Native VIslanders ‘losing control’ of their country- Claude O. Skelton-Cline
This is according to radio personality Pastor Claude O. Skelton-Cline, who is calling on the administration to not only clarify but uphold the distinctions between Virgin Islanders, Belongers, and other residents given the threat of a systematic erosion of identity and rights for "indigenous people" within the Territory.
Speaking on his Honestly Speaking broadcast on ZBVI 780 AM on April 1, 2025, he told the listening audience, "We must not allow political convenience or economic expedience to override the rights and privileges that belong to the native sons and daughters of this land.”
According to Skelton-Cline, those born in the VI to generational VI families must retain an unmistakable distinction from Belongers, a legal status that can be granted to non-native residents, warning that policies granting Belonger status too easily could lead to an irreversible shift in political and economic power.
Political Maneuvering
"There is a concerted effort to dilute the power of Virgin Islanders by expanding the category of who qualifies as a Belonger; Before we know it, we will be outnumbered, outvoted, and ultimately overrun."
He was also particularly critical of what he sees as increasing political maneuvering to favour non-Virgin Islanders in key decision-making roles.
"Who are the real beneficiaries of our territory’s wealth and resources? Are Virgin Islanders truly at the helm, or are we being systematically sidelined in our own land?" he asked.
Skelton-Cline was pellucid: "You cannot put a person who has merely lived here for a number of years on the same legal and cultural footing as someone whose lineage is deeply rooted in these islands; Belonger status should be a privilege, not an automatic entitlement."
Not Xenophobia
The pastor also cautioned against what he called "political cowardice" in addressing the issue and was adamant, "...we must have the courage to stand firm; Our leaders must stop placating everyone and start prioritising the people who built this country."
Skelton-Cline further called on the government to immediately introduce stringent reforms that safeguard Virgin Islanders' control over key sectors, including business ownership, land rights, and political representation.
"This is not about xenophobia or shutting people out; This is about ensuring that our culture, our history, and our economic standing remain intact for future generations."
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41 Responses to “Native VIslanders ‘losing control’ of their country- Claude O. Skelton-Cline”
You left here for so many years while expats were here contributing to the development of the territory. there are some expats that are here longer that you Mr indigenous BVIlander. They contributed more than you to this territory, so you can come to the now much more developed place you call home. You didn't do sh*t to develop this territory. You came back to reap the benefits of who did. Go take a seat and get off of expats back.
Those expat you talk about who you claim build up the bvi and contributed don’t stay but only earn to go back home. Even if they stay they have mega homes back in their country of origin.
Cline is right. I know the truth hurts being an outsider but he is 100% right. No and ifs or but.
Where were you when expatriates where contributing to this country. Get rid of your fear and lets live together. If you have a personal problem with someone go and address it. You were lucking to be back and have enjoyed been on the receiving end. People(Expats) have been living here for 60years plus and didn't know you existed until you pop up like johnnie come lately with your blah blah blah, simply because you weren't around or involved. Lets build a better BVI together as a people and leave the expats alone, we are all one. Ease up .
The lady that died the other day( may she RIP) she hasn’t even been here close to 60 years and she was 80 something.
Cline isn’t talking about living in peace with expats. That’s not what he is talking about. It’s when they over step their boundaries and get into things that don’t concern them. That is his complaint and I don’t blame him.
Have you ever stepped out in public and listen to the general public conversations? The majority of those people are island people . Can’t vote , some aren’t even legal but have the most to say! I mean how and when and where is this possible?!! It baffles me every time. How are you going to tell someone how to run the country when you are barely legal ?!! Struppes
Typical horsesh** get the country no where.
Bvi is for BvIslanders .
St.Kitts and St Vincent are using strategic ways by means of empowering its people(local) to carry on its legacy!
We are not doing enough for our Locals .
Don't get me wrong, nothing is wrong wirh this, and my comment is to shine some light on the article and not to bring anybody down.
Claude migrated to U.S for a better life. I wonder if he was evee reminded that he is not indigenous to U.S? Let is stop the division. Sit with a pen and paper and trace your bloodline backwards and see where you end up.
So whether its a neighboring Caribbean island, UK, US or any continent, we all move around and it will continue to happen. The esrth belong to God
Claude Skelton Cline, I do understand that some
things, or views that you have eared in the past are not totally ignorant words, but your argument on this issue come across as if you hadn't been living here, and know very little about happening, politically, socially, economically, criminally, juridicially, and even stupidly
Yes, the BVI has, and continuing experiencing problems, in reference to indigenous natives belongers, but the bigger of the two hindernce of natives
progress are natives, you included
The truth is that a sizable number of people who were, and are not natives of the B.V.I contributed greatly in the development of this British Overseas Territories called BVI that many natives. Thanks to God
Shut up, go, and pray to God for wisdom that you may learn the things best to say
You are, disgusting, sir, very disgusting.
.Sir, why don't you take some time off
The island went to $#!T after 2015 if you ask me
I don’t know why the government taking so long to pass the law. Struppes.
Claude Cline, you are so right. We are even beaten out for entry level jobs these days. I know local children under 20 looking for work and apply on the Labour Website but somebody need to tell H***ings that if you need somebody to stock a frigging shelf you don't need a work permit for that. They need to tell him that there is no reprocity in this bulls******gy that he is doing. He is the rubber stamp king and in there personally helping persons to enter this country when we have an unemployment issue among locals. Somebody better tell him, that the older generations would sit hungry and idle. This generation he is messing with is going to eat somehow. The stuff has already started to hit the fan. There has to be some kind of priority or special treatement for a local over somebody who applies for a work permit, especially is there is no special skill involved. The complaint is that our own local business owners are choosing outsiders to save a couple dollars and not building up their own. The slap in the face for this will come. Trust me. It is terrible. And no expats, no matter how much you say locals don't want to work, no one believes you. There are a few sure, but not enough to sing that stupid song. Time for expats to try not to say too much in another man's country and be humble and respectful anyhow. We need 6 year work permits and no longer period. When you stay in somebody's country longer than that you get overly critical and unkind when it is in your DNA and trust me, lots who are coming are unkind with their words and actions, including the Asians who are like ants.
Obviously the dissenters are NON BVI anders
Some of these blogs ( and you can tell the ones that are island people) shows that csc is exactly right in what he is saying. That you can come here and try to justify some of the nastiness you(island people ) do to undermine and undercut locals. This is our country . You can’t come on here and try to rule. Go back home and do that Sh**. She how far you will get.
I don’t mind living amongst you but when you get involve in things you shouldn’t be involve in that where I draw the line.