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Rhodni A. Skelton says he was unhappy about being snubbed for BVITB Director position

- Points to contract negotiations & snub @ consideration for BVITB Director post as contributing factors for his sudden departure
Former Deputy Director of Tourism, Mr Rhodni A. Skelton says his departure from the BVI Tourist Board (BVITB) after some 19 years at the entity, may have come down to a difference in opinion between the board and himself, including a ‘take it or leave it’ contract for his continuation at the tourist board. Photo: VINO/File
In a leaked email to the BVITB's Marketing staff on February 7, 2023, from Mr Rhodni A. Skelton, he informed his colleagues of his departure from the BVITB, however, did not provide a reason. Photo: Team of Reporter.
In a leaked email to the BVITB's Marketing staff on February 7, 2023, from Mr Rhodni A. Skelton, he informed his colleagues of his departure from the BVITB, however, did not provide a reason. Photo: Team of Reporter.
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Former Deputy Director of Tourism, Mr Rhodni A. Skelton says his departure from the BVI Tourist Board (BVITB) after some 19 years at the entity, may have come down to a difference in opinion between the Board and himself, including a ‘take it or leave it’ contract for his continuation at the BVI Tourist Board.

Mr Skelton’s contract with the BVITB expired on February 6, 2023, and was not renewed, resulting in his departure after some 19 years at BVITB. He had served as Film Commissioner and Events Marketing Manager at the Tourist Board from 2004 to 2015 and was appointed Deputy Director of Tourism in May 2017.

Speaking to JTV News in a February 15, 2023, interview, Mr Skelton said given that he had been on contract, as a permanent and principal employee, if he would have continued the job off contract then he would have taken a significant pay cut.

“So I had the option of doing that, of coming under heavy scrutiny… or I can take a severance package that was not ideal or I can no longer work at the Tourist Board,” he said.

Mr Skelton said the direction of the Board was also a contributing factor to his exit from the BVITB, when there was a point for him to transition to the possible Director of the company.

Snubbed @ being Director - Skelton

“Rhodni was the natural successor, has all the qualifications, experience, knowledge, education and so it told me right away that there was a challenge having Rhodni as the Director,” he said.

According to Mr Skelton, he was also unhappy about being snubbed for the post of Director after contracts had ended and the Board has decided to ‘go in a different direction’ even as his team has seen success in BVITB's marketing and putting on local events.

“If I had my way, I would still be there at the Tourist Board doing what I love, doing what I’m passionate about, and being able to really lead the organisation and mark my mark on tourism," he said.

 Mr Skelton added that he is also not a ‘yes man’ and that too may have been another reason why he was snubbed for the Tourism Director position.

26 Responses to “Rhodni A. Skelton says he was unhappy about being snubbed for BVITB Director position”

  • hmm (16/02/2023, 11:44) Like (14) Dislike (1) Reply
    They gave him the dog's dinner. Thats what they serve when they want you gone
  • local boy (16/02/2023, 12:03) Like (8) Dislike (13) Reply
    The should have gotten the job at the helm he was well experienced and qualified. Too crabs in a barrel mentality.
  • Feeling entitled r we? (16/02/2023, 12:14) Like (46) Dislike (13) Reply

    Collecting big salary and ain't done sh** for the territory yet. Bye boy!!

    • hmm (16/02/2023, 12:21) Like (10) Dislike (18) Reply
      Feeling hateful are we? You have no idea what he did for tourism. True definition of a hater you are.
      • Valiant (16/02/2023, 13:07) Like (36) Dislike (1) Reply
        That's the point of the post it should be obvious what his contributions were. Big salary because of boy scout clubs naw dude we need reports.
  • Know (16/02/2023, 12:14) Like (54) Dislike (3) Reply
    If you cannot follow, then you cannot lead. He clearly thinks he is better than everyone else and should not follow anyone else, but he wants everyone to follow him, Selfish.
  • ting to talk (16/02/2023, 12:15) Like (42) Dislike (3) Reply
    The amount of money he wasted at tourist board is what he fought to mention. Ting to talk.
    • please (16/02/2023, 12:24) Like (6) Dislike (13) Reply
      He was Director to be able to waste any money? You don’t now how that place works do you? Only one person could spend tourism money and that Director.
  • SNUBBED? (16/02/2023, 12:36) Like (13) Dislike (6) Reply
    He probably HeadCoach 2.0
  • Communication (16/02/2023, 12:38) Like (21) Dislike (0) Reply
    After reading some of his comments several times, I am still confused as to what he was trying to say.
  • Trying (16/02/2023, 12:40) Like (25) Dislike (1) Reply
    They are all about money. They all want to be in charge
    • Political suicide.. (16/02/2023, 13:34) Like (39) Dislike (2) Reply
      I really liked him and was anxious to vote for him..But I am sorry, he clearly shows that he is motivated by money and power. The same thing we are trying to root out. We need selflessness, passion and compassion, country - people first...He aint sound like that.

