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Hon Julian Fraser 'completely overplayed his hands'– Skelton-Cline

- Blames the veteran legislator for the opposition parties failing to form a coalition government
Chairman of Progressives United, Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3) has been accused of being selfish during the 2023 elections in the Virgin Islands (VI) after the VI opposition gained 7 seats in the House which was sufficient to form the government, however, negotiations reportedly broke down. Photo: Facebook/File
Commentator Claude O. Skelton-Cline has accused Third District Representative Hon Julian Fraser RA for the opposition parties failing to form a coalition government. Photo: VINO/File
Commentator Claude O. Skelton-Cline has accused Third District Representative Hon Julian Fraser RA for the opposition parties failing to form a coalition government. Photo: VINO/File
BAUGHERS BAY, Tortola, VI- Chairman of Progressives United (PU) Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3) has been accused of being selfish during the 2023 elections in the Virgin Islands (VI) after negotiations with him to help form a coalition government with the National Democratic Party (NDP) and Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM) allegedly failed and the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) was able to get back in office through a partnership with NDP Member Hon Lorna G. Smith, OBE.

Hon Fraser overplayed hand in 2023 Elections - Skelton-Cline

With the VIP winning 6 seats, the NDP 3 seats, PVIM 3 seats and PU with 1 seat there was a perfect opportunity for the opposition parties to take the government.

“Julian Fraser completely overplayed his hand, Completely [and] selfishly, but in his own mind, I suspect he thought he was doing the right thing, not sure for who, but overplayed this hand,” Skelton-Cline said on the April 24, 2023, edition of his talk show, Honestly Speaking on ZBVI 780 AM.

He reminded that both the PVIM and PU had endorsed each other with a commitment that at the end of the elections they would be together.

What went wrong? 

Theoretically, Mr Fraser- a former Chairman of the VIP- could have given the incumbent VIP a majority in the House by rejoining the party or could have joined with the NDP and PVIM as the 7th seat to form a coalition government.

According to Skelton-Cline, “Clearly, Julian, the member of the 3rd District, overplayed, overreached his hand and they were unable to form a government that could have been formed shortly after the election [result] was called,” he said.

He added that Hon Fraser reportedly took up a position of choosing and wanting to be a premier in the coalition or nothing at all, after sitting in the Opposition for several years.

The Opposition would fight- Premier Wheatley predicted 

Ahead of the elections, second-term Premier Dr Natalio D. Whatley (R7) had warned that even with the endorsements from PVIM and PU, both Chairman were sharing plans with the public of becoming premier.

“The PVIM endorsed Honorable Julian Fraser. Julian Fraser endorsed PVIM. I had a debate with them [and] Ronnie was going left [and] Hon Julian Fraser was going right. Honourable Skelton said when I'm the Premier, this is what I'll do, Julian Fraser said when I'm the Premier, this is what I'll do." 

He added, “Well, which one of you is going to be Premier buddy? You didn't work that out before the endorsement? So the first thing that's going to happen if you elect a coalition government, it's going to have a big fight,” Hon Wheatley had righty predicted.

45 Responses to “Hon Julian Fraser 'completely overplayed his hands'– Skelton-Cline”

  • Arch Angel (27/04/2023, 08:13) Like (35) Dislike (9) Reply
    Seriously, I would like to know how a so-called man of the cloth gets so actively involved in politics. Aren't church and state supposed to be separate? How does he feel he should have influence in these matters at all? Is he in charge of politics in the BVI? I am so curious to know the answers.
    • LCS (27/04/2023, 09:56) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      Sorry, I meant "Like". Totally agree with you.
    • to arch angel (27/04/2023, 09:57) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
      is not everyone who say lord lord. I don't know where man of the cloth is mentioned in the bible nor where it came from, but he is definitely not a man of God, sent by God or anointed by God. The spirit of the Lord is not upon him to preach the gospel to the poor, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised to preach the acceptable year of the Lord. Is Claude Cline or any of the others doing that? The only clothing that comes to my mind is sheep's clothing and we are warned to beware of these wolves.
    • he (27/04/2023, 13:04) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      R he is no good i will never put he in Bob the builder
    • @ Arch Angel (02/05/2023, 06:48) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      It has had people posing as medical personnel, police, teachers you name it and this he is no different.

      The man say you Christians better don’t come for me then proceeded to use bad words unbecoming of a servant of Christ.

  • Stop the Frig (27/04/2023, 08:14) Like (24) Dislike (2) Reply
    Its worthwhile if some people in the opposition accept they might never be Premier. That will allow them to see how best they can otherwise serve, and use their full potential rather than focusing on the next/higher office. The obsession with being the lead in anything causes them to act selfishly, with the interest of the country secondary.

    Also, can we stop calling Fraser a party leader/chairman? You can't have a one-man party. If Fraser wanted to be Premier or in government he should have fielded a full slate of candidates or at least enough to form a government if they all win. But it takes money to run an election and I suspect the "party" wouldn't be able to fund an election.

