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'We don’t feel like anybody until white people affirms us'- Skelton-Cline

Commentator and pastor Claude O. Skelton-Cline has lamented that Virgin Islanders and people of African descent only accept and appreciate themselves and each other when Caucasians approve of them. Photo: Facebook
Pastor Claude O. Skelton-Cline is of the opinion that retired Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court Dame Janice M. Pereira, DBE is now being embraced by government and society because she has been affirmed by white people and white structure. Photo: ECSC/File
Pastor Claude O. Skelton-Cline is of the opinion that retired Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court Dame Janice M. Pereira, DBE is now being embraced by government and society because she has been affirmed by white people and white structure. Photo: ECSC/File
A dance with the radiant daughter! Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) dances with Dame Janice M. Pereira, MBE at the gala dinner in her honour at Scrub Island on October 25, 2024. Photo: GIS
A dance with the radiant daughter! Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) dances with Dame Janice M. Pereira, MBE at the gala dinner in her honour at Scrub Island on October 25, 2024. Photo: GIS
BAUGHERS BAY, Tortola, VI- Commentator and pastor Claude O. Skelton-Cline has lamented that Virgin Islanders and people of African descent only accept and appreciate themselves and each other when Caucasians approve of them.

Speaking on his weekly show, Honestly Speaking on ZBVI 780 AM on November 26, 2024, Skelton-Cline was at the time acknowledging the re-enactment of the Great March of 1949 in Road Town on November 24, 2024.

He noted that former Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court Dame Janice M. Pereira, BDE was mentioned “several times” at the re-enactment ceremony.

“You know why they mentioned her name several times?...I heard her name mentioned several times because, finally, white people and the white structure have approved and confirmed her. So now she is acceptable to us.

“We don’t feel like we are anybody until white people affirm us.”

‘Something is wrong with us as a people’- Skelton-Cline

Skelton-Cline opined that “something is wrong with us as a people” and that stems from miseducation, misinformation, haters of ourselves, “until we paralyse ourselves”.

The commentator also said Dame Pereira, who is from Virgin Gorda, should have been leading this territory already.

It was in late October that the Government of the Virgin Islands held a week-long National Celebration in honour of Dame Pereira on the occasion of her retirement from the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court as Chief Justice.

It was in September that it was announced that Dame Pereira will sit as a judge on the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (JCPC) in London for a week in December.

The JCPC made the announcement on September 12, 2024, stating that it was pleased to announce that the Hon Dame Janice M. Pereira DBE has accepted an invitation from the JCPC's chairman Lord Reed to sit with the JCPC in London for a week in December, to hear scheduled appeals.

This, according to the JCPC, was made possible by the gracious decision of His Majesty The King to appoint Dame Janice to the Privy Council.

36 Responses to “'We don’t feel like anybody until white people affirms us'- Skelton-Cline”

  • Really? (28/11/2024, 16:20) Like (43) Dislike (2) Reply
    Umm... Bro... Yuh talkin bout yuhself dey eh?
  • Different competencies (28/11/2024, 16:23) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
    There is a misguided assumption that individuals with impressive academic credentials are inherently equipped to be effective leaders. This false equivalency ignores the reality that the competencies required for leadership—particularly in government—are vastly different from those needed to excel in academia. A look at some of the most successful businesses in the BVI reveals that their founders often lacked formal accolades but possessed the practical skills and vision to succeed.

