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‘Absolutely Scandalous!’ – Skelton-Cline on PVIM wanting Opposition Leader post

- Says it comes over as ongoing power grabbing
Claude O. Skelton-Cline, in his commentary on Tuesday, December 11, 2018—on his show Honestly Speaking—says it is ‘absolutely scandalous,’ that members of the new Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM), are allegedly discussing the need for a potential change in Opposition Leader. Photo: Facebook
Currently, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) (right) is the Leader of the Opposition but PVIM Party Chairman Hon Ronnie W. Skelton (AL) could potentially replace him. Photo: GIS
Currently, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) (right) is the Leader of the Opposition but PVIM Party Chairman Hon Ronnie W. Skelton (AL) could potentially replace him. Photo: GIS
BAUGHER'S BAY, Tortola, VI – Claude O. Skelton-Cline, in his commentary on Tuesday, December 11, 2018—on his show Honestly Speaking—says it is ‘absolutely scandalous,’ that members of the new Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM), are allegedly discussing the need for a potential change in Opposition Leader.

A report from Virgin Islands News Online (VINO)—published on the same day—suggests that while the PVIM now holds a 3 seat majority in the 5 member Opposition, sources familiar with the discussion said it is not something the Party Chairman Hon Ronnie W. Skelton (AL) is “immediately pushing for.”

Power grabbing

“I take note in the Virgin Islands news today, about some potential challenge for the Leader of the Opposition, and I just want to say… I hope that this is not the case, because what it continues to come off as is this ongoing power grabbing. People are just going for optics… what appears to be on the surface,” he said.

Citing the VINO report, Mr Skelton-Cline said, “I hope that this is not the case, VINO does not say it… but it seems to be a suggestion there.”

“I just think that it would be absolutely scandalous, were those persons who have just joined over on the side of the opposition, to now be seen as vying for power,” he said.

Legal right

He said that while constitutionally, “those people will have the right to do so,” quoting a verse from the Bible, the man of cloth said, "all things are lawful, but all things are not expedient," suggesting that it may be somewhat immoral for the PVIM to make such a move.

“So I want to raise a red flag, and let's pay attention to what happens as early as [next] Tuesday, as it related to an opposition.”

“Because again, it drives home the point of the level of divisiveness… the level of rancour, the level of power grabbing… elected officials who seem to be just about their business rather than the people’s business, it would just further drive home the points,” the radio host said.  

Currently, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) is the Leader of the Opposition and was appointed after he won the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Chairmanship a year ago.

