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‘What kind of foolishness going on at the Airport?’- Hon Ronnie W. Skelton

- Concerned over his treatment @ Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport
The Virgin Islands’ Opposition Leader Hon Ronnie W. Skelton (AL) is concerned about House of Assembly Members being subjected to security checks at Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport. Photo: YouTube
Hon Ronnie W. Skelton, the Opposition Leader, has said he learnt departure taxes must be paid on domestic flights to Virgin Gorda and Anegada; however, he did not go into any details and asked Members of the HoA to do their research. Photo: VINO/File
Hon Ronnie W. Skelton, the Opposition Leader, has said he learnt departure taxes must be paid on domestic flights to Virgin Gorda and Anegada; however, he did not go into any details and asked Members of the HoA to do their research. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The Virgin Islands’ Opposition Leader Hon Ronnie W. Skelton (AL), while speaking on Other Business at the continuation of the Ninth Sitting of the First Session of the Fifth House of Assembly (HoA), described his treatment at Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport.

He described his security checks as a Member of the HoA while departing on official business as “foolishness.”

Easier to travel in USA than TB Lettsome Airport

Hon Skelton noted that he travels hassle-free through United States ports because he was granted global entry and TSA pre-check. However, he said, “I get annoyed with what is happening to us officials when we travel through the airport”.

The Opposition Leader told the Members, “When I come to my airport to go out on official business, I have to take off my shoes, my pants, my jacket, my belt and then they open my bag to check to see what is in it. What kind of foolishness is going on at the airport? That cannot be right,” he opined.

The former Finance Minister (2003-2007) said the Governor, Premier, Speaker and Judges are exempt from those types of searches.

“Something is wrong if Members of this House are going to be treated like that,” Hon Skelton in protest told the HoA on April 9, 2024.

Departure taxes for domestic flights?

“That level of security you are talking about, something is wrong. Somebody needs to get a handle on this. We are destroying everything we built in this society. We are doing the wrong things,” Skelton noted. He asked the Premier to address the concerns.

Meanwhile, he also stated that he learnt departure taxes must be paid on domestic flights to Virgin Gorda and  Anegada; however, he did not go into any details and asked Members of the HoA to do their research.

