Stop calling the VI a Territory; 'We are a country’- Claude O. Skelton-Cline
During the November 4, 2025, airing of Honestly Speaking, Skelton-Cline continued speaking on the theme ‘We are in trouble’.
He referenced the Special Sitting of the House of Assembly earlier that day, where members of the House reflected on the 75th anniversary of the restoration of the Virgin Islands’ legislature.
“I hear words like Territory, Overseas Territory. Listen, I want to say to Virgin Islanders, we’re not no Overseas Territory, we are not a territory.”
Skelton-Cline said these words were forced upon the VI by the United Kingdom, which, according to him, is now a partner of the VI as per the 2007 constitution, although the UK was its coloniser in 1949 and prior.
“You gotta name things, call it what it is. I hear some of our legislators still using words like territory. We are a country!”
Bullied into not using the word independent
Skelton-Cline continued that some may use the argument that since the Virgin Islands are not independent, it is not a country.
“As a matter of fact, they have scared you into even using the word independent. I hear you all in there talking about self-determination. You are on a self-determined path which will result in your independence. You cannot be afraid, you cannot be ashamed, we have always been a self-determined people, that’s not what it’s about, it’s about independence.”
He reiterated that the Virgin Islands should be referred to as a country, ocean state or an island nation.
“Stop allowing yourselves to be named.”
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41 Responses to “Stop calling the VI a Territory; 'We are a country’- Claude O. Skelton-Cline”
Yes I do.
As an expat I find that the BVI has been degraded by too who came to work in the here. Many say its just a work hub, but to me its much more than that.
For the past 12yrs living here and working Ive acomplished many goals than if I was in my Country.
The BVI has great potential that needs to be worked on!. Its Another gem in the Caribbean. GOD BLESS THE BVI!
Let that sink in for a bit and you will know and see why the BVI is where it is.
Stop calling BVI a territory when YOU stop calling yourself a Pastor
If we modify your words to suit you, it'll go from : “You gotta name things, call it what it is. I hear some of our legislators still using words like territory. We are a country!”
TO
“You gotta name things, call it what it is. I hear myself still using words like Pastor. I am a c***k!”
THIRD WORLD COUNTRY.
Does the Virgin Island meet these criteria? Can the author of the narrative please explain his reason for assrrting that this island is a country vs a territory.
- a geographic area belonging to or under the jurisdiction of a governmental authority
- an administrative subdivision of a country
- a geographic area (such as a colonial possession) dependent on an external government but having some degree of autonomy
In spite of Mr. Skelton-Cline's protestations, the BVI is a Territory!
We are, like it or not, a British Overseas Territory. We are not a country and to be honest your constant rhetoric is one of the reasons we cannot currently be a country.
Political Status: British Overseas Territory under the sovereignty of the United Kingdom.
• Not a Country: It does not have full sovereignty or UN membership like an independent nation.
• Governance: It has a local government with a Premier and House of Assembly, but the UK retains responsibility for defense, external affairs, and ultimate constitutional authority through a Governor appointed by the King.
• Citizenship: Residents are British Overseas Territories citizens and, since 2002, also full British citizens.
Yes you have spoken, but not honest.
It is you, and other like minded, and simple minded people of selfish ambitions that hindering positive progress in the British Virgin Islands, the vast majority of political leaders not excluded.
Sir, neighbor, you are a trouble maker, just as the devils.
You should be ashamed of your claimed that you are a pastor. But on the other hand you are a pastor, but a fake one assigned by the enemies of Christ.
In other words, Stop instigating confusiion added to confusions in the British Virgin Islands against our best interest.
C.O.S-C = Not a Pastor.
Possibles C.O.S-C = is a Pasta, pattie, pastie, panty, is an i***t.
VI = Not a Country
Definites VI = is a Territory
Stop calling Claude a clergyman, calling him a c**man.