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NDP with Hon Penn @helm is 'dead on arrival'- Claude O. Skelton-Cline

- said party leaders must have the financial resources to be effective
Clergyman and social commentator Claude O. Skelton-Cline has called on the National Democratic Party to change its current chairman. Photo: Facebook
Clergyman and social commentator Claude O. Skelton-Cline has called on the National Democratic Party to replace its current chairman, Honourable Marlon A. Penn (R8). Photo: Facebook/File
Clergyman and social commentator Claude O. Skelton-Cline has called on the National Democratic Party to replace its current chairman, Honourable Marlon A. Penn (R8). Photo: Facebook/File
Claude O. Skelton-Cline said if the national democratic party donot change its leader it is dead on arrival. Photo: VINO/FILE
Claude O. Skelton-Cline said if the national democratic party donot change its leader it is dead on arrival. Photo: VINO/FILE
BAUGHERS BAY, Tortola, VI - Clergyman and social commentator Claude O. Skelton-Cline has called on the National Democratic Party (NDP) to replace its current chairman.

Skelton-Cline made the call during his "Honestly Speaking" show on ZBVI 780 AM on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.

"If the National Democratic Party goes to a convention, and they do not change the chairmanship, the existing chairman of the National Democratic Party, and the Member of the Eighth [District] emerges as the leader of the National Democratic Party for the next upcoming general election, you all are dead on arrival," he stated.

The clergyman emphasised that he has nothing personal against Hon Penn, saying, "I like the guy, he is a nice guy. We sit, and we break bread together. We disagree on certain things, but I like him."

No money to lead a political party

Skelton-Cline also raised concerns about leaders and candidates lacking the financial resources needed to fund a party, stating, "All these people who want to be leaders of a party, none of them ain't got no money."

He explained that political leaders and parties need at least $1.3 million to operate properly. 

"You’ll be sitting up arguing about who's gonna lead? Somebody should ask a question. You got money to lead? You have money to fund this party. You got money to pay bills, previous bills, current bills, and bills to come?"

The commentator criticised the notion of relying on external investments for party funding, stating that people will not put their hard earned monies on people they don't have confidence in.

"I want to say to the good folk of the National Democratic Party and all the systems of this country, we've got to stop being stupid. I'm saying we gotta stop this nonsense," Skelton-Cline stated.

5 Responses to “NDP with Hon Penn @helm is 'dead on arrival'- Claude O. Skelton-Cline ”

  • the family (28/01/2026, 08:34) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Was Marlon self appointed?
  • asking for a friend (28/01/2026, 08:57) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Is this to say he wants his uncle to lead the party?
  • Stp bl0@k me (28/01/2026, 09:02) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Don’t care for politics at all, but with all parties, every single one of them, all I see is a fight to hold and keep Premiership.
  • Stealth (28/01/2026, 09:38) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    These gides have not proven that they can lead their own way out of a phone booth but they all want to be leader, to be Premier. It is an about self interest, not public interest. They want something for their personal , “I love me wall.” They need to put some real time and effort into the growth and development of the territory, diversifying and strengthening and sustaining the economy, improving residents quality of life, standards of living and per capita income, improving and strengthening public safety( police, fire, national security), enhancing and strengthening safety nets, improving access and availability to medical care, improving and strengthening education,,etc. The electorate plays a key and vital role in making sure these things happen. We blame politicians but politicians do what we let get away with. We must look past the dependency, political patronage, etc. Collectively, cooperatively and collaboratively working to build the country is more important than our personal benefits, interests, is it not?
  • ok (28/01/2026, 10:10) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    So in other words he saying Ronnie is the fittest person because he has that type of money


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