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VI’s violent crimes an ‘unacceptable phenomenon’ – Skelton-Cline

- calls on community to speak out & bring lawbreakers to justice
With three violent shooting murders rocking the territory since the start of 2021, Honestly Speaking radio host, Claude O. Skelton-Cline has called the gun violence unacceptable for the Virgin Islands. Photo: VINO/File
Prominent Businessman and the Boys Service Station co-owner Rodney A. Simmonds (left) and another man identified as Andrew J. Skerritt (right) have been named in Friday, February 5, 2021 shooting deaths that have rocked the island of Tortola. Photo: VINO/File/Provided
Prominent Businessman and the Boys Service Station co-owner Rodney A. Simmonds (left) and another man identified as Andrew J. Skerritt (right) have been named in Friday, February 5, 2021 shooting deaths that have rocked the island of Tortola. Photo: VINO/File/Provided
Police have confirmed that the man shot dead in Hannah’s Estate in Sea Cows Bay, Tortola on February 9, 2021, is businessman and champion horse owner Earl D. Hodge aka ‘Bob’. Photo: VINO/File
Police have confirmed that the man shot dead in Hannah’s Estate in Sea Cows Bay, Tortola on February 9, 2021, is businessman and champion horse owner Earl D. Hodge aka ‘Bob’. Photo: VINO/File
BAUGHERS BAY, Tortola, VI – With three fatal shootings rocking the territory since the start of 2021, Honestly Speaking radio host Mr Claude O. Skelton-Cline has called the gun violence unacceptable for the Virgin Islands.

All have responsibility to sustain territory as safe heaven - Skelton-Cline 

“On the matter of the ongoing violent crimes in our community, is an unacceptable phenomenon and should not and cannot be tolerated and we must do everything in our power as private citizens as government, RVIPF, all of us have a responsibility to have and sustain a safe haven in these Virgin Islands,” he said.

Skelton-Cline was at the time speaking on the Tuesday, February 12, 2021, episode of his Honestly Speaking radio show where he delved into the topic.

On February 5, 2021, prominent Virgin Islands (VI) businessman and The Boys Service Station co-owner Rodney A. Simmonds, along with another man identified as Andrew J. Skerritt, died by way of shooting.

The killings were believed to be a crime of passion, however, police have yet to release information on their investigations.

Then on February 9, 2020, police confirmed that the man shot dead in Hannah’s Estate in Sea Cows Bay, was another businessman and champion horse owner Earl D. Hodge aka ‘Bob’.

Hodge was reportedly gunned down at his home in Hannah’s Estate around 8:00 pm.

‘More questions than answers’ – Skelton-Cline

According to Skelton-Cline, “It saddens us and it raises sometimes more questions than answers about much of what we see, but we cannot afford to be silenced, we must weed out the lawless element in our country,” Mr Skelton-Cline said, calling for those with information to help bring lawbreakers to justice.

“We are mindful, we are prayerful, but we must also be vigilant in seeking a resolution to so many other outstanding crimes that take place in this territory,” he said.

10 Responses to “VI’s violent crimes an ‘unacceptable phenomenon’ – Skelton-Cline”

  • Guns and Drugs (12/02/2021, 13:00) Like (6) Dislike (13) Reply
    Let’s rid the country of guns and drugs. These are the drivers of the typical crimes people commit.

    Further pass the cannabis legislation to allow sections of society to contribute more positively and economically.

    Focus more on working with USVI and not the brits, to secure boarders.

    Last unite with the premier and fight against those who seek to use these events to separate the people.
  • The place flooded with Agents (12/02/2021, 13:05) Like (15) Dislike (3) Reply
    The BVI has become everything bad, , hate, Crime, Murders, Corruption,... I am seeing these strange faces in the place, they look like Scotland yard and DEA agent....Serious stuff going to go down in this place..
    • Yes (12/02/2021, 18:31) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      Tortola is under the microscope. They are watching like a CHICKEN HAWK. RIGHT NOW, IF SOMEONE DROP A PIECE OF CHEWED GUN ON THE STREET.THEY ARE WATCHING AND TAKING NOTES.
  • SPeak up (12/02/2021, 13:32) Like (18) Dislike (0) Reply
    How come you haven't spoken on where the 250 million dollars worth of coke soda gone meh bwoy?
  • Bob (12/02/2021, 13:56) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    It's all about the money and drugs.
  • In truth (12/02/2021, 13:58) Like (21) Dislike (0) Reply
    What is in reality, an unacceptable phenomenon is the " Bishop" himself.
  • praishner (12/02/2021, 16:24) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    claude clyne you are the first to commit yourself go and PREACH the word of the Lord dont yousee the LOD is speaking go out in the high ways and by ways and preach tje word of the lod go make adiffrence
  • Pale Rider (12/02/2021, 18:39) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    I hear you Pastor but, people want their money for loosing the product. And they are going to get it one way or another. For real, many more is going to pay the price.
  • The punisher (13/02/2021, 11:58) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    THESE PEOPLE IS GOING TO GET THEIR MONEY ONE WAY OR ANOTHER AT ANY COST. THESE PEOPLE ARE RUTHLESS, AND BEFORE IT IS ALL OVER AND DONE WITH, MANY MORE PEOPLE IN THE BVI IS GOING TO DIE AT THE HANDS OF THE COBRA AND SCORPIONS THAT IS WALKING AMONG US.


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