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'There will be General Elections no later than November 2018'- Claude O. Skelton-Cline

- Calls for the Opposition Leader to make his team known
Commentator and former Managing Director of the BVI Ports Authority Mr Claude O. Skelton-Cline strongly believes general elections will be called in the Virgin Islands no later than November 2018. Photo: Andre Dawson aka 'Shadow'/File
The general concern is whether the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) will be ready for another snap election to challenge the ruling National Democratic Party or whether a third party will emerge. Photo: VINO/File
The general concern is whether the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) will be ready for another snap election to challenge the ruling National Democratic Party or whether a third party will emerge. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- According to the constitution of the Virgin Islands the territory is expected to have its national election in 2019, four years after the last election held in 2015. However, Political and social commentator Mr Claude O. Skelton- Cline believes elections will be much sooner.

While sharing what he calls his ‘housekeeping thoughts’ on his show Honestly Speaking, which was aired Tuesday April 24, 2018 on ZBVI 780 AM, Mr Skelton-Cline stated: “We need to be watchful, mindful, vigilant; we need to be very much awake of what is happening in our country and get ourselves ready for what I believe will be a general election no later than November 2018.”

The recent political turmoil in the territory and the evident division in the ruling National Democratic Party (NDP) have many persons speculating as to whether or not a general election will be called this year.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Natural Resources and Labour, Dr The Honourable Kedrick D. Pickering (R7), while a guest on the said show, aired March 20, 2018, stated it was his belief that no snap election will be called and that the NDP will live out its term in Office.

'Make yourselves known'

The general concern; however, is whether there will be a viable opposition to the NDP in the event a snap election is called.

Former Managing director of BVI Ports Authority had echoed the call of many when he called on those who wish to serve the territory in governance to make themselves known.

“All those who wish to offer themselves in service, its time for you to step forward. The people demand and the people have a right to know who you are. I am calling upon even the Leader of the Opposition, Member of the First District, brother Andrew Fahie, to begin to showcase his team from the Virgin Islands Party (VIP),” the host urged.

Honourable Andrew A. Fahie, has in times past stated that he was happy with the progress the party is making. While a guest on Honestly Speaking on February 13, 2018 Hon Fahie told listeners “We are doing a lot more than people say. We are going to do our part and to be honest I’m really glad with how we are progressing and we are going to bring people that love the BVI, love the people and want to do right by the people.”

In a media statement by VIP President, Natalio D. Wheatley aka ‘Sowande Uhuru’, on January 26, 2018, it was said “to date the Virgin Islands Party's Congress has not met to select any candidate whether At-Large or otherwise.” He noted; however, “We have a number of such persons interested and talks are ongoing.”

The 76 Member Congress has still not met to select candidates to contest the 2019 general elections.

It was widely speculated that a contributing factor for the VIP losing the last election was that it was not ready.

24 Responses to “'There will be General Elections no later than November 2018'- Claude O. Skelton-Cline”

  • Wendy (25/04/2018, 09:46) Like (12) Dislike (6) Reply
    We need an election now November is still to long
    • WHY? (25/04/2018, 10:14) Like (9) Dislike (5) Reply
      To take out 6 and put half dozen? Makes no sense at all. Pray for guidance for our leaders
    • wow (25/04/2018, 17:06) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      The People need to circulate a petition and take to the Governor calling for the Dissolution of The Legislature.
  • nonsense (25/04/2018, 11:52) Like (16) Dislike (7) Reply

    Snap or no snap, Andrew and VIP will not be ready and it's obvious! Even if elections are stretched out and called early 2019 what will be the difference? You cannot build an entire party, adding 12 new candidates in a few months, gel, develop a manifesto, get candidates on the same page, plan strategy, raise funds, rally troupes in a few months. Its a bunch of solid bulls**t. Despite all the talk and foolish chatter NDP will win the elections with no less than 9 seats and the complaining back benchers will be right there on the team.