    Leadership, particularly in government, is akin to managing a large enterprise. It requires a clear vision, the ability to execute plans, talent management skills, charisma to connect with people, financial and business acumen, cultural awareness, adaptability, and political savvy. Unlike private enterprise, government leaders must also address societal responsibilities, making these competencies even more critical.
    This is not to say that the Honorable Dame lacks these qualities—only that academic accomplishments alone are not a guarantee of leadership effectiveness. Moreover, her positions on key issues affecting the territory remain largely unknown, making it premature for individuals like Mr. CSC to make sweeping judgments about her leadership capabilities.
    • A White Premier (29/11/2024, 06:27) Like (102) Dislike (6) Reply
      This place will run good. Much better. Do you know that just yesterday alone 'one day Ports collect more than a quater million in passengers fees. Why isn't part of those proceeds go to fixing and maintaining our Roads and beaches.., To add they are waaay over staff, especially since Pier Park replace their weak security with Private security....Takes a white man to fix this place and bring real solution..
      • 84 likes (29/11/2024, 09:19) Like (16) Dislike (24) Reply
        wow looks like this idea has caught on and its time for a white premier. They are many whites that qualify that are born and bred in the BVI
        • @84 likes. (30/11/2024, 00:14) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
          Its now well over 100 likes now. Its not all about white Premier I think its also about all those 10s of millions Port collecting in Passenger fees portion of that should go towards fixing and maintaining Roads and beaches, I think people like that idea.
          • agreed (30/11/2024, 11:20) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
            But is does seem to be time for a change and it does take some courage to come forward and state that. There are other Caribbean Nations that are majority black with non black leaders currently or in the past such as St Vincent so its not an anomaly . I do think that the resounding sentiment does have to do with change at the top rather then the fees. I believe that a large part of those fees go to the Agents that bring in the Ships.
        • A movement is Born (30/11/2024, 11:23) Like (0) Dislike (3) Reply
          With this kind of support a movement is born and we must go forward with courage and determination.It can be acomplished and would have support with many local BVIslanders.
  • Herbs Powa (28/11/2024, 16:29) Like (25) Dislike (1) Reply
    Speak for yourself and those gate keeping preachers and politicians.
  • Sana (28/11/2024, 16:30) Like (33) Dislike (2) Reply
    This kind of propoganda is so sad and pit people against each other.
  • jack in the box (28/11/2024, 17:02) Like (4) Dislike (31) Reply
    He is right
  • BuzzBvi (28/11/2024, 17:17) Like (21) Dislike (0) Reply
    There is nothing wrong with the VI people but it must be tough for you Claude as not just White but Black, Yellow, green and blue and the Rainbow are not affirming you.
    Like the airport should be done already, she should be leader already your should be back in Detroit .....
  • jack (28/11/2024, 17:26) Like (25) Dislike (0) Reply
    Deportee take it easy,you frode the states now you come tortola and do the same and you expect people to listen to you? They only man will back you up is EZ shipping because he always Want a bite of everything.
  • Nasty commentator (28/11/2024, 17:38) Like (33) Dislike (1) Reply
    He truly is a snake in paradise...
  • brian hodge (28/11/2024, 18:57) Like (31) Dislike (2) Reply
    so states the man who was more than happy to tread all over BVI slanders to get his own way - hiding his wicked ways behind the church he supposedly believes in
  • crucial (28/11/2024, 18:57) Like (5) Dislike (26) Reply
    The man is right. Absolutely right. Sick fake people.
  • Wellsah (28/11/2024, 20:06) Like (19) Dislike (2) Reply
    this man can do his talk show from HMP
    • Look in the Mirror. (29/11/2024, 06:34) Like (22) Dislike (0) Reply
      When last you Mr. Clyne said good morning or good afternoon to people you passed on the street. When last you feed someone coming to you asking for a little food because they hungry and have no money...When last you heard a white man kill a black man, or a black man killed a white man. Its black killing, fighting and oppressed each other. We hate ourselves, how can others loved us.
  • Sad To Say (28/11/2024, 20:56) Like (11) Dislike (2) Reply
    Your looking affirmation yourself, from whomever you see as important. I saw you reach out to a highly political person, hail them big big, while u didn't say a word to a nobody in your eyes who supports u all the time.
  • All Screwed (29/11/2024, 02:07) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    In this madhouse of a world that we live in every race or class is looking for legitimacy. We have drifted so far from truth that we are confusing gender and biological function. Its any means to an end but still promoting a sick form of righteousness. The gold standard has become money and power no matter how depraved our principles may be. The youth have lost faith in the system and acting out of anger and despair while locally we worship at the altar of white supremacy lost in a maze of colonial brutality. Unless we realize that the only way forward is to admit that we are living lies and illusions and find the guts to change our ways everything will always be just a nice talk show.
  • guy hill (29/11/2024, 06:16) Like (10) Dislike (2) Reply
    I DO NOT need ANY white person to affirm me in anything. Do not know who that "WE" being referenced to.
    • @Guy (29/11/2024, 16:25) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply

      @Guy, you may have the strength to not need any affirmation from White people but many of your country men may not have the strength and subside to the affirmation., believing that white is right. Some bloggers on this thread are calling for a White Premier, for whites are non-corruptible and demonstrates strong leadership. Whiskey Tango Foxtrot. Give me $#%%^& break! Colonialism is one of the most corrupt institution. The colonialists were corrupt in exploiting the colonies and they finally grant them so call independence, the leaders adopted the same corrupt institutions, practices, etc like the corrupt colonialists.