      • @Political suicide (16/02/2023, 15:30) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
        I am confused - you were "anxious to vote for him". Is he running for elections?
        • duh (17/02/2023, 10:15) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply

          Everyone and them fada know he wants to run for elections, about as c****t as they come! he would send this place into chaos with c*****n, not even an elected official and he's about as straight as path made by a blind man.

  • blessings (16/02/2023, 13:02) Like (8) Dislike (18) Reply
    Rhodni is good people. The haters are delusional.
  • LOOKS LIKE (16/02/2023, 14:07) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    HE SMOKING A CIGAR ( MIKE)
  • Facial expression (16/02/2023, 14:50) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    is saying )> Hey Hey HEYYYYY YO bOy still here
  • @WHAT!!! (16/02/2023, 15:19) Like (5) Dislike (15) Reply
    Rodney is not my favorite person, but I have to agree with what he is saying. His interview was a genuine, heartfelt one. They need to give him the top position. Tortola needs people with the passion that he has.
  • 2023 (16/02/2023, 16:04) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    so you got the post skelton anticipated
  • Disinterested (16/02/2023, 19:45) Like (16) Dislike (2) Reply
    Rhodni, may be eminently qualified with the knowledge and experience to lead the Tourist Board but there are others who can do so. The position is not earmarked for any one prima donna, and the decision as to whom is best qualified at the time is up to the board. In any board situation, some members will be on board with a decision while others are not and in the end the majority prevails and a decision made. Many Highly qualified people ( at least in their mind) didn’t make the cut for a top job and keep on trucking for no one mon.. stop the train. IMO one cannot lead effectively if they follow. We often like people to follow us but we disdain following others. Many people blow their own trumpet but sometimes we can get too arrogant and annoying. Just done advice from OG.
  • Right is Right (16/02/2023, 22:17) Like (6) Dislike (6) Reply
    I like Rhodni and he does in fact have the air of a leader and not a follower, especially in comparison to the current Director of BVITB. After almost two full decades of service at the BVITB he was more than deserving of that position. I’m sure there are many great ideas he was waiting to implement when made top dog. It makes no sense after all of those years to divulge and execute your ideas only for someone else to be able to take the credit because of their superior position.

    Anyhow. Rhodni, as I said you have what it takes to be a leader and an entrepreneur in your own right. All the best on your future endeavors. These comments are filled with negativity but it’s only because they see the greatness within you and they’re envious.
  • RESPECTOR (17/02/2023, 07:02) Like (6) Dislike (4) Reply

    Really@!!Ellis Skelton did not left a position for you. your cocky r@$$ need to shut up.

    • hater (08/03/2023, 23:05) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      But he earned it the right way! That is not entitlement that is deserving!
  • Dancing with the Stars (18/02/2023, 10:19) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    From what I have read from this young man, his desire is to be the Director of the B.V.I Tourist Board and nothing is wrong with that, however, there are some behaviors that are required in order to lead an organization. In order to lead one must be willing to be a follower. When you are serving in any organization such the as the Tourist Board, you are been looked be others to ensure that your are not promoting yourself. One looks at your ego and your accountability to and embrace your co-worker workers. company and everything must not be of yourself..
  • grammar police (22/02/2023, 21:30) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    This comment isn't specifically for this article. I simply couldn't hold it in any longer after reading 5 different headline news, including this one....It's amazing or perhaps appalling to see so many people criticizing/commenting under everything VINO has posted. I'm simply saying that some of your grammar and or sentence structures are so poor, can yall be Premiers? Can y'all be director of BVITB? Can y'all be reporters? Can you type a high quality report to be discussed at a board meeting or were you just placed on earth to comment on everything ...and comment with very bad grammar and poor sentence structure? They say that Skelton quarry is an eye sore but... reading y'all comments is the real eye sore. I won't ever come back to read further so no need to fire back. Pluck out the good advice and leave the rest.


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