a commitment not to fight each other.

According to the clergyman, now more than ever, the VI needs unity in the form of energies, efforts, brainpower and genius to fight systemic colonialism that still exists under the UK.

CoI empowered by colonialist legislation - Skelton-Cline 

He pointed to the Commission of Inquiry Act as one such colonial system that empowers one man to be the final judge and jury against the territory.

“Here they are resting this on top of us, which puts one man already in charge of the country. The judge is the judge, he's the jury, he's the prosecutor, he's the final arbiter… one man in 2021, an old piece of colonial legislation,” Skelton-Cline underscored.

He called on politicians and the leaders of the political party to unite, hold and summit and address the challenges facing the territory.

“I am calling on all of you currently in the House of Assembly and those who once served. If I could call the summit I will, you all need to call the summit amongst yourselves. Sit down in a room and flesh out together how we're going to move forward as a country relative to this matter of this Commission of Inquiry.”

CoI an assault on VI by UK Gov’t

Calling the CoI a direct assault on the VI, Mr Skelton-Cline said should the UK be successful with its alleged agenda to take over the territory, there will be nothing to run for, nor any general election in the Virgin Islands.

“If you think that this is about just bringing down Andrew Fahie and his government or VIP government, you're sadly mistaken because the road that the UK is on with this kind of approach, will leave everybody powerless.”

27 Responses to “Legislators present & past must unite to fight 'assault on territory'- Skelton-Cline”

  • Gaj (01/02/2021, 15:49) Like (75) Dislike (3) Reply

    All the above can be roughly translated to " we in deep sh*t, boys. All you guys better stick to the story or we all goin down"!

  • Hmph (01/02/2021, 16:05) Like (63) Dislike (3) Reply
    All of a sudden after attacking each other claiming both sides involved in corruption they must unite now?

    The public have been reaching out about the victimization and no-one batted an eye.

    Spare us the melodrama.
  • please (01/02/2021, 16:11) Like (21) Dislike (8) Reply
    We are all together to route out corruption in our goverment past and present so we can move forward toward independence.
  • Crazy stupidness and foolishness (01/02/2021, 16:20) Like (53) Dislike (3) Reply
    I don't feel like I am being assaulted, and I don't think the UK wants to take over the running of the BVI.
  • patriots (01/02/2021, 16:56) Like (0) Dislike (17) Reply
    Considering the pandemic and now a CoI the people of the BVI must unite to overcome!

    This means a new focus on what is best for us, we must look beyond the issues of the day, and chart a new pathway to a stronger society.

    We can send a message to the powers that be, the people of the BVI are one people with common goals!
  • WHAT!!! (01/02/2021, 16:58) Like (36) Dislike (0) Reply
    No “assult on the territory” only looking to put those who have have been dishonest face the consequences of their actions.
    • @whatt!!! (01/02/2021, 18:35) Like (2) Dislike (18) Reply
      Same set of people saying the same thing using different devices t o press like and dislike. Y'all asaulting the territory. United Nations will have to step in to monitor what is going on here.
      • @ “@what!!!” (01/02/2021, 19:01) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply
        Unlike you, a variety of people have a mind of their own.

        You won’t be saying that if the comments were in your favour.
      • lol (02/02/2021, 06:29) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
        Lol the same UN that put the territory back on a black list... You sound like a sc.... Move along fool.
  • challenget (01/02/2021, 20:03) Like (13) Dislike (1) Reply
    how is teying to hunt out corruption an assult on the country. its what we ALL want....its what the government went to the poles touting as one of their highest priorities.
    welcome the outside help because so far..we have no results.
    Premier welcomes this.