  • resident (27/04/2023, 08:21) Like (26) Dislike (8) Reply
    Fraser alone wasn't at fault, the others also let greed stop them from forming a government he is just the easiest scapegoat
  • 1st district original (27/04/2023, 08:26) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
    At least we dont have to worry about he showing up in London uninvited! And if he forget he tie, to take a lemo to get one and send ALL bills to our treasury, GTFOH!!
  • Natalio Warned Them (27/04/2023, 08:35) Like (22) Dislike (9) Reply
    The same "accidential" Premier had warn ayo about this but yall was too busy bashing VIP............Now Tek That!!
  • asura (27/04/2023, 08:39) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    is this melt down no 2?
  • I blame Ronnie. (27/04/2023, 08:42) Like (53) Dislike (8) Reply
    I wanted Ronnie to be Premier but from the time he endorsed Frazer I lost confidence in him..All he did was invited satan in his Camp. Not like they don't know, they all knew Frazer his ways and his character.. That was a very poor judgement call by Ronnie and PVIM...If Both PVIM and NDP had throw their weight and full support behind young Aaron he would have beaten Frazer..Though I wanted Ronnie to be Premier. I am happy how it turned out. Bad decisions have consequences..
  • NDP is dead. (27/04/2023, 08:45) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply
    And Lorna wanted Marlon to br Premiee and she wasn"t willing to work with neither Skelton or Crazer as Premier..So, Lorna moved on..
  • AF (27/04/2023, 08:50) Like (21) Dislike (3) Reply
    Radical pastor, don’t you see your predictions were correct? The promise those guys made that they will be with each other is also correct. They are all on the opposition so they kept their promise.

    Ronnie, Marlon, Fraser the three stooges of these Virgin Islands.

    I’m so happy you all are the opposition!
  • Trying (27/04/2023, 08:53) Like (10) Dislike (2) Reply
    Lorna in your corner
  • WTF (27/04/2023, 08:53) Like (20) Dislike (2) Reply
    Will somebody please tell that man to cut his hair or do something with it. he looks like Dr. Suess.
  • Nikki (27/04/2023, 08:54) Like (30) Dislike (0) Reply
    I have to agree with CSC this time. Everyone knew before hand and knows now that mr.fraser is not a team player. It's all about HIM and his dream to become premier. Without such a possibility he'll continue to be a lone wolf. That's why he formed his own party. Such a narrow mind really has no place in the affairs of a country.
  • BOTTOM LINE (27/04/2023, 08:58) Like (6) Dislike (6) Reply
    Fraser was loyal to PVIM and the NDP....HE DID NOT CROSSED THE FLOOR BECAUSE HE WAS NOT GETTING THE TOP SEAT
  • Political analyst (27/04/2023, 09:03) Like (13) Dislike (1) Reply
    Indeed, the Hon Julian Fraser, RA, aka the Liberator
    may have overplayed his hand, attempting to use his leverage. Seeing his opportunity to becoming Premier waining quickly, he adopted an all or nothing strategy. Undoubtedly, he was employing a leveraging strategy used successfully by former Chief Ministers Willard Wheatley and Cyril B. Romney to successfully elevate to Chief Minister; Willard Wheatley successfully employ the leveraging strategy twice. Clearly, the high stake play didn’t work in Fraser’s favor; it fell flat, gaining no traction. Fraser was involved in an aggressive chess match and got checkmated. The liberator beaming with confidence probably forgot that in chess one has to not only be concerned with one’s own moves but also the opponent’s moves. A costly over oversight. The word on the street is that Fraser tried to make some adjustments, altering his moves but the opponent was already in checkmate position. To use a combat analogy, in combat a unit has to protect its front, rear, left flank and right flank. Fraser may have left the rear exposed. Has the Liberator’s dream of becoming Premier just that a dream? Is it time to call it a day, passing the baton? Selfishness, greed, disunity resulted in the NDP, PVIM, and PU looking a gift horse in mouth? A bird in the hand is more valuable than 2 in the bush. Would it have been better as Minister of Communication and Works than languishing in the Opposition? Fraser would have done well to take a page from Kye Rymer, who give up Deputy Premier to stay in Cabinet. One has to feel sorry for Ronnie. Premiership was so close yet so far. Greed and selfishness is a curse for too many of us, putting us in bad shameful and embarrassing situations. Life goes on though.
    • Analogy (27/04/2023, 14:50) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
      @PA, you are just dramatic with your chess and combat analogies. It is just another day in politics. Politics is synonymous with treachery, betrayal and deceit. Lorna’s action brought a smile to Niccolo Machiavelli and probably a snivel from Benedict Arnold. She was Neville Chamberlain in her action.
      • @Anology (27/04/2023, 16:54) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        @ Analogy, Benedict Arnold. Benedict Arnold was a traitor. Neville Chamberlain, the former British PM was an appeaser. Niccolo Machiavelli—he was about any means necessary- that is not so bad. She went for the jugular so what. Boi ah yu are a tough crowd. Look like she piss a whole lot of people off.
      • @Anology (27/04/2023, 20:31) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        I despise the way she handle things. She used the NDP voters and cast them aside like used toilet paper. But Benedict Arnold is a bridge too far perhaps.
  • Guest (27/04/2023, 09:06) Like (23) Dislike (1) Reply
    Ronnie Skelton overplayed his hand too. The fence mending with the NDP should have been long before nomination day with a view to fielding a mixed slate of NDP-PVIM candidates and clarity as to leadership of the coalition. Running competing candidates in Districts 4 and 9 proved to be a costly mistake as it allowed the VIP candidate in those districts to win with a plurality of the votes. Take a look at District 6 where one candidate ran and unseated the incumbent. Again competing At Large slates cost them an At Large seat.
    Then again Ronnie laid dormant for three and a half years and then in the last six months want to roar like a lion. I don't think that it works that way. .
    • Stupes (27/04/2023, 16:29) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      I wonder what Ronnie should have done differently for the last three years. He was neither in the opposition nor the Government. Then tell us what those who lost the elections must now do, so that we can hear, "go sit down, we did not elect you." They have families and their own lives. They were fired from a job and some may need to continue to work, .

