Got TIPS or BREAKING NEWS? Please call 1-284-442-8000 direct/can also WhatsApp same number or Email ALL news to:newsvino@outlook.com;                               ads call 1-284-440-6666

Skelton-Cline inks $96,000 a year contract with NDP Government

- to work with Ministry of Communications and Works as consultant on Ports matters
Claude Skelton Cline who contested the 2nd District seat and was defeated, has now been offered a contract by the NDP Government.
Kevin OJ Smith was an NDP candidate in the 3rd District and former Post Master General.
Kevin OJ Smith was an NDP candidate in the 3rd District and former Post Master General.
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - Just days after Minister of Finance Dr. D. Orlando Smith told the nation that the Virgin Islands Party Government left the country broke and with a deficit of 51 million dollars, the National Democratic Party (NDP) Government found ninety six thousand dollars ($96,000.00) for a one-year contract to pay defeated second district candidate Claude Skelton-Cline for a consultancy.

In a government press release the Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Mark Vanterpool said, “the Ministry of Communications and Works is moving quickly to address the very urgent matter of ports development territory-wide, to this end it was extremely important to us that we identify a person who will focus on this task”.

According to the same press release, Mr. Cline’s scope of works include, but are not limited to, providing of consultancy services to the Ministry of Communications and Works and the Board of the BVI Ports Authority on the proper development of the Territory’s ports. He will also conduct research to assess the condition of all ports of entry in the Territory and prepare reports on findings and carry out reviews of project proposals currently being considered for the development and expansion of ports in critical areas on Tortola (Cruise Pier and West End), Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke.

Kevin Smith another consultant

Meanwhile, another NDP defeated candidate Kevin ‘OJ’ Smith who contested the 3rd district seat also has inked a consultancy contract. The value of his contract and duration is unknown at this time. However, according to Virgin Islands News Online sources within the ruling NDP, Mr. Smith is expected among other things, to play a role in NDP Government's plan to activate the Small Business Bureau.

Mr. Smith, a former Post Master General, is expected to report directly to the Premier Dr. D. Orlando Smith and be seated in the office of the Premier.

Virgin Islands News Online will keep our readers up-dated as more information becomes available.