      • @@Guy (30/11/2024, 10:24) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
        @@Guy, CSC point has been made look at the post ‘ A white Premier,’ ‘white is better.’ We have been brain washed and screwed without even KY. History shows that whites, especially white men are as corrupt as they come, committing genocide, exploitation, vices of all kinds imaginable, Embezzlement, deceit, treachery, etc.
  • White better than black. (29/11/2024, 06:21) Like (21) Dislike (9) Reply
    Say what you want. I work for a white man and its tbe only time I enjoy working.. The white boss only ser results that all he cares about and he reward you accordingly. The black boss, If he doesn't like or favor you, or you don't have a certain family name no matter how hard andloyal you work, the black boss will find away to knock you down, oppressed you de value you and gave the lazy who he favof and likes all tbe praise and benefits...Black bss is black worker oppressor.
  • Black Lives Matter (29/11/2024, 07:38) Like (2) Dislike (6) Reply
    especially many of the uncle toms civil servants
    • @blm (29/11/2024, 16:34) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
      @BLM, if they ate uncle Toms, they are looking out for others . Did you mean Sambos? In Harriett Beecher Stowe classic Uncle Tom Cabin, Uncle Tom was the hero helping other black; whereas, Sambos was the villain conniving against fellow blacks.
  • JACK IN THE BOX , & CRUCIAL (29/11/2024, 07:57) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    BOTH OF YOU ARE RIGHI , AND YET BOTH OF YOU ARE ON THE LEFT , ???? TWO HUSTLERS , CSC - THE CITY SLICKER & THE WIGGED ONE ,- THE WANNABE JUDGE , BOTH USING THE RACE CARD TO CREATE DRAMA ON SOME PEOPLE'S MIND . •¿• HAVE FUN
  • carrot bay man (29/11/2024, 08:40) Like (5) Dislike (3) Reply
    You are so right my brother,every time people talk about race,our own people always ready to defend the white man,we didn’t ask to come here,they stole us from our original home land, we are
    not dividing no one,it’s them white men is going to destroy our planet.no other race.
  • Bingo (29/11/2024, 08:51) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    Sounds very much like a 'You' problem to me...
  • Bush Professor (29/11/2024, 09:11) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    The behavior, attitude, view, etc of a people, especially the enslaved( physical, mental, etc) tend to reflect their power and status in society. Slavery, colonialism, extractive institutions, which have always been about exclusion, superiority, subjugation, exploitation ,control etc., have conditioned people of African descent to see, feel, carry themselves and behave as less than,dependent, the other. Whites cast themselves as the upperclass, racially superior endowed with special entitlements, power, control , and privileges. On the other hand, having amass all the power, they cast blacks as subhuman, inferior, and underclass, racially inferior, etc, whose role was servile, creating wealth for them and providing for their comfort. The whole system has been structured to keep blacks in a permanent underclass,less than, other, etc state and status. Purposeful designed, skillfully executed strategy and tactics of planned ignorance, ie, preventing blacks from learning how to read, write, figure, etc., along with amassing all the resources, wealth, power, control, levers of government, etc, keeps blacks in a permanent underclass status. This was accomplished through centuries of conditioning, ie, deprive, divide and rule. Though some progress have been made in climbing out of the hole, there is still farther to climb out of the conditioning hole. Furthermore, some of our own behavior are keeping us mired in the underclass status , ie, pursuing meritorious manumission, Neville Chamberlain like appeasement, Benedict Arnold behavior, affliction with the Stockholm syndrome, etc..The effectiveness of the divide and rule conditioning practice is still active and effective. The above Round Rock mentality is active. Poor we ; are we hopeless. Let’s not slaughter the message because of the message, the true message. There is nuff else to slam the messenger on.
  • claude (29/11/2024, 09:27) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    As a man of God who preaches His word, some of the words that you bellow via your tongue makes you questionable.
  • vibing (29/11/2024, 09:32) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Most every culture ends up detached from reality and detached from nature.

    From the European culture we adopted a method of domination and destruction of nature. Not mere detachment. But know that in ancient Africa the illusion a person was allowed to indulge in was the same problem people of culture face today.

    Ancient African saying "Searching for one's self in the world of material is the pursuit of an illusion."
     
    "Unless we realize that the only way forward is to admit that we are living lies and illusions and find the guts to change our ways everything will always be just a nice talk show." - Vibing with your comment.
  • Utter gabage (29/11/2024, 18:17) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    What utter garbage comes out of this mans mouth. Speak for yourself.. if you feel that insecure then you got serious issues.
    Sit down
  • @Utter garbage (30/11/2024, 11:15) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Anyone who doesn't feel insecure in 2024 is totally ignorant of reality. For the first time in history a ballistic missile has been used in war. Don't jump up talking about japan it's not the same scenario those were bombs carried by plane. That level of destruction and much worse is now available with the press of a button. The Ukraine conflict has entered a phase that is being referred to as the start of WW 3. Seeking affirmation from whites will not save us from nuclear holocaust we need to understand the time we are living in. One interesting fact is that there are no black nations involved in this controversy. The Europeans have outdone themselves. The United Nations is a colonial instrument of control and are useless. We don't know if tomorrow we will be here talking utter garbage but continue, when we are drunk we are happy as can be for we are members of the rum company...."nuh true Dreddie yeaaaaaaaaaaaah."
  • Gas bag (30/11/2024, 18:24) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    An insecure man proselytizing more hot air than a foundry furnace to get attention.
  • shoo (01/12/2024, 22:47) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    All I know Is that any and all affirmations from him simply underscores the reality that we are nothing.
    How I wish he would disappear..


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