  • Crazy joe (27/04/2023, 09:08) Like (15) Dislike (1) Reply
    I heard Fraser wanted the title “King “, a throne and a gold coach pulled by 6 white horses.
  • 2023 (27/04/2023, 09:14) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
    move forward claude and stop nitpicking: your past predictions have all failed: now fraser wanted to be premier; ronie wanted to be premier and marlon wanted to be premier(1 seat but 3 applicants, wata ting).....so NDP 1 & NDP 2 was not skilful enough to steal someone from VIP to form the administration however the same nasty and corrupt VIP was skilful enough to steal your client from right under your nose so be very careful with your levels of conviction next election

    cussing out lorna but the same fraser during the campaign was endorsed by NDP 2 but when the right time came fraser turned off running full speed(he should have formed the administration)

    Claude needs to form his own church

  • 3 P's (27/04/2023, 09:32) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Well, Well, well, what do we have you ask, "another T * * * Opposition Party"
  • Interested (27/04/2023, 09:35) Like (14) Dislike (1) Reply
    You know truth be told.Doc and Lorna caused the downfall of the NDP when they plotted and schemed to put Myron to Head the party instead of Ronnie, a founding member when Doc was retiring. She launched her campaign as an independent candidate and had no intention of running with NDP because she did not respect Marlon as its leader.She was compelled to do so by family members.
    Should we be surprised at what she did ? I think not.
    The end of this story is yet to be told.
  • Agree with you (27/04/2023, 09:39) Like (18) Dislike (4) Reply
    itts quite rare that I agree with things that you say Sir, but in this instance, you are totally accurate.

    What it does show is the great maturity of the VIP party and especially Hon Kye Rymer, who stepped asside as deputy premier in order to enable the VIP to form a government. no squabbling, no arguments,...." if this is what it takes, then this is what it takes".
    While NDP and Pvim were trying to get their "House" in order, Hon Lorna realized that she was being eased asside and took the best path forward to put her in a position to make a difference.
    Who would you want running our government, a group of individuals who argue amongst themselves for power, or a group who are willing to sacrifice position over country.
    Very mature VIP, very pragmatic.
    Well done to all, and that does include Lorna, who i didnt vote for but im so happy she's on board with VIP.a wealth of experience.
    respectfully submitted.
  • Failed (27/04/2023, 09:40) Like (26) Dislike (0) Reply
    Poor Fraser out smarted himself out of a Ministerial port folio; now he has to sit on the Opposition twiddling his thumbs. This is so darn funny
  • @wtf (27/04/2023, 10:40) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
    He clearly does not give 2 shhhhh about his appearance....remember that ridiculous mustache???
  • Concerned (27/04/2023, 12:00) Like (21) Dislike (2) Reply
    You all blame Fraser for the foolery.hmmmm. blame the 3rd district for giving us nothing every four years. The leaders are a reflection of their people. He and his District are a shame and disgrace to the good people of the BVI.
    • @ concerned (27/04/2023, 13:33) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      not everyone in the 3rd vote for him, so of us are as upset and disappointed in the results aswell. if it was up to the younger 3rd's Aron would have been the district leader, i just hope he gets in one day, i think he can do it.
  • Well Well (27/04/2023, 12:46) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Why they all blaming Mr. Frazer?? How about if was Mr. Frazer was the one asking them to join his party to form the caolition??
  • WHAT!!!! (27/04/2023, 14:23) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    “Well Well”
    Sorry but a party of one is not a party.
  • lol (27/04/2023, 14:49) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Can’t play a poker hand with just one trump that everyone knows ….and then call bluff. That had to have been self sabotage.
  • Wow! (27/04/2023, 15:07) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    I didn't know Frazer had teeth till I saw him on his poster in Sea Cows Bay. He looked scary at night.
  • @ CRAZY JOE ???? (28/04/2023, 07:05) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    THAT WAS FUNNT ???? HOW ABOUT ( BRER RSBBIT ) AND HE THINK HE'S SLICK , HE SHOULD OF CONSULTED THE CONSULTANT , AND HE WOULD OF LEARNT THE MOONWALK
  • Native Tongue (29/04/2023, 06:37) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    HIS HAIR IS NONE OF YOUR DAM BUSINESS.


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