    what we MUST do..collectuvely is to push back on all of the UK negative press. it is way more important to put out collective efforts together to stamp out this negative press.
    We need to send out a preas release to UK ourselves to say..pu liclly that we all...collectively... welcome these investigations.
    What is the UK office of the BVI doing about this please. anyone know. ?? isnt that what we have a BVI office in UK for...
    respectfully submitted.
    • SORRY BUT (02/02/2021, 07:00) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      You can’t just make UK press print our POV because they want a story, complain to them because they not writing the usual BVI fluff PR that we demand here. You know the stuff that says we are a perfect tropical paradise and everyone should come feel the BVI love. You get the media you deserve and at this time we deserve scrutiny because corrupt nonsense is out of hand here. And because UK is deciding to deal with it, UK press is interested. We are a UK territory so that’s where their interest lies. You don’t get to hate them for writing a story about a small group of corrupt islands that belongs to them. You got to ask why are they writing that story? They are often inaccurate and missing deep understanding but the basic story is true and if we don’t like it, tough. The UK public don’t like us because we hide money that should go to their tax coffers, meaning less in the public purse for them. Again, if that’s a consequence of our actions we should show real maturity and just deal with the consequences of our actions.
  • FULLY WELL KNOW (01/02/2021, 20:16) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    So much for big I and small you. Y'all silly and clueless. Stop persecuting the BEDROCK.
  • annudda2cents (01/02/2021, 20:28) Like (11) Dislike (2) Reply
    most of our past legislators that are still living are in their late 70s to mid 80s...Walwyn Brewley, Conrad Maduro, Eileen Parsons, Dr. Smith, Oliver Cills, Louis Walters, Alred Frett, and others. These legislators, as far as I can observe, have not been consulted for anything since they were ousted at the polls, and cannot reasonably be expected to provide a good opinion as they have not been kept inside the loop on the day to day runnings of successive Govts. my suggestion is that if there is nothing to hide, words need not be spoken. let the chips fall where they may. any evidence or lack of, will either exonerate or incriminate...an individual or individuals...not an entire country. so let's not get this twisted. this COI is to investigate people, particularly people in public leadership roles. We have persons of integrity who have nothing to fear. those that do not have integrity and engaged in wrongdoings, well.....
    • one love (02/02/2021, 08:57) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      Anything to Save himself,,. Preach love and unity my brother , not hate and division,,, Don't push it,, What God has in store for you,,,, You will get it,,,,, Where is your fate,,,,
  • josiah'sbay (01/02/2021, 20:37) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    @whatt!!! Gullibility and Naivety seem to be your best foot forward. History have taught you nothing.
  • TamTam (01/02/2021, 20:42) Like (2) Dislike (6) Reply

    A gross assault was inflicted on our current elected Government by the self ordained from a deep realm. Whispering sweet nothings in the ears of the leader for a price, causing perceived righteousness and wrongful behaviour.
    We will pay.

  • my two cents (01/02/2021, 21:22) Like (2) Dislike (12) Reply
    Quite true the investigation on corruption is not the assault it is the way it is being done and the personal attacks on the Premier and the territory. It is coming across as being political. Descrediting the people of this territory that they are not capable or honest enough to manage the country. The bad press that came out with the Premier and his wife it is personal and low. I respected the former Govenor but his style of showing that he care for the BVI is warped and not genuine.
  • rewrsdffds (01/02/2021, 22:50) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    The same was lack of respect was done to Governor Jaspert as well. Kneeling in people neck. Come on!
  • MEME (02/02/2021, 02:55) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    WHEN THE MUSIC START TO PLAY THE MONEY WILL DANCE.
  • the rock (02/02/2021, 04:29) Like (0) Dislike (17) Reply
    Governor jesper insulted the entire BVI, that's a pill I cannot swallow, it's time we unite against the evil, I will never have a problem with a COI once it's done the right way, this one was not, it should not be supported, period!
  • His church got money too (02/02/2021, 09:07) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Please Governor We need all the social security money the churches get back,,,The Government full of it to be giving churches our money and people application still in pending can't get anything,,, These churches are loaded and They don't help people check their bank accounts, Pastors and politicians are the greedy and dishonest,. Please Governor get our monies back and give o to yet to receive the help,,,,,,,,,,,,, Thank you
  • Rubber Duck (02/02/2021, 09:56) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    “Patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel.” Samuel Johnson.
    • True Dat (02/02/2021, 14:38) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      So very true. Somehow it makes even the most kind and intelligent people dispense with their ordinary moral framework. Because fate put you somewhere, that somewhere is the best place in the world? Kill, hurt and justify any injustice because ... you born somewhere?
      This is a recurring problem through history and we’re on an upward trajectory of insane patriotism right now. Love our country but not to the point of wickedness and nonsense.
  • SB (02/02/2021, 14:38) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    "Racism is not dead, but it is on life support — kept alive by politicians, race hustlers and people who get a sense of superiority by denouncing others as "racists.""

    --Thomas Sowell
  • wow (02/02/2021, 15:18) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    SC what you need to do us STFU. All you have been doing is trying to put fuel to fire with your yapping shenanigans. Who the hell you think you are? No one elected to hear your crap as if you the Guide to Government or Politics. Tired of your bull crap. Tell the People what you are being paid for. You yapping on every Subject except that!


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