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

‘Thirst for Power’ has caused a blinding effect in VI’s politics-Bishop John I. Cline

—says pride & greed currently rules the political landscape
November 22nd, 2018 | Tags:
‘Thirst for Power’ has caused a blinding effect in VI’s politics-Bishop John I. Cline. Photo: VINO/File
Bishop, John I. Cline, gave the damning supposition, during a recent airing of his ‘BVI Moment’ and while not specifically naming the NDP, said, “we are in a political Irma and it must stop!” In Picture are the most recent senior NDP individuals to resign, Hons, Archibald C. Christian (AL), Ronnie W. Skelton and Melvin M. Turnbull (R2). Photo: VINO/File
Bishop, John I. Cline, gave the damning supposition, during a recent airing of his ‘BVI Moment’ and while not specifically naming the NDP, said, “we are in a political Irma and it must stop!” In Picture are the most recent senior NDP individuals to resign, Hons, Archibald C. Christian (AL), Ronnie W. Skelton and Melvin M. Turnbull (R2). Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – The Virgin Islands (VI) is currently deep in the throes of a political divide, never before seen, and is described as the worst, experienced in the Territory.

Bishop, John I. Cline, gave the damning supposition, during a recent airing of his ‘BVI Moment’ and while not specifically naming the National Democratic Party (NDP) and its infighting and spate of resignations, Bishop Cline said, “we are in a political Irma and it must stop!”

Blinding Effect

He was adamant, “the thirst for power has caused a blinding effect on many and that pride and greed rules the political landscape”

According to Bishop Cline, as a result of the political ‘dogma’ that currently taints the VI political spectrum, “family relationships and longstanding friendships are being sacrificed for the sake of political affiliations…Relationships that have existed for many, many years, are being destroyed in one fleeting moment, all in the interest of seeking political power.”

He used the occasion to call, “on us all, to massively assert our dignity and values and worth and once again return to a United VI….Let us not let allow ungrateful attitudes, unthankful hearts, and seeds of lawlessness and political divisiveness to define or divide us as a people.”

Political Landscape

The VI political landscape in the past week alone, witnessed a spate of resignations from the NDP, the firing of two Ministers and the accompanying Cabinet reshuffle by Premier, Dr the Honourable D. Orlando Smith.

Honourable Marlon A. Penn (R8) was on Monday, November 19, 2018, announced as the new Minister for Health and Social Development, for the remaining period in Office for the NDP.

The move was necessitated following the recent sacking of Honourable Ronnie W. Skelton (AL), as then Minister.

Meanwhile Honourable, Hubert O’Neal (R9), has since also been appointed Junior Minister for Tourism, a result of the firing of then Minister, Honourable Archibald C. Christian (AL).

Honourable, Melvin M. Turnbull (R2) aka ‘Mitch,’ has also crossed the aisle, resigning from the NDP

“That is absolutely clear that I am no longer with the NDP,” he said, affirmatively in a recent interview with TV Journalist, Ms Cathy O. Richards.

He confirmed too, “I am joining and have joined the PVIM, which is the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM),” a new political party purportedly headed by Hon Skelton.

12 Responses to “‘Thirst for Power’ has caused a blinding effect in VI’s politics-Bishop John I. Cline ”

  • Eagle Eye (22/11/2018, 15:14) Like (19) Dislike (0) Reply
    need all politicians to pass me straight just like they were doing since producing a green house that never grew one tomato.7,2 bvigroundways,1 mill wall,extra millions on hospital,most expensive beef island bridge,airport terminal that still ain't finish for those millions. And the list can go on.all of who was involved please PASS ME STRAIGHT.
  • H20+€£¥$=corruption (22/11/2018, 16:49) Like (45) Dislike (3) Reply
    The irony!! Dude you’ve made millions off of Government sweetheart deals. The thirst is real that’s why you’ve started ayo ‘la familia’ party! C’mon man! When will the hypocrisy and unethical behaviors and entitlement attitudes fade away?!?! Same set off fishes; just a different fish market (PVIM).....rotten all ah dem!
  • Amen (22/11/2018, 19:50) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Well sah church and state look thing
  • Really Bishop (22/11/2018, 21:14) Like (20) Dislike (1) Reply
    I began listening to the Bishop's BVI Moment; and what became clear to me was that a large part of BVI's problem is the very same people who are crying foul.
    In years gone by, politics and religion coexisted. Our political leaders for the most part were staunched Christian leaders. What we have today are 4 prominent Baptist leaders literally attacking and verbal abusing everybody who does not agree with them; because they felt they were slighted from whatever falling out they had with the political leaders.

    I agree that we have problems, but the Cane GArden Bay christian leaders they have done a serious disservice to this country with their ungrateful behavior and rhetoric! These Christian leaders have caused a serious divide within this country. And so the ungrateful attitude and the unity that is being called for by Bishop, needs to come him and his other preacher colleagues - Cline and the 3 Turnbull preacher father and sons.
  • VIslander (22/11/2018, 21:23) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Here is why we cannot achieve unity. Unity comes with shared values & culture. In the BVI we have forgotten our culture and the NDP team tried to re-create one of their own vision. That is not how culture works. So every other nationality here can unite b/c they have the shared culture & nationalistic identity. When we don't respect our culture & our own history, traditions & ppl then it is easy to divide us over our petty differences. Real leaders protect their citizens & culture and build bridges between our misunderstandings and prejudices. BVI has lacked real & true leadership for a long time.
    • Political Observer (PO) (23/11/2018, 08:21) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      @VIslander, real talk, well said. Greed/materialism has supplanted value and culture, rocking the foundation and progress of the BVI. It has pitted Virgin Islander against Virgin Islander. This infighting has taken the BVI eyes off the ball, off the focus. The BVI needs a Joseph, a Mandela, Merkel, HL Stoutt.......etc to lead it out of this abyss.
    • Identity (23/11/2018, 08:34) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      Exactly VIlsander! What exactly is the BVIs national identity? What does it mean to be a BVIslander culturally?
    • Identity (23/11/2018, 08:34) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
      Exactly VIlsander! What exactly is the BVIs national identity? What does it mean to be a BVIslander culturally?
  • ReX FeRal (22/11/2018, 22:10) Like (2) Dislike (8) Reply
    The man is a business man... so what if he does business with government. That's none for your business so mind your funky business. The man is speaking thengagements truth what most of u blogging and living here can't speak to. Hate me now.
  • guy hill (22/11/2018, 22:14) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Seems like the NEED has become a GREED.
  • cromwell (23/11/2018, 07:52) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    I would suggest that until such time as the Pier Park audit is made public, "Mr" Cline has no platform to comment from, it was a financial disaster and it happened on his watch. As for these island's politics, the actors are all amertures playing at government. As someone else pointed out, everything they touch from the airport bridge to the hospital is a catastrophe, and so it goes on
  • 2 grand (25/11/2018, 01:05) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Rat Race has becomed a dog and cat race also. Each one fighting for power with different prizes to win according to status. Wow


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.