Social commentator and talk show host, Pastor Claude O. Skelton-Cline, has opened up the conversation for the revisiting of a Virgin Islands Airline to alleviate the plight of regional travellers. Photo: Internet Source

Pastor Claude O. Skelton-Cline during the July 1, 2026, airing of his show Honestly Speaking on ZBVI 780 AM. Photo: Facebook

Pastor Claude O. Skelton-Cline has said the wealthy class, who own airlines, like Sir Richard C.N. Branson, should be engaged to begin a Virgin Islands Airline. Photo: Internet Source

During the July 1, 2026, airing of his show, Honestly Speaking, on ZBVI 780 AM, Skelton-Cline told listeners of his recent struggles travelling from Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport, which included dealing with the ever-persistent issues with LIAT. 

“If I [were] in charge, I would ban LIAT from flying in the Virgin Islands until LIAT can get themselves together,” he stated, “And this is why, though we’ve had the debacle with BVI Airways does not mean we should forgo pursuing some kind of Virgin Islands Airways in this country.”

Engage the wealthy class

Skelton-Cline said better, reliable, efficient, and effective airlift is needed in the Caribbean. 

“LIAT is a royal waste of time; people’s money, people’s time, people’s energy in the airport from two to six hours with folk who don’t even come to tell you what’s happening. I actually thought they had gotten better, but they still represent Leave Island At Anytime.”

After banning LIAT from flying to and from the VI, Skelton-Cline said he would start the process of getting some sort of Virgin Islands Airways going and “engage the wealthy class” in the VI, including persons like Sir Richard C.N. Branson and others who own airlines, to do so, impressing upon them the need to get involved in that business. 

“You can’t have folk sitting up here with the means, and the skill set and the wherewithal and the relationships and we here struggling and they benefitting from residence, from Belongership in the Virgin Islands…what kind of sheggedy is that?”

Skelton-Cline said problems must be identified and solutions to these problems offered. 

“That problem of airlift needs resolving.”

He added that he is glad to see and hopes the current government pursues the airport expansion project at Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport.