Got TIPS or BREAKING NEWS? Please call 1-284-442-8000 direct/can also WhatsApp same number or Email ALL news to:newsvino@outlook.com;                               ads call 1-284-440-6666

Education Ministry lacks ‘vision & vocabulary’- Skelton-Cline

- said the Ministry seems to lack the lexicon to talk to wealthy people
Managing Director of the BVI Ports Authority, Mr Claude O. Skelton-Cline (left) has criticised the Ministry of Education, headed by Hon Myron V. Walwyn (AL), right, saying it lacks vision and vocabulary to get the support of influential and wealthy Belongers. Photo: VINO/File
Mr Claude O. Skelton Cline (right) on the set of Vigilate Dialogues with host Shaina M. Smith. Photo: Facebook
Mr Claude O. Skelton Cline (right) on the set of Vigilate Dialogues with host Shaina M. Smith. Photo: Facebook
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - Not enough is being done for education in the British Overseas Territory of the Virgin Islands and the responsible Minister, Honourable Myron V. Walwyn (AL), and government by extension seem to lack the vocabulary to speak to the rich Belongers to solicit their support. This is according to former Managing Director of the BVI Ports Authority, Mr Claude O. Skelton-Cline.

"We seem to lack the vocabulary, the lexicon, to talk to wealthy people," Mr Skelton-Cline said while a guest of Shania M. Smith's television talk show Vigilate Dialogues aired on CBN Channel 51 on June 5, 2017.

The Ministry of Education and Culture was the subject of discussion at the conclusion of the show when Skelton-Cline insisted that not enough is being done in the education sector.

"Have you ever sat down with Sir Richard Brandon? Have you ever sat down with Mr Larry Paige? Have you ever sat down with Mr [David Victor] Johnson and call them at the table and say here is the government's vision as it relates to the area of education? Here are the challenges in terms of the structure of the school, in terms of the resources..."

Put a vision forward

The former political candidate with the National Democratic Party (NDP) suggested too that should Minister Walwyn put forward a figure and ask those influential Belongers persons to match what Government can put forward he is sure they would comply once they buy into the proposed cause.

"One tweet from Sir Richard Branson if he buys into what you are selling, there is no reason he wouldn't."

"They come to you for what they need to push their agenda forward," Mr Skelton-Cline stated, making his point that it would not be unreasonable for Government to now approach them.

The former Second District Candidate, Mr Skelton-Cline, said government has to find a way to leverage the influential, financial wherewithal. "You have to cast a vision and say here is what we need from you in the private sector in order to advance the educational component of our territory."

The vocal former BVI Ports Authority boss also accused the government of giving out scattered grants for Education. "You cannot just be unilaterally and whimsically giving out grants for people to study anything that may or may not be in the best interest of territory. It needs to be streamlined."

He argued that scholarships should be granted to persons who will undergo studies that will position them to come back and build their own country.

On the other hand, controversial Minister for Education and Culture, Honourable Myron V. Walwyn (AL) was in the House of Assembly recently, boasting that he has done a remarkable job in the area of education since taking office six years ago.

Many persons disagree and some have blasted the Minister for wasting money on a small wall around the Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) just before the 2015 snap elections while schools are lacking basic resources.

45 Responses to “Education Ministry lacks ‘vision & vocabulary’- Skelton-Cline”

  • NDP voter (12/06/2017, 09:40) Like (27) Dislike (22) Reply
    I agree!! Dr. Smith it is time he move Myron from Education and put either Pico or Delores. We need a shake up
    • Jacperlance (12/06/2017, 14:34) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
      @NDP Voter, agreed 100%. I think it was rumored that Ms. P had warned them not to put that boy I charge of people children. Education ministry is not running business or trying to be popular. It's a serious portfolio.
  • musa (12/06/2017, 09:56) Like (22) Dislike (11) Reply
    the pastor is a leaker as trump say
  • musa (12/06/2017, 10:01) Like (15) Dislike (17) Reply
    pastor u building a lot of hate in bvi doing so u can b deported soon by your own people
    • bvi (12/06/2017, 10:35) Like (19) Dislike (8) Reply

      he cannot be building hate when he is speaking truth to power!!! I guess ........will call the pastor wicked and a lair for speaking the truth....I just can't wait for next elections

      • Truth? (12/06/2017, 14:01) Like (12) Dislike (4) Reply
        You mean like asking rich people for money to donate to government so persons in post similar to his former post could ask for unnecessary, unsubstantiated raises on top of lucrative salaries while aspects that need attention remain in turmoil? That kind of truth?
      • Hmm (12/06/2017, 15:36) Like (9) Dislike (2) Reply
        Well he is not getting back in until he apologises to Dancia. Actually, trust me, He aint going no where but complaining and spewing hate until he apologises.
  • Oh shucks (12/06/2017, 10:43) Like (19) Dislike (1) Reply
    How yuh could say dat bout Myron. I sure Myron start to stutter reading this.
  • On behalf of my entire family (12/06/2017, 10:55) Like (35) Dislike (7) Reply
    putting everything else aside - we fully agree with Claude on this one. The guy has no clue, just going along with what those in the background drumming up for him to experiment with. They just wasting a whole lot of our tax money and time implementing what every failing dumbeddown education system has already tried, tested, and discarded.

    There are today new, progressive, outstanding, innovative and dynamic education programmes/methods out their if he truly knew where to look and research, but they rather prefer to continue following the status quo of the small nucleus of educators within their local and regional circles; although their education systems too, have many of the same or similar challenges.

    Now is the time for us to look at our educational vision for our country beyond our local and neighboring waters, because their are much better programs out there. Starting first, by tapping those proven global visionaries and explorers that we do have some level of access to around us.

    EXCELLENT perception on this topic.