24 Responses to “‘Absolutely Scandalous!’ – Skelton-Cline on PVIM wanting Opposition Leader post ”

  • wize up (12/12/2018, 10:21) Like (13) Dislike (26) Reply
    Hell yes !!! some of us for the hostile takeover:welcome to the real world: Hon Fraser could have still been the leader of the opposition but that thing call power and it’s the same point being raised under different conditions: monkey see monkey do(if one can do it; why cant others try the same mischief)....the laws of this territory make it legal.....what ? Not because you do not like something makes it wrong(now!!! does unaccounted millions of tax money(da rong)
  • facts (12/12/2018, 10:26) Like (15) Dislike (25) Reply
    By law Ronnie should have it
    • To facts (12/12/2018, 10:51) Like (38) Dislike (10) Reply
      By law he can get it because he has the numbers but it is distasteful and shows that NDP 2 lead by Ronnie is only for power. The people is not first on his mind.
      • @To facts (12/12/2018, 17:26) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
        It's distasteful because you say so? What really makes it distasteful. Do you know the Leader of the Opposition is a constitutional appointment and the Governor consults with him on many things even the elections?
    • Lamblike Beast (12/12/2018, 12:47) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
      You all don't follow laws in the BVI.
  • please (12/12/2018, 10:53) Like (35) Dislike (6) Reply
    Fraser situation was different. He loss the Chairman of the V.I. Party and should have given up the Leader of the Opposition so stop painting Fraser as a victim.
    • @ please (12/12/2018, 13:00) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
      but it was not a general election the House has nothing to do with internal politics
    • @Please (12/12/2018, 17:36) Like (8) Dislike (3) Reply
      No he should not have. He was sent to the house as the Leader of the Opposition from the votes in the general election. Whether his party changed their leader or not, he was to remain there until another election, especially when there was no majority to decide. But the Governor wanted to put Julian in his place because Julian told him he couldn't do it. Andrew took what he wanted, so now let Ronnie take it if he needs to.
  • chad (12/12/2018, 11:22) Like (8) Dislike (5) Reply
    Base on who financing the NDP 2 this should be no surprise because GREED is and has always been what they are about .... The POWER not the PEOPLE!
  • Political Observer (PO) (12/12/2018, 11:38) Like (13) Dislike (9) Reply
    Ronnie, regardless of what the law states leave well enough alone. Election is hours away so what is the benefit other than a power grab. Sometimes things that we think are good for us may not be good for us. Demonstrate some humility and focus on improving the lives of residents.
    • @Political observer (12/12/2018, 15:00) Like (7) Dislike (3) Reply
      It is the Leader of the Opposition and the Premier that is consulted by the Governor on election matters. Why should Ronnie leave that to Andrew? You all are crazy!
  • Lb (12/12/2018, 12:55) Like (22) Dislike (5) Reply
    It is the LAW people...the Constitution! The same law that allowed Fahie to overthrow Fraser as Opposition Leader last year. This is not a matter or feelings or emotions. Sheesh! Everything is personal for you people.
  • True Virgin Islander (12/12/2018, 13:27) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    It is ludicrous that we should want persons to represent us which translate into giving them power and then not want them to exercise that power. Why be a representative and not vie for a Ministerial position? Why be in the opposition with the majority and sit and be led by another. These are ludicrous positions. We want to say a minority government is okay because the party has a majority of seats but we don't hold the same rule on the other side of the house? When will we mature politically? These talking heads are pursuing self interest. We need a body of thought, presentation and education that is truly interested in our Virgin Islands first!
    • @True Virgin Islander (12/12/2018, 15:54) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
      Thank God some of us can still think for ourselves. It is obvious this is all VIP people. What is good for the goose is good for the gander. When you live in a glass house, don't throw stones. Need I go on.
  • Claude Skelton-Cline (12/12/2018, 15:12) Like (19) Dislike (2) Reply
    Claude Skelton-Cline has a strategy to divide and conquer anything in order to get Andrew and the VIP elected as he probably believes that they are the only Government whose trough he can eat from after all the mess caused and he seems to be determined to do anything to achieve this even if it means losing relationships in his family on both sides. This is not only sad but very transparent. When Andrew wanted the Leader of the Opposition, he went to the Governor and the Governor used his discretion incorrectly and gave it to him. Fraser was to sit as Leader of the Opposition until the next election as he was sent there by the people as the then leader of the VIP. Especially since no majority could be determined. Now a clear majority could be determined, the VIPs still don't want Andrew moved and now crying foul and power hungry, blah, blah, blah. People can reason things for themselves, we are not as stupid as Claude thinks.
  • Ronnie! (12/12/2018, 15:14) Like (10) Dislike (2) Reply
    Do not listen to Claude them. Do not let Andrew sit with the Governor and the Premier in any meetings that might be needed regarding this unprecedented election to come and you be left out because of talk. If the right is yours constitutionally take it. You may regret it if you don't. They trying to out smart you but stay focused.
  • wize up (12/12/2018, 15:22) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    just a follow up: the 13 of them bread done butter; as a matter of fact the majority of them will obtained a pention(most of them done 2 terms in office)....we out here fussing over who is who and what is what: I hate you because you VIP and you stop talking to me because I NDP(while dem boys seeking self promotion)
  • hah (12/12/2018, 18:17) Like (14) Dislike (10) Reply
    Ronnie can never be a good opposition leader . His hands are full of the NDP dirt . What good can he bring to the people without exposing his willingless to vote favorably for all NDP projects. You think he will question the Premier when he voted yes and fought valiantly to impose these acts. He can’t even throw Myron under the bus because he was in full support of everything until last week. Even when Archie and Delores them finally saw the light after the hurricane Ronnie still remained a loyal soldier for cabal.
    • Sigh (13/12/2018, 00:21) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
      Second that! The optics quite disturbing and distasteful. How you sit and create this great debacle and now gone on the other side to rain fire on what you created. Wait has he suddenly been washed of his sins like Paul? Forgiven for all faults and flaws, all absolved soon to feel he's the anointed and appointed one? What a oopsy doopsy lol.
      • @oops (13/12/2018, 09:26) Like (2) Dislike (5) Reply
        Because he made the same noise in his Government and did not approve anything he did not agree with until it was fixed. You all speak what you don't know. Ronnie has fought against the NDP on policies and legislation that he did not agree with all along. The airport project stalled because he did not agree with the financing model. The RDA stalled because he did not agree with all the provisions. I can go on. It was only after all these changes were made by the Premier that Ronnie sanctioned anything. He is not a pushover but he does have integrity and class so he will not get on like a spoil child. Get facts and stop chatting crap.
    • @Ha (13/12/2018, 01:39) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      I didn’t seem like Ronnie was a part off the team
    • @hah (13/12/2018, 09:28) Like (3) Dislike (6) Reply
      Ronnie is a leader not a follower. He will make his own decisions on what he can agree to and what he cannot. And he is not petty. He understands the big picture and he picks his battles to the best he can to try not to embarrass his party leader and colleague. Those are the tenets of a great leader. #gettoknowyourleader
      • hah (13/12/2018, 19:30) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
        We are not going to be hoodwinked this time. Ronnie supported everything that was NDP. This is not speculation. You can request the transcripts from the HOA. Although I favor PVIM more than NDP he is not a suitable leader of the Opposition. When has Ronnie ever held NDP accountable? He sat on their side for 20 years.
        Everything that NDP did was perfect until the internal elections. A good leader would tell their leader that the BVIAirways was a terrible idea and when it proved to be a failure he would do exactly what Archie did and express his sorrow and vow never to blindly follow again. He watch his party take money from sewerage for a Pier Park that's not leadership.


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