37 Responses to “‘What kind of foolishness going on at the Airport?’- Hon Ronnie W. Skelton”

  • Security (18/04/2024, 11:13) Like (91) Dislike (3) Reply
    It is not wrong, it is security and nobody should be exempt.
  • Guest (18/04/2024, 11:26) Like (71) Dislike (3) Reply
    Not a thing wrong with that treatment. Ministers can be criminals to lest we forget where a former premier now resides.
    • Maria Louisa Varlack (19/04/2024, 03:19) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      That crazy Cindy have everybody hating the politicians
  • diplomats (18/04/2024, 11:27) Like (52) Dislike (1) Reply
    history have shown that our so-called diplomats are questionable like everyone else. Just humble yourself and do what you are told.
  • Self Serving (18/04/2024, 11:40) Like (79) Dislike (1) Reply
    Of all the things going wrong in the BVI. This is what Ronnie making the most noise about. But can't expect nothing better. Once it affects them, they make noise. If it affect's me and you they don't give a SH**T.
  • What ?? (18/04/2024, 11:45) Like (38) Dislike (7) Reply
    are you saying that you should have diplomatic immunity ??
    why should it be any faster for you than it is for any if us who voted you in
  • well sa (18/04/2024, 11:57) Like (19) Dislike (1) Reply
    Mr. Opposition Leader...don't you "pay" for the Global Entry privilege or getting through TSA Pre-Check? Was it a problem during your previous HOA terms?
  • jack@$$ (18/04/2024, 12:19) Like (6) Dislike (15) Reply
    Probably the governor has instructed them to do this
  • oh well (18/04/2024, 12:33) Like (33) Dislike (0) Reply
    Maybe you should keep travelling thru the US. this is not the first time this nonsense of who should be search and not search was brought up by legislators. ASSi have already determine who is exempted from searches and under what condition. All politicians are not on the list. please check with BVIAA for the list. So call politicians need to think before opening their mouth. leaving from EIS is a choice there are also other options.
  • This dude (18/04/2024, 12:34) Like (16) Dislike (1) Reply
    This dude like he don’t travel. Anything to mislead the public. RWS is a waste of time. 70 plus and acting like he 25 wow.
  • ENTITLED (18/04/2024, 12:44) Like (31) Dislike (0) Reply
    See now you want special treatment lol EVERYONE goes through security checks. It's sounds like you want to be able to carry anything freely either in your luggage or on your body without our local security interfering. You are not better than the regular Joe who works a 9-5
  • wowww (18/04/2024, 12:47) Like (30) Dislike (0) Reply
    why are our leaders so arrogant and feel so escalated and above everyone else? Several years ago a member of HOA wanted personalized vehicle plates. Let us all come down from our high horses and serve the country in humility and stop all this self-serving stuff. In the end, we are still all mortal beings. Take it easy mehn, life will go on
  • Annoyed. (18/04/2024, 13:06) Like (26) Dislike (1) Reply
    WTF!! Whoa, whoa, whoa Nellie! Ronnie, wah gwan ? You getting too big for your britches? You are servant leader and we elect you to serve us, not us serve you. Get a grip with some humbleness and civility. The security checks are for a reason, ie, protect and ensure the safety of travelers. It is a small price, and inconvenient for the safety of travelers. You cannot leave until all passengers have been cleared, so get a grip. Several years ago another HoA member throw a fit about the same thing just because they were a member of the HoA, thinking they are better than the rest of us.
  • This (18/04/2024, 14:33) Like (23) Dislike (0) Reply
    Stripes. Humble yourself
  • WOW (18/04/2024, 15:02) Like (10) Dislike (22) Reply
    This is what is wrong with small mind people. He has and possible only get global TAS pre-check because of his status as a diplomat. Which means he met some special standards. He is right why don’t he have same treatment in his own country. There is nothing wrong with that. There are jobs that come with special privileges because the persons are held to higher standards. It’s just that simple. I’m sure the president don’t go through TSA in the USA. So why do any of our leaders have to go through it in their country. Now I didn’t say they can break laws and get away now. Im say the job should or does come with privileges no matter who in the position.
    • Guest (18/04/2024, 16:30) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply
      Because unlike the unsuspecting international community we put nothing past our local politicians. I would not put my hand in the fire for a single one……..so let he cart, give them the same level of scrutiny. Blind trust in people integrity is a thing of the past……..
  • cut and paste (18/04/2024, 15:14) Like (4) Dislike (20) Reply
    Any American citizen can apply for TSA pre-check service. Once you meet the criteria and requirements you get it. So why the hell our leaders can’t have it here in BVI. I find small mind people does be in there feelings too much. Y’all really want to say a diplomat should not have such privileges once they apply and meet the criteria. I know if anyone of. Y’all had the job you would want that, as you should.
  • The man is right (18/04/2024, 15:44) Like (6) Dislike (3) Reply
    We have to implement certain or similar measures to ensure we have a smooth transition, the lines are long for this exact reason, while I think it’s no different from other countries. We can put these officials in categories for screening, just like the workers and staff at the airport. They are exempted from removing shoe and belt, unless the machine randomly selects or your items sends off the metal detector… Then send the individual to remove these pieces of article. It’s simple but we allow ASSI and other entities to put our thinking out the window. How I see it, we can invest in a body scan machine than using the sensitive metal detectors that are causing sensitivity due to the setting. Just my opinion.
    • HMMM (18/04/2024, 22:51) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      Airport are not just for locals , follow the damn procedures... can you go st. Thomas am bad up... yall so dumb
  • No man above law (18/04/2024, 15:45) Like (19) Dislike (0) Reply
    I see nothing wrong here
    Let the security do their jobs keep everyone safe
  • KIA SOUL BOYZ (18/04/2024, 15:52) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    No matter which government mehson...self serving as usual
  • Maria Louisa Varlack (18/04/2024, 17:20) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    be careful with the people who come into the bvi to do business.
  • jack (18/04/2024, 17:29) Like (3) Dislike (12) Reply
    I with you Ronnie they out of order
  • hmm (18/04/2024, 19:29) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Global Entry and TSA Pre Check is awesome for US entry though
  • RedStorm (18/04/2024, 20:50) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    The silliness still go on,look how far we have move away from the Lord.
  • Clown boy (18/04/2024, 20:59) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Protocol is Protocol my boy and order is order the security hired to do ah job and thats what they doing you aint the governor nor the premier so therefor you dont have no power to be exempted from any screening around here we dont care how expensive yuh suit is or wah your last name is you is a regular human walking through our airport and will be treated accordingly. big man humble yuhself lol
  • vex (19/04/2024, 03:22) Like (1) Dislike (4) Reply
    disappointing the way they treat legislators pass and present
  • Maria Louisa Varlack (19/04/2024, 06:53) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    once again. the bvi strongly relies on the tourism industry. therefore every sector of the public service has to work together to balance the tourism economy so that everyone can benefit from what the territory has to offer. a beautiful but fragile marine environment for swimming sailing snorkeling deep sea diving and deep fishing. if this is ruined then the economy of the livelihood of bvi islander would be ruined. what do you people rather prefer?
  • Hogs (19/04/2024, 07:33) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    I’m all for security checks but the idiots running the pre screening at the airport here need some training.
  • nonsense (19/04/2024, 08:29) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Let's talk about airlines having to go through security, walk at the back and come in through arrivals to drop off paperwork. Why aren't Immigration and Customs outside of security, which by right they should? No Immigration to check passengers and stamp passports upon exit; no wonder persons come, do their bad deed and leave without being caught. Persons traveling with a sizeable amount of money; a security officer has to take them all the way over to Customs for them to count the money (by hand), sometimes causing persons to miss their flight. Bunch of people with no sense running this place.
  • See (19/04/2024, 10:23) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Arrogant, pompous, entitled, lazy , incompetent, want me to keep going.... Get in line like everyone else and shut up . And by the way ... Ride in coach like the working people who elected you... for once
  • black magic (20/04/2024, 14:19) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    ITs ridiculous having a lot of money on you, cash, is in any way considered wrong or illegal. I think they get into
    a persons money if it is a big amount, to just plain steal it. Its F obvious. BVI just lining its pockets by stealing someone elses cash is all. Happens everywhere. Or maybe security noticed Skelton is black...
  • smh (20/04/2024, 18:39) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    What an idiot!!!! SMH can Ronnie be so stupid oops sorry certainly YES!!!!
  • Phil Mckracken (20/04/2024, 19:56) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is the problem right there.
  • hmm (22/04/2024, 09:43) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Thats why Mom always say wear clean drawers when you go out


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