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“We must not appear to be a lawless people”—Bishop Cline

-says good governance key to VI’s survival
Good governance is key to the survival of the Virgin Islands, which in currently in dire need of an economic and infrastructural stimulus. This is according to Former Chairman of the BVI Health Services Authority Board, lead pastor at the New Life Baptist Church in Duff’s Bottom and Businessman, Bishop John I. Cline. Photo: GIS
“We must not appear to be a lawless people”—Bishop John I. Cline. Photo: VINO/File
“We must not appear to be a lawless people”—Bishop John I. Cline. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - Good governance is key to the survival of the Virgin Islands (VI), which in currently in dire need of an economic and infrastructural stimulus.

At least this is according to Former Chairman of the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) Board, lead pastor at the New Life Baptist Church in Duff’s Bottom and Businessman, Bishop John I. Cline.

Bishop Cline adumbrated this position in a press statement on August 20, 2018, where he spoke to the current ‘State of the Territory.”          

Obedient 

“Government, he said, “sets the tone of our country….We must not appear to be a lawless people. Let us be obedient to the laws of the land and have respect for law enforcement.”

Bishop Cline was at the time, lambasting the current leadership style of the National Democratic Party (NDP) Administration and said Government must focus on the needs and desires of their people, listen to their voices and hopes of a better VI.

He was adamant, “for too long, governments after government have mostly focused on themselves, their position, their power and their next win…This time around the people must win.”

According to Bishop Cline, in order for the people of the VI to win, the country’s Economic, Social, and Spiritual wellbeing must be made priorities of the administration in office.

Economic Advisory Group 

These, in addition to the Territory’s physical infrastructure, he said

“A stable growing economy is also another key component to the viability of our country…Hence, the reason I have put together a group of persons to serve as an Economic Advisory Group to help government identify economic opportunities and global trends that best fit the Virgin Islands, whether they be local, regional or international,” Bishop Cline reminded.

According to Bishop Cline, “the next area of a stable, growing and prosperous nation is our physical infrastructure.”

Bishop Cline said it is time “we the people of this country must now insist that our government provide for us the infrastructure that supports a good standard of living and quality of life.”

He posits, “…we must have good roads all over the islands…No excuses, not after 20 plus years and tens of millions of dollars; Still we drive on roads that are among the worst in the Caribbean, not acceptable!”

Speaking to the ‘State of the Territory’ Bishop Cline noted also spoke to the need for other sectors such as telecommunications, and sewerage and utilities such as electricity and water to be addressed as a matter of urgency.

10 Responses to ““We must not appear to be a lawless people”—Bishop Cline”

  • 123 (25/08/2018, 11:08) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    tell um biphop
  • just asking (25/08/2018, 11:24) Like (11) Dislike (3) Reply
    “We must not appear to be a lawless people “ sounds like be lawless without looking the lawless part.
  • E. Leonard (25/08/2018, 11:43) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
    Bishop Cline is on point: good government (transparency, responsibility, accountability) is one of the core competencies for the continued growth, development and sustainability of VI. Other core competencies include a) strong educational foundation (investing in its most important and precious resource——human capital), b) maintaining law and order, controlling crime and attaining stability, c) available, accessible and affordable health care, d) diversifying the economy, e) investing in and developing a First World physical infrastructure, e) preserving and protecting environmental resources, and f) operating from a national development plan.

    Moreover, the physical infrastructure(water, roads, sewage, drainage, electricity, telecommunications) must be designed, constructed and maintained for an extended lifecycle. The taxpayer must get value for money. It is also critical to attract investment for economic growth, development and sustainability, supporting a high standard of living and quality life.....etc. The sweet sound of pinging hammers, buzzing saws, roaring equipment.........etc is a sign of a territory on move—-upward.
  • Yes (25/08/2018, 13:39) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    Key word being APPEAR.....
  • brad boynes. (25/08/2018, 20:06) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    The British Virgin Islands. IS a lawless society. No ifs ands or but aBout it. WE the people of the British Virgin Islands need to FIX it. Time for action.The haters will hate.
  • shark (25/08/2018, 21:02) Like (5) Dislike (4) Reply
    What kind of bishop are you.if the Bible states in the last days, these are things that would be happening.is your bible just preach about dollar signs or what the Bible says about things that happen.
    The increase in lawlessness ,earth quakes in one place after the next.preach what the Bible says.
  • musa (26/08/2018, 08:11) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    a man who unit his own family have a better chance to unit the bvi
  • Windy (27/08/2018, 12:36) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    In other words lawless is ok as long as we cover it up as to APPEAR we're not. Don't like this guy. Smoke & Mirrors


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