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'Look for some tension or change' in Opposition - Skelton-Cline

- says Opposition Leader Hon Marlon A. Penn is struggling to show leadership
Following the departure of Hon Alvera Maduro-Caines, the current opposition is now made up of Opposition Leader, Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8) (Top Right), Hon Mark H. Vanterpool (R4) (Top Left), Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3) (Bottom left) and Hon Melvin M. Turnbull (R2) (Bottom Right). Photo: VINO/File
Honestly Speaking radio moderator, Mr Claude O. SKellton-Cline says all eyes should be on the VI Opposition following the departure of Hon Alvera Maduro-Caines. Photo: Facebook/File
Honestly Speaking radio moderator, Mr Claude O. SKellton-Cline says all eyes should be on the VI Opposition following the departure of Hon Alvera Maduro-Caines. Photo: Facebook/File
The decision by Sixth District Representative Hon Alvera Maduro-Caines to leave the National Democratic Party (NDP) and join the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) has been hailed by commentator Claude O. Skelton-Cline as the right move for her constituents and the Territory. Photo: VINO
The decision by Sixth District Representative Hon Alvera Maduro-Caines to leave the National Democratic Party (NDP) and join the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) has been hailed by commentator Claude O. Skelton-Cline as the right move for her constituents and the Territory. Photo: VINO
BAUGHERS BAY, Tortola, VI - Following the departure of Hon Alvera Maduro-Caines (R6) from the National Democratic Party (NDP) to cross the floor and join the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Government, all eyes should be on the Opposition, according to commentator, Mr Claude O. Skelton-Cline.

Following the departure of Hon Maduro-Caines, the current opposition is now made up of Opposition Leader, Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8), Hon Mark H. Vanterpool (R4), Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3) and Hon Melvin M. Turnbull (R2).

Opposition tension may arise - Skelton-Cline 

He said in the case of Hon Fraser and Hon Turnbull, "What would be interesting to see is whether or not, they allow Hon Penn to continue to be the leader of the Opposition, so look for some tension and maybe a change even there," Skelton-Cline said on the opening commentary of the Tuesday, January 21, 2020, edition of 'Honestly Speaking' on ZBVI 780 AM.

It should be noted that while both Hon Penn and Hon Vanterpool are the only two members of the NDP remaining in the Virgin Islands (VI) House of Assembly (HoA), Hon Fraser represents Progressives United (PU) while Hon Turnbull is from the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM).

In agreeing with the departure of Hon Maduro-Caines, Skelton-Cline maintained that it was the right move for not just her, but the Sixth District and the country as a whole. 

Penn reeling to show leadership - Skelton-Cline 

Turning his attention to Opposition Leader, Hon Penn, who is also the Interim Chairman of the National Democratic Party and member of the Eighth District, according to Skelton-Cline, "He was already reeling trying to take control or show some leadership for the NDP".

The Honestly Speaking social commentator continued, "Clearly he is no longer reeling, he must be flat on the ground given that kind of earth-shaking move... so it is yet to be seen what becomes of whatever is left of the NDP," he said. 

Hon Penn in his statement released on January 21, 2020, on the departure of Hon Maduro-Caines said, "The National Democratic Party will continue to stand with the people of the 6th District because we recognise, that our support of you and your successes, transcend beyond merely, who represents you."

Continued accountability 

He also assured his supporters that the party will continue to "call them out and hold them accountable, even as our former colleague, who shared these same concerns, now sits amongst them."

Skelton-Cline said the VIP Government continues to make efforts to re-engineer the Virgin Islands with its new vision. He said it is left to be seen what becomes of the current NDP.

26 Responses to “'Look for some tension or change' in Opposition - Skelton-Cline”

  • Frett (22/01/2020, 14:51) Like (28) Dislike (7) Reply
    The last person who had decency on NDP gone green. Marlon is not leadership. He low on respect and competency baaaad. Fraser is the only decent and experienced one on the opposition. He and Mitch stubborn though. Pray for the government people that god continue to guide them.

  • opposition (22/01/2020, 15:38) Like (9) Dislike (17) Reply
    Delilah gone now so we good
  • Clearly (22/01/2020, 15:41) Like (19) Dislike (10) Reply
    Skelton-Cline you are on point.
  • Diaspora (22/01/2020, 15:45) Like (25) Dislike (1) Reply
    What about Fraser? I think he will make a good Opposition Leader! Keep surmf quiet.
  • My girl (22/01/2020, 15:49) Like (18) Dislike (11) Reply
    Claude hits the nail on the head once again, this is going to be interesting to watch
  • SCB (22/01/2020, 16:07) Like (19) Dislike (5) Reply
    Fraser Fraser Fraser calling on Fraser to lead the opposition. A begging you please. Do it for
    the country. Yes you can.
    • Yes (22/01/2020, 18:41) Like (17) Dislike (1) Reply

      Fraser, you have to step in and save the sinking ship. Pleaseeee for the love of the Country. Pleaseeee, you are the only one that can save this. Marlon is falling apart, Mitch is going to F*** things up if he is not supervised properly, too hot headed and stubborn, Mark is getting tired and just cruising along.