49 Responses to “Skelton-Cline inks $96,000 a year contract with NDP Government”

  • i hate the ndp (08/12/2011, 07:34) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    two clowns money hounds
  • Cannot Believe It (08/12/2011, 07:36) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Whoever negotiated this must be a CRIMINAL. NDP what are you men and women doing. It is very obvious that you folks do not want to be re-elected in the next four years. A large percentage of your population are not COMFORTABLE with this man and this is what you do. Why don't you folks look into the NEIGHBORHOOD PROJECT that he claimed he came here to do and the results are clear. The TEENS in the BVI have gotten worst so it is obvious that his SCHEME was UNSUCCESSFUL. PLEASE NDP re-think the DECISIONS you are making.
  • rewrsdffds (08/12/2011, 07:37) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Claude the fraud
  • My Oh My (08/12/2011, 07:38) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    We are in dire straits, yet we have the funds to hire Skelton Cline as a consultant, yet again, and to the tune of $96,000.00 Let's hope we see value for money this time around. What are the persons withing the ministry, including the PS doing that we have to hire someone else for this?? What are the terms of reference?? NDP, you are doing exactly what I hoped you wouldn't do. SMH
  • NDP STRONG (08/12/2011, 08:01) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    COME ON NDP...i voted 4 u guys maannn>> not a good move for right now. not cline. u are only opening ur selves for much criticism. not worth it. come on guys!!!
  • oh boy (08/12/2011, 08:11) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    all i have to say is lord help us under the NDP government
  • I.A. (Internal Affairs) (08/12/2011, 08:20) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Wow that's alot of money to dish out to someone in these high times who is not even a minister in government. With that being said, I wonder what the ministers yearly salary looks like., Just reading this article alone made my heart race...Un*******believable. What is his purpose in Govt again?? That money could of went into something else that will benefit the country. What makes this man so special that he had to be given such a hefty contract? Im not bashing him per-say, He is a winner if he could come off with such a contract, but the person who offerered him such a position needs their rare end cut...SMDH...WOWSERSssssss!!!!!
  • If You Scared Go To Church (08/12/2011, 08:32) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I told you bout Cline i like this dude cause he is a STRAIGHT PIMP! Go on PIMPIN
  • she the cat mother (08/12/2011, 08:48) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    If this is not corruption then what is?????
  • Independent (08/12/2011, 08:55) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Next elections we voting all independent candidates, providing we survive.
    • Brama Bull (08/12/2011, 16:53) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Yea yea yea....whatever!!! It's always next election this next election that.. They fool you once, shame on them, fooled you twice shame on you.
  • Concerned (08/12/2011, 08:56) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    interesting to see that so much money is being paid to a defeated candidate...what a reward!!! i thought the premier said that the country was in a bad financial position.....Cline is making more than the permanent secretary and some of the other elected members of the house of assembly....at a time when money is suppose to be tight...yet the premier spoke about the former government doing favors for others....WoW!!!!!!!!
  • critic (08/12/2011, 09:10) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    well sah!
  • jb69 (08/12/2011, 09:38) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    all I have to do is laugh. The people of the BVI voted back in NDP thinking that there was going to be change but there was no change, just the balance of power was shifted. Now people just stop complaining and take what you get... I said it before and I am going to say it again... A PROMISE IS A COMFORT TO A FOOL! NDP made many promises and the people were fools to vote them back in.... this is just the beginning.... brace yourselves there is a lot more to come.... they said that they learned from their mistake and will listen to the people this time but i see that they are still not paying attention to what the PEOPLE are saying and want!
  • duppy know who to frighten (08/12/2011, 09:42) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    thats $8000.00 a month wellsah
    • Well sah (08/12/2011, 10:54) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Well sah is so right! This is not value for money.....what is the PS and Head of Public Works Department there for?!
  • hmmmm (08/12/2011, 09:52) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I swear the people in the BVI are some of the dumbest.........if we have Human Resources Managers sitting right there in Government doing clerical for 80,000 are year. why can't and advisor to some critical areas in Government be paid $96,000.00. I wish my people with just travel and get educated asto how things really work!
  • X-Man (08/12/2011, 10:12) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    What are this man's QUALIFICATIONS? Is he even qualified to do this job, especially with such a hefty price tag. NDP it is to early to be messing around. We need answers; especially since you claimed that we're in a bad financial position.
