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‘I want to influence the political landscape’- John I. Cline

- said he will not be seeking office in the 2019 General Elections of the Virgin Islands
Former Chairman of the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) Board, lead pastor at the New Life Baptist Church in Duff’s Bottom and Businessman, Bishop John I. Cline has said he has no intentions of seeking office at the general elections constitutionally due in the Virgin Islands in 2019. Photo: Facebook
Bishop John I. Cline was a guest of the online radio show Fresh Radio Vybz with host Paul A. Peart aka ‘Gadiethz’ on January 19, 2018. Photo: Facebook
Bishop John I. Cline was a guest of the online radio show Fresh Radio Vybz with host Paul A. Peart aka ‘Gadiethz’ on January 19, 2018. Photo: Facebook
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- He has been very vocal on many issues, including political matters, affecting the Virgin Islands and most naturally the question that came to many is whether former Chairman of the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) Board, lead pastor at the New Life Baptist Church in Duff’s Bottom and Businessman, Bishop John I. Cline would be seeking office at the general elections constitutionally due in the Virgin Islands in 2019.

That question was answered loud and clear when Mr Cline appeared as a guest of the online radio show Fresh Radio Vybz with host Paul A. Peart aka ‘Gadiethz’ on January 19, 2018.

Asked by the host whether he was going to throw his hat in the ring for the 2019 general elections, Mr Cline made no hesitation in saying he will not be vying for elective office as he is focused on his spiritual obligations.

“I have no intentions of doing that. I really don’t mind serving my country but right now as the Pastor of the New Life Baptist Church, I think that is my calling.”

Influential voice

Many may share that as a spiritual leader Bishop Cline should have little to no involvement in political affairs; however, the ‘man of the cloth’ does not intend to shy away from the political landscape.

“I want to influence the political landscape, I want to be that voice that gives the people the information that will help to properly shape their decision and their opinion about what should happen in the BVI. I don’t think I need to get in office to do that.”

Asked by the host Mr Peart if there was anything that could change his mind at this time, Mr Cline responded “Not at this time.”

Mr Cline has contested for office before, in the 2003 General Elections that was won by the National Democratic Party (NDP).

Running as an Independent candidate, Mr Cline received 450 votes, which placed him 10th out of 13 Independent candidates.

25 Responses to “‘I want to influence the political landscape’- John I. Cline”

  • Eagle Eye (24/01/2018, 15:39) Like (5) Dislike (9) Reply
    Its best you run because we plan to change the ndp
    • Street Reporter 3rd Party. (24/01/2018, 20:08) Like (3) Dislike (33) Reply
      Frazer, Willock, Clyne, Skelton Cline, Sonil, Alvera, Wheatley VG., Juggy, Ms De Castro, Mitch, Pat Romney..(PFP) People First Party....Allocation. At Large members. Willock..De Castro...Skelton Cline...Pat Romney...Dis 9/ Wheatley dos 8/ no contest. Dos 7/ Sonil...Dis 6 Alvera..Dis 5/ Juggy..Dis 4/ Cline Pastor...Dis 3/ Frazer..Dis 1/ no contest.. Dis 2/ Mitch....... This Team there is a guaranty 7 Seats. . Alvera and Mitch gets a Ministry. We good. We are a Team.. .All heads with Brains working together on the people behalf....
      • Boo (24/01/2018, 20:39) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
        God please protect us from this sorcery^^
      • @Street Reporter 3rd Party (25/01/2018, 00:47) Like (1) Dislike (6) Reply
        Wow.. If your crazy idea should manifest,, then again it looks very posible--Means that for the first time we will have 2 women in the BVI political history holding ministries.. DeCastro education and youth affairs.. .Alvera, Labour, Culture and agriculture.. Mitch, Environment and Tourism .. Willock, Communication and works..Frazer, Finance, health and social development. This will be the way I will like it...
      • Head Honcho (25/01/2018, 08:11) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
        You sound as if you already formed the party!.. But sorry to burst your bubble one of the candidates WON'T BE IN THAT PARTY UNDER MY WATCH! Independent yes but not party affiliated!
  • foxy (24/01/2018, 15:41) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Ok so he is not running next!
  • wize up (24/01/2018, 16:51) Like (5) Dislike (15) Reply
    John Cline for President
  • ............. (24/01/2018, 18:51) Like (9) Dislike (5) Reply
    John be gone!!
    • @.............. (26/01/2018, 14:06) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      What happen he didn't lend you any money. so you dismissing him.
  • church (24/01/2018, 19:26) Like (11) Dislike (5) Reply
    Go and change the land scape of the church you pastor.
  • Prophet (24/01/2018, 19:32) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    Cline is a citizen and has a right for his views to be heard. Far too many times with the descendants of slaves their job title is what defines them. He has a right to express his views and be a voice that can be heard. He must also continue to educate himself and others. I will always applaud community leadership that is what is missing these days and agree or disagree we can always meet peacefully and debate.
  • Medical (24/01/2018, 19:34) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    Just one thing i hold against Mr Cline. He should have done more for Medical professionals. Not good seeing Medical professionals at immigration Office in Long lines Watling for a stamp. He should had Fix that. I know he could have. He had the political relationship. He has the Brian and he is persistant Brave and persuasive. Different to thai i like him. I can vote him. Just imaging the amount of vote he would have gotten if he has taken better Care of the Medical professionals..
    • Tato (25/01/2018, 05:01) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
      Why him? Let who in charge of immigration fix that. If they were members of that church baughersbay there would be instant service. Talk that.
  • .com (24/01/2018, 19:50) Like (3) Dislike (16) Reply
    Am voting for Willock all the way.
  • Boo (24/01/2018, 20:41) Like (13) Dislike (4) Reply
    Bishop Ram, Slam, Grind, or whatever should just take a seat
  • From here. (25/01/2018, 02:01) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    Waste of time ask de doctor.
  • musa (25/01/2018, 03:45) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    say some thing useful not useless and b reel
  • Hmm (25/01/2018, 08:47) Like (10) Dislike (3) Reply
    Is it only that sick and tired of seeing this man in the news?? He's in everything but bible study!!
    • dog (25/01/2018, 22:55) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      Is the pastor also a medical doctor? Is he qualified for BVI health services chair? How can a man of the cloth head up a science-related department and how can he run things if he is busy imposing his religion on everyone? hate to say it. BVI is multi cultural with different traditions and I can't see this man being respectful let alone knowledgeable. It is a separation of Church and state issue.
  • joe (25/01/2018, 16:52) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    Pastor pork chops religion an politics don't mix. Stick to what u know best ok
  • Sister Sadie (25/01/2018, 17:39) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    Bishop Cline needs to take care of the church and his
    business and leave politics to the politicians. It appears to me that past professionals turn politicians have set a bad example. If you want to get rich quick run for public office.
  • leopold (26/01/2018, 04:47) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    "Former disgraced" bishop John Cline surely? His past behaviour may be forgiven but not forgotten.


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