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'We can't fish in our own waters?'- Skelton-Cline on the Stoutt's arrest

-Albert Stoutt & sons Andrew & Zacchari were arrested for alleged illegal fishing
During his Honestly Speaking programme on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, Pastor Claude O. Skelton-Cline questioned the fairness of the justice system, stating, “Should we be enforcing an unjust and unreasonable piece of law against our own people?” Photo: Facebook
Well-known local fishermen from the western end of Tortola, Albert Stoutt (right) and his sons Andrew (left) and Zacchari (centre) were reportedly arrested and charged on Friday, March 20, 2026, for alleged illegal fishing. Photo: VINO/File
Well-known local fishermen from the western end of Tortola, Albert Stoutt (right) and his sons Andrew (left) and Zacchari (centre) were reportedly arrested and charged on Friday, March 20, 2026, for alleged illegal fishing. Photo: VINO/File
BAUGHERS BAY, Tortola, VI– Host of Honestly Speaking, Pastor Claude O. Skelton-Cline, has criticised the justice system, calling it “unjust and unreasonable", following the arrest and charges brought against well-known local fishermen Albert Stoutt and his sons Andrew and Zacchari on Friday, March 20, 2026, for alleged illegal fishing.

Reports reaching our News Centre indicate that the Stoutts were charged with two counts of using a prohibited method of fishing.

Question VI's laws 

During his programme on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, Skelton-Cline questioned the fairness of the justice system, “Should we be enforcing an unjust and unreasonable piece of law against our own people?”

The social commentator emphasised that these individuals are simply trying to make a living and pointed out that certain laws are simply unfair and do not make sense.

According to reports, the Stoutts were allegedly diving for ghost traps in the waters off Great Thatch when they were approached by Marine Police. They were granted station bail of $1,500 each and are scheduled to appear in Magistrate’s Court on May 7, 2026.

'We can't fish in our own waters'-Skelton-Cline

Skelton-Cline reflected on the challenges faced by the community, saying, “The things we put our own people through, from the financial services, from the banking to open an account, to fishing. We can't fish in our own waters. sitting in a hole for five, six, or seven hours. You think that's just, be harassed through a court, get lawyers, spend money, and those of you who work in the system, how can we do this to each other?”

The arrest of the Stoutts has reportedly upset many in the community and has sparked renewed debate about spearfishing and the use of scuba diving equipment for fishing.

See link to related article

https://www.virginislandsnewsonline.com/en/news/popular-local-fishermen-arrested-for-allegedly-using-illegal-fishing-methods

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