  • Experience ? (08/12/2011, 10:22) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    What experience does this man have with ports......ZERO
  • Crank Shaft (08/12/2011, 10:30) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    LOL! $96K per year is a lot of money? LMAO! Ya'll people crazy! No wonder the expat bosses can exploit you all for little or nothing, then you complain. How much was Ray's contract for? Were ya'll concerned then? What did Ray accomplish? NOT A DAMN THING!! $8K per month is petty change!!
  • critic (08/12/2011, 10:39) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    what doc trying to do,embarrass alvin and fraser by paying claude and oj more money?
  • simon (08/12/2011, 12:09) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    wha he getting all that money for?
  • SINNY (08/12/2011, 12:11) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    DOCTORS DON'T EVEN GET PAID THAT MUCH AND THEY ARE SAVING LIVES EVERYDAY ALL DAY! GOVERNMENT, PLZ LOOK INTO THE SALARIES OF THE DOCTORS. THEY WORK HARD IN SAVING LIVES. SAVING LIVES FOR GOD SAKE.
    • Wake up (08/12/2011, 13:19) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Oh please some of these rent-a doctors and nurses from all over the other places don't care. Check emergency room sometimes and see how many of them on the Internet while people in emergency bawling in pain. Some do care but some just here for a paycheck!
  • Hey (08/12/2011, 13:33) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Hey............It's the same as the drag racing contract. I'm an NDP fan but that's too much money.
  • Wow..it is same &*?? (08/12/2011, 14:49) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Like it said from the beginning.. Politics is Politics. All the favors being handed out and aint even 6 months yet... well sah... i can only imagine what coming next... hope everyone taking notes.... 2015.. next time i'm running and collect on some favors...
  • rasta (08/12/2011, 15:46) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    ok finally OJ found a JOB!
  • Oscar (08/12/2011, 16:56) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    We get what the duck get
  • I DID NOT VOTE FOR THIS (08/12/2011, 19:39) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    What is wrong wit the ndp, i did not vote for allyu to do this rescind that contract now, get the criminal out of there and distance yourselves from him do it now.
  • Star (08/12/2011, 19:51) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Wow! Hon. Myron Walwyn, I am owned more than a year in backpay. Please make sure that it is in the bank on the 15th of January. Obviously government has money to throw around. Therefore, it is only right that I get what I already worked a year and a half for.
  • disappointed (08/12/2011, 20:38) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I must say...I read the article and had to take a moment of pause. I am truly disappointed in Dr. Smith and the members of the NDP. This is not a time for favors, handouts, and friendships. I am tired and disgusted that such educated people constantly make such uneducated decisions at the cost of the people of the Virgin Islands. How is paying a man 96,000.00 going to help fix the Territory. Yes we all need to eat, but that can be two peoples salary that need a job. You got people with families working gov't and getting 27,000 doing the job of those getting 60,000-80,000.. what about them? What I dont understand is why you give these made-up nonsense contracts to whoever but ITS NOT YOUR DAMN MONEY!!!!!! it is the people of the British Virgin Islands. Okay he is apart of your team fine but we the People whom the money belongs to put NDP in office, what exactly did he have to do for 96,000 so the rest of us who voted you all in can do it to. Secondly, should'nt you be cutting spending and not adding. If you going express you disappointment in the last Gov't and them sign a contract short of 100,000 yet you bawling we in bad shape how is that setting the tone or leading by example. If the British take the Gov't over please don't blame just VIP because all of you are a set of educated jack***. If you do not understand how to budget and balance money dang it don't be the Minister of Finance, Financial Secretary or even the Accountant General...What is the pastor going to consult on...What is wrong with you people...Is it the fumes from the sewerage!!.....wait this is joke right, i'm dreamining, no wait what i'm experiencing is symptoms of being in the damn twilight zone right....take you Azz back and revise that contract right away. If not NDP and VIP get out of Gov't and let the British control you all cause it obvious the book sense just make you stupid.
  • John (09/12/2011, 06:24) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Now unlike many who say that next election they will vote out the NDP because of this one contract that they do not like, I say that I will wait and see. I have 4 years to decide the whether I will fire, rehire, or hire a new party. I have listened and read the financial status thus far for what has been publicized for us the people and I will save my judgement. There is one thing that I know is that there will be decisions that will be made that the people will not like but may end up doing good for the territory and some may not. At the end of the NDP's 4 years I will list all the goods and bads and I will make another column for the things that I am not sure on. And if the good out-weight the bad, then I will make a decision. I do still believe that the NDP government is the best organized bunch and has the best leadership for us the people today. Based on the election trail Mr. Clyne brought some interesting research to the forefront. Things that may benefit the BVI in terms of goods and services. Establishing MOU's with places that has a good cash flow and so on. I will give him a chance and I will wait on the reports that will let me know if this is all justified. Mark started out booming and he got high praises and now he is getting booed but the thing is I voted placing my trust in God first not man. God is going to do his part once we stay close to him, we also have to do our part and that is to help wherever we can.