    • you right (12/06/2017, 11:41) Like (10) Dislike (5) Reply
      "putting everything else aside." Good message, but may be the wrong messenger. Just saying...only time will tell.
    • lucie (12/06/2017, 15:30) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
      MR Cline you hit it on the nail . My family and relatives give you a big thumb up . To me all this man doing things for show.
      • Aby (12/06/2017, 18:21) Like (4) Dislike (5) Reply
        Claude you can say all you want Myron will be there for a long time. Stop spreading hate and divide and rule
        • pinky (16/06/2017, 13:56) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
          So true he had job fair and when the young people when there was no impress let ball head go sit down
  • time (12/06/2017, 11:02) Like (28) Dislike (5) Reply
    To get rid of NDP. They have become a complete distraction to BVI progress.
  • Real Belonger (12/06/2017, 11:17) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    I did not know Larry Paige and David Johnson were belongers?
  • American Greed (12/06/2017, 11:21) Like (11) Dislike (10) Reply
    He (the pastor) needs to stop the hate and stop from throwing stones. No body is perfect; no not one. On the contrary, time will surely tell.
  • wize up (12/06/2017, 11:23) Like (14) Dislike (9) Reply
    Why the black race must belittle one-another and for what: black on black crime: black on black malice...all other races come to the territory and bond with their fellow nationals BUT some local bent on the crab in a barrel mentality......To God be the Glory
  • cay (12/06/2017, 11:25) Like (14) Dislike (2) Reply
    The ndp does not have the balls to reshuffle the cabinet
    • wize up (12/06/2017, 16:34) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
      @ cay: let me tell you why; because they all keeping secrets for each other ask Claude because the other % coming soon
  • CSC (12/06/2017, 11:29) Like (22) Dislike (3) Reply
    We still waiting to hear the 91% you have holding on the NDP.
    • go long (12/06/2017, 12:06) Like (15) Dislike (1) Reply
      y'll like melee too much. Just kidding, lol, we too can't wait for he to drop the giant bombshell; he alone gone sink what's left of the NDP. Keep it up Claude; you going good so far.
      • can't wait! (12/06/2017, 12:31) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
        @go long. Call it the mother-load still waiting to be dropped on them NDP. The man looks like he knows how to play a good game a chess, mahbouy.
  • The Observer (12/06/2017, 11:40) Like (19) Dislike (10) Reply
    Of all the people in the world, Skelton Cline could be talking? Myron is a travesty but Cline would be a disaster. Let us not go there.
  • Tee hee hee (12/06/2017, 11:58) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Caption Myron face.
  • chad (12/06/2017, 12:06) Like (15) Dislike (2) Reply
    Not a fan of Claude but I'm with him 100% and I have always shared this view! I don't think it's an entitlement as these guys are pleased to do what they may with their wealth. However, knowing Branson for example, I don't see why he won't give back if there is a clear vision and the request is made of him. These guys also love when their names are in the spotlight so they would surely want to be a part of building the Territory. If we can get the developers and big corporations on board we will be in good business. You want your permits fast tracked? You want development approvals? Well, in addition to the regular requirements, we can accommodate your requests if you can help us here, there and there. Simple! This is how it's done in other developed places. We continue to drop the ball and make excuses all day and night.
  • Just My Take (12/06/2017, 12:12) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    Pleaseeee, get rid of that tree that is blocking the beautiful back ground view and the bowl of fruits.
    • wa happen? (12/06/2017, 15:30) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
      wa wrong with the tree and fruits? Did you just join jannie's tree-cutting club and looking for an easy one to cut-down?
      • Just My Take (12/06/2017, 17:10) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
        @Wa happen, there is nothing wrong with the tree and fruits, it just dont go with the set. And please don't put Jannie's name in it. Get rid of the tree and fruits and the set will look more airy and open.
  • musa (12/06/2017, 12:48) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    if he speaking the truth let he show u all how the money spend on the project
  • SB (12/06/2017, 13:05) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    DAMN MYRON THIS NINJA SAID YOU SOUND LIKE A GARROT!
    • Truth Doctor. Dear Mr Clyne. (12/06/2017, 14:21) Like (5) Dislike (3) Reply
      Mr. Educated. Mr. Articulate, Can you articulate to Ronnie and Dr Smith the importance of an angiogram unit capable of stenting at Peebles.. Be a difference maker. Criticism in a demeaning way is Devilish... Do something that will save peoples life is Godly..
  • oh no! (12/06/2017, 13:21) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    Claude is only half right! Of course they know exactly how to speak to the rich ones when they want something for themselves but when it comes to negotiating on behalf of the Territory on a whole, they play dumb.
  • Lord O. This Glass house guy. (12/06/2017, 14:15) Like (17) Dislike (12) Reply
    Omg. Claude behave yourself.. Of all the ministers Kendrick is the less productive... People need to start speaking truth and stop attacking the people they don't like...Myron is doing a better Job than all other Ministers.. Myron is at "B" Rating can be better. But no other minister is above a "C". The only Switch I will do is put Myron in health, Put Ronnie in Labour and finance and Put Kedrick in Education so he can start doing some real work and stop travelling every day at tax payers expense. For God Sake speak the Damn truth..
  • question (12/06/2017, 18:08) Like (14) Dislike (4) Reply
    Have you sir ever sat with the Major of Detroit? Tell us about it. You bitter now so the venom spewing. When it was in your favor and the gold door handles were in abundance you didn't have no problem with none a dem
  • NDP has finished us (12/06/2017, 23:18) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
    Lord have mercy. Give us faith. Look how once a stanch NDP soldier now destroying his party. Has he gone AWOL?
    • @NDP has finished us (13/06/2017, 00:17) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      Because there is no honour between "alleged" thieves.
  • My Take (13/06/2017, 07:30) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    No one is perfect. But all Myron is about is discrediting whatever Andrew did or changing whatever he met just to make a name for himself. He is so about himself that he blinded about the nonsense he does. Vanity I say. The wall ain make no real difference, why not a junior high instead of a 6th form and that change in uniform was unnecessary. What happen to the pilot program Andrew was launching to have all kids in the classroom with a tablet. Just swept under the mat years now only because he wasn't the initiator. Doing pure nonsense to make a name for himself Myron did and Myron did and Myron did..don't give a crack about the youth or anyone.
  • Boo (13/06/2017, 21:10) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Biting the hand that fed him then slapped him....lol
  • 111 (14/06/2017, 22:59) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    The history of mankind is a legacy of hideous rulers who were kind to their children, but were cruel to the children of those who were their political enemies.
  • Educator (15/06/2017, 18:52) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    I am not a virgin islander....I am an educator......although the minister has issues (which all of us do have because we are imperfect) I understand his vision for the Virgin Islands...move forward....not remain stagnant....with change there will be criticism...Hon Myron I salute you. Let's lead the kids into the 21st century.
  • John (18/06/2017, 04:50) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Stop looking for handouts and stop selling our lands. Our land is worth many times more than the trinkets we may receive.


Create a comment


Create a comment

Disclaimer: Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) welcomes your thoughts, feedback, views, bloggs and opinions. However, by posting a blogg you are agreeing to post comments or bloggs that are relevant to the topic, and that are not defamatory, liable, obscene, racist, abusive, sexist, anti-Semitic, threatening, hateful or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be excluded permanently from making contributions. Please view our declaimer above this article. We thank you in advance for complying with VINO's policy.

Follow Us On

Disclaimer: All comments posted on Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) are the sole views and opinions of the commentators and or bloggers and do not in anyway represent the views and opinions of the Board of Directors, Management and Staff of Virgin Islands News Online and its parent company.