Bishop Cline questions Dr Karl Dawson’s ability as a politician
Speaking exclusively to Virgin Islands News Online recently, Bishop Cline, as he is popularly known, gave the thumbs up for National Democratic Party (NDP) Second District candidate and young Baptist preacher Melvin ‘Mitch’ Turnbull but said the jury was still out on Methodist preacher Dr Karl Dawson who is contesting as a Territorial At Large candidate with the Virgin Islands Party (VIP).
There is a third minister who is running as an Independent, Albert O. Wheatley, but Mr Cline offered no opinion on his running.
Dr Dawson is a ‘good guy’ but…
Speaking of Dr Dawson, Bishop Cline said, “He is a local preacher in the Methodist church and I know his family and I know that he is a good guy I just believe that as a politician I, I, I, I don’t know… the jury is still out on that for me.”
When Bishop Cline said the jury is still out on Dr Dawson he was asked if the debate would be aligned with the party for which Dr Dawson is running with but he said, “I don’t look at the party I look at someone’s ability to lead, that’s what I look at.”
Dr Dawson, a church leader, has been at the helm of the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) for many years as President.
“Do you have a vision for this country? What are you offering? What is it you are bringing new to the table that would lead us through, whether it’s economic hard times and through the economic prosperity and the participation in a global economy that we so desire?” Bishop Cline asked when trying to make an assessment of Dr Dawson.
The controversial preacher, who has recently come under fire from bloggers for labelling Independent Territorial At Large candidate and former Deputy Premier Dancia Penn as a ‘fly in ointment’, said that so far he has not heard anything from Dr Dawson that indicates to him that he is offering anything new. “He has just jumped on a band-wagon and riding the train but he is a very, very nice honest Christian man,” said Mr Cline.
‘Mitch’ gets Bishop Cline’s endorsement
Speaking of the NDP Second District candidate, Bishop Cline said “I think Mitch is in the right place doing the right thing, he has his integrity and I look forward to him becoming the next representative for the Second District because for the last we have had an absentee representative.”
The ‘absentee’ representative Bishop was referring to was no doubt the Honourable J. Alvin Christopher.
After 12 years of representing the district, Hon Christopher has decided not to run for the office of a District representative but rather as an At Large representative, a move that stirred much debate among the electorate. Hon Christopher has since endorsed Mr Elford W. Parsons, an active Methodist member who has so far been viewed as an equal challenge to Mr Turnbull, if not slightly tipping the scale as a more mature individual.
Meanwhile, Bishop Cline has welcomed the move by church leaders to get involved in politics as he believes it is supported by scripture and should not be condemned.
“I think that is some of the hierocracy that exists sometimes with people,” Mr Cline said as he recalled the time he ran for office and there was a big outcry that pastors shouldn’t be in politics. “I remember when Claude Cline ran there was a big uproar that pastors shouldn’t be in politics,” he added.
Now Managing Manager of the BVI Ports Authority, Mr Claude O. Skelton-Cline contested in the Second District at the November 2011 general Election but was defeated by Hon Christopher.
According to Bishop Cline, it has always been his conviction, according to the Holy Bible, that when the righteous rule the people will rejoice but when the wicked are in power the people mourn. “So I believe that one of the best place for a religious leader is to help to guide his country’s politics and governance.
“I think I am very clear in my mind what the BVI needs and I am going to vote in that light. I don’t have any personal agendas I just want to see the BVI do well and I believe that the team that will keep us on the right path to doing well is the one that I hope that we choose to do so,” said Bishop Cline.
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92 Responses to “Bishop Cline questions Dr Karl Dawson’s ability as a politician”
I can't stand John Cline and the name Bishop is too good of a title that's why I don't call him Bishop! Keep talking Mr. Cline, foot and mouth disease is rampant in this election cycle. Quick to give Mitch an endorsement because he is contesting elections as an NDP candidate but not Dr. Dawson? Strupes. Go and repent.
Let him Endorse his Nephew and leave Dr. Karl alone.
John is just a little devil in disguise hiding behi d his long gown and Bible,him and his Brother IN LAW over in that other Church.God, help us all. AMEN.
You said, "I know his family". Aren't you his cousin? (LOL)!!! The things people will say for votes!!!
Maritime and Oceanographic Curiculum and Academy
Swimming and sea skills curiculum for all schools
Turn HLSCC into full university
School of Tourism and Hospitality as part of maritime and oceanographic academy
Junior High School with science and technology orientation
Junior High School with computer Department training students in coding and programming
Clear immigration and customs in Charlotte Amalie
Develop west end and road town ferry docks to 5 star
Establish luxury ferry services
Establish ferry services until late evening so no more travelers overnight in USVI
Air shuttles between USVI and BVI
Late night shuttle air service between San Juan and Beef Island
Establish Airport development under 10 year development plan
BVI School of Aviation and flight
Establish economic zones in West End and on Beef Island
Build second cruise pier in West End with private funds
Establish deviancy and learning challenges facility
New housing policy to bring financial relief to first time home buyers
Department of Homeland Security
Organic food and drink produced at home and for export
Cline has everything 2 say in opposition to creditable and potential Government Ministers not in the NDP. He is fearful that his g***y train as the chairman of the board will come to an end. Well Cline I hope that the VIP Government once elected will k**k u off the board and there will be no more g***y for ur train for it will stop working. So keep touting your mouth
I think that it is time john come off the puplit. preachers in the bvi have you all gone to sleep and leave this man to rant and rrrave please god is hearing aND SEEING HE IS NOT TO BE FOLLOWED HE IS HUNGRY BECAUSE IF NDP LOOSES HE HAS TO GO...
Dr Dawson showed his mettle by joining the VIP
Karl has more integrity and credibility than you.
I don't think we need a change in government but we certainly need a stronger opposition, I think Parsons will be great addition in that regard.
So your not voting for Mitch because you want a strong opposition not because he isn't qualified and capable of doing the job. Thats just ridiculous.
If we go off of what you said no one should be voting for S. DeCastro either.
Whilst Mitch is vibrant, I do believe that his true effectiveness will be hindered by the personal power play of the more self-centred and politically savvy members of his team, in much the same way that Archie, Delores and Alvera were stifled and often sidelined. I am not discounting Marlon's abilities, but it is crystal clear that he was permitted to shine. His achievements were clearly a political strategy to ensure that Mrs. Penn-Sallah or some other viable candidate would have a Herculean task of convincing the younger voters that he should not be returned to the HOA. Monies for capital projects are disbursed according to the whims and fancies of those who hold the purse strings. Maybe, Mitch might be another Marlon, and that is the most he can hope for.
A vote for NDP is a vote for JIC hands in the cookie jar.
You went through the same thing. Poor thing. Stop being so evil.