  • Screaming Loud!!!!!! (09/12/2011, 07:47) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I just feel like SCREAMING. The only thing Cline's name has ever been associated with in the BVI is MONEY, MONEY and MORE MONEY. If you NDP think making moves like this early in your administration will make people FORGET you have something else coming to you. This man is a SCAMP and views the BVI and the PEOPLE in it as IDIOTS that is why he comes with his SMOOTH TALK and gets whatever he wants. Mark, Ronnie, Archie, Doc 1 and Doc 2, Alvera, Deloris and Myron I believe I can call you SENSIBLE people REVISIT that CONTRACT it may cost you BIG TIME but then again some of you may be in it for the last go around so you don't care what you do now. DOC PICKO said four years may seem long but it is actually a short time to make your mark. Trust me WE WILL NOT FORGET THIS MARK. CORRECT THIS THING! That $96,000 CONTRACT is CORRUPTION, CORRUPTION CORRUPTION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He had the so called NEIGHBOURHOOD PARTNERSHIP CONTRACT where is the REPORT to show the PEOPLE of the BVI the VALUE for MONEY from IT. WE are not STUPID! PPA start to round up your PARTY you will be the THORN in the NDP flesh in the next go round. This move really has me PI$$ED off with NDP and their negotiators.
  • IFoDah (09/12/2011, 10:28) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Why you think that they had the youths rush in the other day by scores to sign up for jobs? Because they know that corrupt contract deals such as these one would upset the people. What they failed to realize that as the people we are not stupid and can see past all their facade. You simply cannot distract us with this one, no not ever!
  • wow (09/12/2011, 12:15) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    shut the front door $96,000
  • ... (09/12/2011, 12:57) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    HA HA HA! NDP Supporters that's what you all get, take that, don't bawl now. Your words and votes are falling on deaf ears. NDP don't give one S$$t what you all think, they never did, except during election, of course. That's the change you all wanted, take change now. It already start so early in the game, more to come. You all have fours years of that to look forward to. NDP All the way!! (yea right)
  • John doe (09/12/2011, 17:11) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    ndp we thought things would be different but its the same old shit just different players.Mark right now i sorry i voted for you and your team not one have the balls to say lets not do this its to much.yes give him a job if you want to take care of your man we have no problem with that but 96,000.00 for one year no.
  • record speaks (09/12/2011, 19:11) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    hush ayo backside what about when he got 600 thousand under Andrew Fahie eh???
  • come on (09/12/2011, 19:27) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    He got defeated, He was THE most racist person on the campaign trail, excactly what is his resume that he can do this for the government? I would have been happier if they had paid professionals to do this work than he. Jobs for the boysa makes NDP look just like the others. Wrong man, BAD move.
  • car jack (10/12/2011, 01:02) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    i will never again vote for the NDP NEVER
  • slyb (10/12/2011, 12:53) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Make me wonder if runner and losing is more rewarding than running and winning This man cause so much dam..... problems with his FOOT IN MOUTH sickness i hope it was cured
  • x man (11/12/2011, 13:13) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    96, 000 my lord.....
  • Jan (11/12/2011, 17:26) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Wake up people, it have government employees working for more than that.
    • Strupes (12/12/2011, 06:42) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Give us the Post them please, please. Lets do an evaluation. Lets discuss because something still don't add up.


Create a comment


Create a comment

Disclaimer: Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) welcomes your thoughts, feedback, views, bloggs and opinions. However, by posting a blogg you are agreeing to post comments or bloggs that are relevant to the topic, and that are not defamatory, liable, obscene, racist, abusive, sexist, anti-Semitic, threatening, hateful or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be excluded permanently from making contributions. Please view our declaimer above this article. We thank you in advance for complying with VINO's policy.

Follow Us On

Disclaimer: All comments posted on Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) are the sole views and opinions of the commentators and or bloggers and do not in anyway represent the views and opinions of the Board of Directors, Management and Staff of Virgin Islands News Online and its parent company.