Social and political commentator Pastor Claude O. Skelton-Cline has expressed his disappointment with the trade department of the Virgin Islands, stating, “The trade department is not working.” Photo: Facebook

Pastor Claude O. Skelton-Cline criticized the Trade Department, the Government of the Virgin Islands, and the current Minister of Finance and Junior Minister overseeing this issue, saying, ‘’ The Trade Department is not functioning. The morale of the staff is low to nothing having to work under less than, reasonable conditions.’’ Photo:Internet Soruce

Claude O. Skelton-Cline noted that when the Trade Department was established in the Virgin Islands government back in 2019, it included policies, legislation, and consultation from reputable individuals across the region who worked alongside locals to ensure consumer protection and facilitate trade expansion for the betterment of Virgin Islanders. Photo: Internet Source

He criticised the Trade Department, the Government of the Virgin Islands, and the current Minister of Finance and Junior Minister overseeing this issue, saying, "The Trade Department is not functioning. The morale of the staff is low to nothing, having to work under less than reasonable conditions."

During his show, 'Honestly Speaking' on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, on ZBVI 780 AM, Skelton-Cline raised more concerns about the state of the Trade Department’s building.

"The building is sick. It's making the people sick, and so there ain't but a couple of people who are able to work. So such an important department is being brought to a halt and it has nothing to do with the current leadership there."

VIP government to blame

He highlighted the delays faced by individuals wishing to obtain licences, emphasising that is still takes forever to get trade licences issued, especially for goods.

Skelton-Cline noted that when the Trade Department was established by the Virgin Islands government back in 2019, it included policies, legislation, and consultation from reputable individuals across the region who worked alongside locals to ensure consumer protection and facilitate trade expansion for the betterment of Virgin Islanders.

He attributed the current issues to the government elected in 2023, claiming, "In all encompassing, comprehensive tentacles that will benefit the people of this country, was dismantled after the 2023 election, by the then Deputy Premier, and Minister for the subject, that was a misstep on the At Large member part, and then Deputy Premier and so now, the trade is just a wasteland."

Unequal distribution of licences

The commentator questioned the department's role in ensuring consumer protection in the Virgin Islands, stating, "Matters, such as antitrust, matters such as consumer protection, how do I know when I go to Sol and to Delta? How do I know that when I pay 4.79 a gallon of gas, then I'm getting a gallon of gas? I don't know."

Skelton-Cline noted that some grocery stores hold between 60 to 90 licenses, while liquor agencies have 10 to 12 licenses for distributing certain products. 

"You cannot buy those products anywhere in the region or on the mainland, because those entities hold the licenses, the distributorship for those products."

He explained that business owners in the Virgin Islands are selling wholesale while also selling retail within the same market. Those without licences cannot access these items unless they purchase them from licenced sellers, who can then still compete with them in pricing.

Trade Commission must be operational again

The clergyman emphasised that this situation is part of the reason for having consumer protection measures and a Trade Commission in place to address these issues, develop policies, and tackle antitrust matters for the benefit of the average citizen and consumer. "We are here by falling and crying, but nobody's telling you what the root of the problem is. Nobody's telling you what the source or the problem is."

Skelton-Cline called for the Trade Commission to become operational again, asserting that the board needs to be reinstated and allowed to perform its duties.

"If you are truly interested in the protection of consumers in this country, restore the commission. If you were truly interested in the efficiency of moving licenses through the trade department, give the people the resources that they need, empower them to do the work that they were employed for, and you all stay out of their way," he urged the government. 

Additionally, Skelton-Cline encouraged the head of the Trade Department to communicate with the minister and other officials, outlining the challenges the department faces, proposed measures, and a timeline for implementation.