Social commentator and host of Honestly Speaking, Pastor Claude O. Skelton-Cline said shelves are becoming empty because merchants are unable to get their goods into the Virgin Islands. Photo: Internet Source

Social commentator and host of Honestly Speaking, Pastor Claude O. Skelton-Cline, has said the Virgin Islands (VI) is currently facing a crisis with food insecurity, being a country fully dependent on imports. Photo: Facebook

Social commentator and host of Honestly Speaking, Pastor Claude O. Skelton-Cline said Pier 10 is Sanu Juan, Puerto Rico, which was Virgin Islands shippers used is no longer available to them. Photo: Internet Source

During the June 2, 2026, airing of Honestly Speaking titled ‘What is not true’, Skelton-Cline called local shippers and shipping companies “our lifeline”. 

“We are a 100 per cent import destination and it has been under attack, and now our local shipping and shippers are in a state of crisis,” Skelton-Cline lamented, “There’s some stores who are closing and actually closing earlier and or are not being able to serve their full menu or certain items because they cannot get their products out of Puerto Rico or elsewhere.”

He said he spoke to merchants who had to hire a private charter shipping company to get their products into the Virgin Islands after a two-week delay. 

“Some of the grocers, if you noticed, some things are missing, some shelves are becoming empty.”

Businesses frustrated

Skelton-Cline said business owners, including food and beverage providers, are becoming frustrated because they are unable to get their goods. 

“We are in a state of crisis, and I spoke about this over a month ago. I don’t know if anybody moved.”

These business owners, he added, have also begun complaining about occurrences at the BVI Ports Authority (BVIPA). There seems to be an issue with getting clear, decisive direction. 

“In a place of crisis, you have to be able to pivot; you have to adjust to meet the moment and meet the needs of the moment; we have to become more efficient.”

Skelton-Cline added that they are also complaints of the Government being “tone deaf” while the Opposition is unable to offer any options. 

“We are one hundred percent importers in this country, and you wonder why all 13 should go is becoming more of a slogan?”

Issues in Puerto Rico

Skelton-Cline reminded listeners that about 6 weeks ago on the show, he mentioned what is happening in Puerto Rico. 

“[Puerto Rico] is doing their own development, their own mega-yacht facilities. It impacts what is Pier 10 in Puerto Rico, San Juan, where our local shippers could receive products.”

According to Skelton-Cline, within a 24-hour period, that arrangement was gone. 

“So right now we only have two groups shipping. Prices are going up because demand is higher; they are unable to move the quantum…I’m telling you we are suffering, businesses are suffering, local persons, private, ordering products, folk can’t get their goods; food insecurity- here we are again.”

He called on the government of the day to do something, urging them to bring on board persons who would know what to do if they are unsure of the next steps, and to reach out directly to the Puerto Rican government or a local municipality

“Do something…This is a problem: How are we going to eat?”