Honestly Speaking host Pastor Claude O. Skelton-Cline called on Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley administration to do better or not get re-elected on his show on December 10, 2024. Photo: Facebook

Honestly Speaking host Pastor Claude O. Skelton-Cline has said there is a difference between minimum wage and a living wage. Photo: Internet Source

The government in a bulletin on December 3, 2024, announced that the minimum wage increase scheduled for November 30, 2024, has been postponed. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands

These were among the scathing criticism levelled against the government of the Virgin Islands (VI) led by Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Nathalio D. Wheatley (R7) by Honestly Speaking host Pastor Claude O. Skelton-Cline on December 10, 2024, during his most recent broadcast aired on ZBVI 780 AM.

The pastor, political commentator, former Director of the BVI Ports Authority and former consultant to the government Skelton-Cline, in his advocacy for action called on the government to make the “bold decisions” necessary and to work collaboratively with stakeholders to address the pressing needs of the territory.

"The time for action is now," he affirmed, qualifying his position by pointing to the fact that the Virgin Islands and its people are “facing mounting socio-economic challenges.”

Living wage over minimum wage

In an impassioned end-of-year critique of current socio-economic conditions in the Territory, Skelton-Cline used the broadcast to also delve into issues ranging from now topical minimum wage adjustments and economic inequities to pressing infrastructural developments and governance challenges.

Discussing the government's recent announcement of a minimum wage increase from $6.50 to $8.50 per hour, Skelton-Cline emphasized the distinction between a minimum wage and a living wage.

"I think all persons need to have a living wage, not just a minimum wage," he asserted. "People are compromised when they're not able to become gainfully employed and work for a living wage."

He, as such, pointed to the broader societal implications of inadequate wages, including the rise in illegal and illegitimate activities, saying, "When people can't make a proper living, they find other ways to do it; single mothers end up using their sexuality as currency, and young men engage in illicit behavior to keep up with societal pressures."

A need for government & business community collaboration

With this in mind, he was adamant about collaboration between the government and the business community, noting that businesses require adequate time to prepare for wage changes.

"You don't initiate these kinds of changes during a fiscal year. Businesses need a calendar year to absorb and calculate the implications of a minimum wage increase," Skelton-Cline explained.

Expounding further on the rapidly spiraling cost of living increases domestically, Mr Skelton-Cline accused certain businesses of monopolistic practices and price-fixing, exacerbating the financial strain on residents.

"The cost of food is going up, the cost of bringing goods into the country is up, and people simply can't keep up,” he stated.

With this in mind, Skelton-Cline took direct aim at the administration and its imminent national budget, urging the government to expedite its passage and ensure that critical sectors, including immigration, customs, and public services, receive adequate funding.

"Let's hope this budget gets passed and we can see some action in this country," he stated, lamenting the lack of visible progress in key areas.