Protecting the Virgin Islands' borders remains a challenge due to the geographical location. Photo: VINO/File

Political commentator and former government consultant Claude O. Skelton-Cline has again delivered a stark warning on imminent issues facing the Virgin Islands, including the impact of deportees, economic instability tied to the United States, and what he describes as the domestic government's failure to address urgent matters such as food security and governance. Photo: Facebook

Heavy police presence at Cox Heath on Tortola where close to 20 illegal immigrants were nabbed on April 19, 2024. Photo: Team of Reporters

In his most recent commentary—Honestly Speaking on ZBVI 780 AM on March 12, 2025—Skelton-Cline criticised the lack of attention given to the issue of imminent return of deportees returning to the Virgin Islands, specifically from the US, which he says poses security concerns due to the territory’s porous borders.

“Easy to slip in, easy to slip out,” he remarked, questioning the preparedness of the government and relevant agencies, adding, “I don't know what immigrations, customs, I don't know what the National Security Council, I don't know what the governor's office to the UK… I don't know what you all are doing in regard to this matter.”

He, as such, urged elected officials to ensure resources and mechanisms are in place to mitigate the potential social and economic disruptions associated with deportees.

Economic Fallout

Additionally, Skelton-Cline also again reiterated impending economic challenges stemming from policies in the United States, particularly under President Donald J. Trump. He emphasised the inextricable link between the Virgin Islands’ economy and that of the US.

“We are not going to be able to escape what President Trump is doing to the economy, why? Because their economy is also our economy, our dollar is their dollar.”

Accordingly, he posits that inflation, recession, and market instability in the US would have a direct effect on the Virgin Islands, particularly in tourism.

“When the people in North America, and particularly in America, can no longer afford to travel, can no longer afford to take vacations… [Do] you know what happens? Cruise ship passenger count goes down; Head charges go down. Fewer ships making the run.” With 65 percent of the territory’s employment tied to tourism, he cautioned, “Taxi service providers, are you all hearing me? It’s going to affect your bottom line. Small businesses all across this country… it’s going to affect our bottom line.”

Food Security & Trade Negligence

Another critical issue raised by Skelton-Cline was the territory’s vulnerability in terms of food security. He called for immediate action to establish alternative trade routes with Latin America and the Caribbean. “Where are we with negotiations in setting up in Latin America, Santo Domingo, and elsewhere, new and direct trade routes in regards to food security for the Virgin Islands?”

He warned that while other nations were preparing for supply chain disruptions, the Virgin Islands was lagging. “America’s government, they themselves are stockpiling certain non-perishable items because the intelligentsia knows what’s getting ready to happen. Where are we relative to food security?”

He urged leaders to prioritise contingency planning, stating, “You don’t have no money to go build silos? You better get some warehouses.”