  • Corruption (22/01/2020, 16:24) Like (18) Dislike (10) Reply
    I have zero tolerance for Marlon and Mark. I don’t hear anything good about these two.
  • Smurf (22/01/2020, 17:37) Like (15) Dislike (4) Reply
    Marlon has no credibility. Frasier better
  • Grow some balls (22/01/2020, 18:04) Like (12) Dislike (3) Reply
    Fraser now its your time please get mitch to sign its 2 vs 2 the governor has to listen
  • Some say (22/01/2020, 18:48) Like (12) Dislike (2) Reply
    Mitch is going to bolt next. Alvera did the right thing by getting out of the war zone. I agree, only Fraser can fix this.
  • Tomtom (22/01/2020, 19:19) Like (12) Dislike (3) Reply
    Looking at those 4 clowns on the opposition. Fraser makes the most sense.
  • fish (22/01/2020, 19:51) Like (8) Dislike (9) Reply
    Shake it up give it to Mark
    • @Fish (23/01/2020, 08:23) Like (8) Dislike (4) Reply
      LOL, give it to Mark and he will be cracking the whip for sure. You know Mark is a simmering fire cracker.
  • Quiet Rebel (22/01/2020, 21:59) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    The Hon Alvera Maduro-Caines bolting from the NDP should not cause any ruckus among opposition members. On occasions, party members cross the floor to another party. It is about representing the people, not fueling the ego of politicians. Everyone cannot be the leader; one leader at the time. If you can not follow or refuse to follow, you can not lead. Only wanting to lead has put some out to pasture out in the cold.
    • @Quiet Rebel (23/01/2020, 08:34) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      That’s it, everyone in Politics want to be leader, they want to be ALPHA. Can’t stress enough, women have to get on board and form their own party to save the Country. The men is destroying the Country.
      • @@Quiet Rebel (23/01/2020, 09:40) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
        @Quiet Rebel, women should be on equal footing with men. But not too sure that deliberately forming only a women or men party is in the territory’s best interest. Over the years, a number of parties have have been formed but only two has endured; one now is on life support. It is not the number of parties but the vision, mission, value, leadership, loyalty, rank and file......etc. National interest must come before self-interest. Residents must agitate peacefully to ensure this kept so. The VI is a small territory of approx 34,000 with limited political talent. This is not an insult to my people but a reality.
    • agreed (23/01/2020, 09:22) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
      Fraser or Vanterpool is the only two that can hold and fix to Opposition together. Marlon??????, Mitch, to damn hot headed and think he knows everything, typical rookie. Political gossip, Mitch is not going to be District leader for to long and will be voted out as District leader. Everyone that abandon ship and try to form their own Party took a huge drop in their Political career.
  • east man (22/01/2020, 22:18) Like (5) Dislike (3) Reply
    Marlon not going anywhere
  • Eagle Eye (23/01/2020, 06:42) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    Why are you people giving into skelton failure cline views. Think for your selves pls.
  • watching (23/01/2020, 07:50) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
    What time is the NDP Funeral Service?
    • Funeral Director (29/01/2020, 11:10) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      The party has already been cremated. A memorial service will be held; stay tuned for further details.
  • Narcissistic (23/01/2020, 07:52) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    I had a dream that Mark is going to do something Stupid again
  • Dear Fraser (23/01/2020, 11:02) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    You are the only one on the team that cane save the team. Marlon has no leadership skills, Mitch is a floater until he bolts and Mark well let’s say rebel AKA fire cracker.
  • Charley Rose (23/01/2020, 11:03) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    The crossing f the floor by Hon. Alvera Maduro Caines is not surprising to me because she is a person with a love for her country unlike the members of the NDP. In any country it is the responsibility of the government party to ensure that the citizens are of paramount importance and not the party. Hon. Andrew Fahie has demonstrated that he has the territory's development at heart and that is what impressed Hon. Caines.

    For example when the NDP was in office and Little Dix Bay was selling their property on Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour, instead of the government purchase the property for the people, the Investment Club which they are a part of purchased it and not the government. Today the residents on the island are finding it difficult to find parking space at the ferry dock. I think there should be a line of demarcation between the NDP and the interest of the people. Hon. Caines must have seen the direction of the party and decided to move on.


    The interim leader of the NDP has lost his direction and I think the party should replace him if they are to be a political force to be reckoned with. Hon. Penn has lost the support of many of the founding members of the party and so too Hon. Myron.


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