Gov Bryan appealing to Trump for 25% tariffs on VI could backfire- Skelton-Cline
He was at the time—on his Honestly Speaking broadcast on March 4, 2025—addressing the impending visit by Governor Bryan Jr, at the behest of Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), scheduled for Friday March 7, 2025, on Tortola.
Governor Bryan recently said: “We are moving forward with our own strategy, and if we need help from the White House, I’ll get it from there too,” Bryan said. “I don’t think it will come to that, but I have shared my position with the Deputy Chief of Staff at the White House. He told me, ‘If you need my help, just let me know.’”
Skelton-Cline, as such, questioned the wisdom and potential consequences of such a move, urging both the VI and USVI to approach economic disputes with cooperation rather than conflict.
The commentator opined that Governor Bryan’s suggestion that he might seek Trump’s intervention to impose his proposed 25% tariffs on goods entering the USVI from the VI could backfire.
"Governor Bryan said that he is going to appeal to Trump about imposing tariffs. Now, I still don’t understand. Whatever tariff Trump imposes on the Virgin Islands, do we? Am I missing something, that we do not import anything into the US Virgin Islands? I don’t know. I don’t know. I don’t know where the governor is going with this."
It’s only fair that we make some money too?—Skelton-Cline
Defending the VI’s decision to adjust its charter-yachting industry fee structures—arguing that it was long overdue and necessary for economic sustainability—Skelton-Cline stressed that the VI had provided financial opportunities to USVI-based charter businesses for decades, and it was only reasonable now, that the territory seeks to secure a fair share of revenue.
"The charter companies who are the ones seem to be driving much of this… We've had some happy plans going down there. I don’t know whether they are for us or against us. Since 1992, we have not raised, addressed any fee issue, our fee structure, which is an issue on our side. But now we've raised them. I mean, you've been making money off of us all along. Don’t you think it’s only fair that we make some money too? I’m just asking."
His comments come amid growing tensions between the VI and USVI over increased maritime fees imposed by the Wheatley administration government, a move that has drawn criticism from some USVI stakeholders.
Unity, not division
Despite his scathing criticism, Skelton-Cline did seek to reiterate the deep historical and economic ties between the two territories and urged both sides to find common ground, telling the listening audience, "I also want to say to the good governor, remember we are family and friends. Remember that we are going to need each other in a way in this season, this very season, when it comes to exchange, when it comes to commerce. I know you have to look out for your constituency. And I understand that some of you are hurting."
Drawing parallels, Skelton-Cline also pointed out that the economic struggles of the USVI were not unique and that the COVID-19 pandemic had forced many consumers—including those in the VI—to seek alternative shopping options, reducing the revenue that once flowed into the USVI.
“The people all across the world, including us, have found other ways and more economic ways to shop."
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