    • Oh Claude (25/04/2018, 13:14) Like (9) Dislike (2) Reply
      You don't need the recovery committee. You don't need NDP. You don't need VIP... Can you be pleased..Do you know what you want in life?
  • islander (25/04/2018, 12:02) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
    I kept saying the same thing. It would be in NDP interest to do so. The VIP needed to get their act together like last year. NDP can call election any day. What would VIP do then. Are we going to have a repeat of last election where they are blaming the govt for calling a snap election? VIP get your act together. Announce your candidates and start your campaigning otherwise history is going to repeat!
  • The Back Benches (25/04/2018, 13:11) Like (9) Dislike (3) Reply
    They have everything in their hands.. They will live to regret...They can make the difference. NDP is very unpopular VIP will never Be ready..
  • bvi (25/04/2018, 14:00) Like (12) Dislike (14) Reply
    Its time for the white BVI Islanders to form a party and run for election
    • Welsah (25/04/2018, 14:56) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
      @bvi. Ting to talk, it has already been in the plan by the numbers being born here. They are strategic and calculate their moves. Pay attention to the movements so far.
    • Well (25/04/2018, 20:37) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      They would.probably win. What do we have to lose?
    • not them (26/04/2018, 14:34) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      We look fooley to you, nuh? You think we want to return to slavery. You smelling your p**ss. Let them come. It will be a good day of campaigning. You want to hear mud slinging; it will be runney mud that time. We know them looking on, but tell them we say, we will not go back to where they had us.
  • Silently watching (25/04/2018, 14:30) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
    How would Mr. Skelton Cline know when elections will be? He has a big hat he wants to throw in the ring, so why is he calling on Hon. Fahie to push his slate? He must be one of them. Well, as usual Hon. Fahie will be caught with his pants down because all he is is talk, no action. He may even talk himself into the Government and then the stress will be worse than we've seen. Why? Because the emphasis is on NDP. No one is sitting down and trying to figure out what this country needs and what they have to offer to the people as humble servants. They think that just bashing the Government is enough to get them elected. People are long past that. So we know, the populace is quite aware that VIP will not be ready and therefore will not win because if they win they will not be ready to sail the ship of State either. They will be out to sea asking where are we going.
  • Political Observer (PO) (25/04/2018, 14:46) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    A general election is nigh. There is a high probability that a snap election will be called; the environment is ripe for a snap election. In 2015, the government catches the Opposition napping; the Opposition is napping in 2018. The NDP is on the verge of calling an election and the opposition team is a mystery. A one man band can play music but a one man band cannot win an election. This election can be competitive but if the Opposition wants to be competitive it needs to get organize. The government team is basically flesh out so the Opposition needs to reveal its team now. In 2015, the Opposition fling together a team at the last minute and it got slaughtered 11-2. 2018 seems like de javu all over again.

    Moreover, it is almost a lost cause to announce a team when the election date is announce. If the government thinks that the Opposition is napping does anyone think it will give the Opposition an extended campaign time frame? No. The campaign should be now; the time after the election date is announced should be used to close the deal.

    On the campaign trail, I want to hear about priorities, plans, programmes, projects.....etc. Also wants to hear about education, public safety, health, economic growth and development, economic diversification, social services, disaster preparedness and recovery, environmental protection and preservation.........etc improvements. Furthermore, they must outlined how these needs will be paid for.
  • WHY? (25/04/2018, 15:07) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    @bvi, do they need too, while they have their chosen ones already there to do their bidding in the dark?
  • smh (25/04/2018, 16:53) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    "In a media statement by VIP President, Natalio D. Wheatley aka ‘Sowande Uhuru’, on January 26, 2018, it was said “to date the Virgin Islands Party's Congress has not met to select any candidate whether At-Large or otherwise.” He noted; however, “We have a number of such persons interested and talks are ongoing.”

    WOW!! Might as well you all consider NDP back in buddy. This is pathetic. They have no reason to call an early election this time though. Have to get some money in their hands first. But if you can catch them down with their pants down twice, might be worth a try.
  • Hmm (25/04/2018, 16:55) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    During the hurricane season
  • wow (25/04/2018, 17:08) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    Why the focus on NDP or VIP? There can be a brand new Legislature Council built from all Independents! -js
    • @SMH (26/04/2018, 14:23) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      That could happen but would be highly unlikely. I think I stand a better chance of winning the lottery. Plus, people on the same party can't even agree on how to run a country, you think 13 independents would?? It would be a waste of time...Very little would get done.
  • Where... (25/04/2018, 20:38) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Where is Sowande he has been very quiet. Strange!
  • Snap Election (25/04/2018, 21:04) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Dr.PIC head Myron deputy 8 dist in , district 1 and 3 in. Go play bat and ball for the rest. District 2 in.
  • wize up (26/04/2018, 06:46) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    let all vote for Claude especially for minister responsible for tax payers money
    • pat (26/04/2018, 12:38) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Claud has been part of the problem. He was part of the machine with his posse and part of the Pier project. He is no more trustworthy than the rest of them. get loud VIP!!


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