Got TIPS or BREAKING NEWS? Please call 1-284-442-8000 direct/can also WhatsApp same number or Email ALL news to:newsvino@outlook.com;                               ads call 1-284-440-6666

Rhodni A. Skelton tipped to be new BVITB Deputy Director

- beat out about four other candidates short listed including Trefor A. Grant, a National Democratic Party activist
Mr Rhodni A. Skelton (right) is reportedly tipped to be the new Deputy Director of the BVI Tourist Board (BVITB). Photo: VINO/Team of Reporters
Mr Trefor A. Grant, who is a well-known face in the tourism sector and a National Democratic Party (NDP) activist, reportedly also applied for the post of Deputy Director of the BVI Tourist Board. Photo: VINO/File
Mr Trefor A. Grant, who is a well-known face in the tourism sector and a National Democratic Party (NDP) activist, reportedly also applied for the post of Deputy Director of the BVI Tourist Board. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Word reaching our newsroom a few weeks now from a senior National Democratic Party (NDP) source is that Rhodni A. Skelton is tipped to be the new Deputy Director of the BVI Tourist Board (BVITB).

Mr Skelton, who is the Film Commissioner and Events Marketing Manager at BVITB, has been recommended by the Board of Directors of the BVI Tourist Board for the post, according to the same source.

It is our newsroom’s understanding that the post of Deputy Director, which has been vacant for some time, was advertised and a large portion of applications were received, including many from overseas and a short list of four, including Mr Skelton’s, was done. Mr Skelton beat out Trefor A. Grant who also applied and is a well-known face in the tourism sector and an NDP activist, often on the stage with them during their political campaigns, most often chairing their rallies. Currently, Mr Grant is a consultant for the BVI Tourist Board on small properties and manages a high end hotel and restaurant on Virgin Gorda.

He is qualified & has political connections

Mr Skelton, who is the son of Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon Ronnie W. Skelton (AL), holds an Associate in Arts (AA) in Business Management, Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Marketing, Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Human Resources and Finance, and Master of Science (MSC) in Tourism and Project Management.

According to the same NDP source, negotiations are ongoing with Mr Skelton on the terms and conditions of the post, along with “addressing some other outstanding issues.” However, the source declined to comment any further.

Mr Skelton also has the support of the Junior Minister for Tourism Hon Archibald C. Christian (AL), according to the same source who normally speaks to our news room on these matters.

It is our newsroom’s understanding that a few years ago a consultant was brought in to perform the duties of Deputy Director and train (understudy) and groom someone for the post of Deputy Director; however, it’s unclear what happened to those efforts.

The BVI Tourist Board is the state-owned agency responsible for promoting and marketing the Territory as a tourism destination.

They have officers on Tortola, Virgin Gorda, New York, San Francisco, London, Germany, and Milan, Italy.  The 2016 figures show that the BVI Tourist Board received some ten million, five hundred and thirty two thousand five hundred dollars ($10,532,500) in state funding.

54 Responses to “Rhodni A. Skelton tipped to be new BVITB Deputy Director”

  • Tramp (20/02/2017, 10:59) Like (25) Dislike (9) Reply
    Very good move RA you deserve it and i wilsh you all the best....couln't be more proud
  • just asking... (20/02/2017, 11:00) Like (45) Dislike (24) Reply
    did you pay back that huge phone bill?
    • @ just asking (20/02/2017, 11:37) Like (22) Dislike (20) Reply
      Is this the forum? Honestly. Can't you say 'Congratulations' and move on? No doubt, you're an 'insider'.....and based on the comment, I could speculate that you're from the Finance Department, right?
      • @ just asking (20/02/2017, 13:00) Like (10) Dislike (11) Reply
        You know what the problem is here, you all just don't know how to accept changes. Firstly this is not the place for it. you really sound like a hater or better yet an angry, upset ex sister-in-law.
    • @ just asking (20/02/2017, 12:24) Like (13) Dislike (6) Reply
      Nope they cover it up
    • staff (20/02/2017, 18:23) Like (3) Dislike (6) Reply
      FC please let him be great. Congrats Rhodni!
  • BOTTOMLINE (20/02/2017, 11:03) Like (42) Dislike (11) Reply
    CRONYISM
  • My Take (20/02/2017, 11:04) Like (32) Dislike (10) Reply
    at least he is qualified but he has other issues
  • vip (20/02/2017, 11:05) Like (20) Dislike (2) Reply
    Not surprised at all
  • Eagle Eye (20/02/2017, 11:12) Like (34) Dislike (12) Reply
    Lovely guy. Friendly too. Excellent a public speaking. But not sure he will hunker down and get the job done/execute. Could be wrong though..hope so.
  • O-Rap (20/02/2017, 11:26) Like (24) Dislike (5) Reply
    If I'm not mistaken he recently completed his studies in the field and graduated with honors. I'm looking forward with anticipation for him to do a good job.Good luck Mr. Skelton stay focused and on track.
  • Yes (20/02/2017, 11:31) Like (42) Dislike (20) Reply
    nepotism is alive and well in BVI
    • True (20/02/2017, 12:24) Like (17) Dislike (9) Reply
      I as a stakeholder in the tourism sector welcome this announcement as a breath of fresh air as Ra Skelton speaks straight to the facts wether you like them or not it's always the truth, something hard to find these days. Big Congrats from Anegada
    • LOLL (20/02/2017, 12:36) Like (9) Dislike (8) Reply
      Did you read his qualifications?
    • Ourowntothebone (20/02/2017, 19:16) Like (10) Dislike (5) Reply
      Yes, we must look out for our own. Virgin Islanders first. It is time to put an end to the ads in the newspapers for persons to be speaking German and Chinese to be a receptionist and paper pusher at some Trust Company. It is time that stop. Let the young man inherit what his fore-parents worked hard for.
      • Losers (21/02/2017, 02:28) Like (15) Dislike (3) Reply
        Congrats, but I going Guyana, St. Lucia and Trinidad to look a job, cause it look like my foreparents ain't do no work, dem just lime.
  • Local talent (20/02/2017, 11:45) Like (7) Dislike (8) Reply
    Well Deserved! Whatever role it is, Rhodnie will shine.
  • education now experience later? (20/02/2017, 11:56) Like (26) Dislike (29) Reply
    So because he just got education he is suddenly
    qualified? Has the man ever worked directly in the industry? What did he do in all his years for the board? Smh ! And the expats that applied were much much more qualified but let's give a local a chance right? A chance with one of the only industry NDP ain't yet ruined but now well on their way! Cronyism !
    • True (20/02/2017, 14:49) Like (15) Dislike (11) Reply
      2 years ago the Anegada Lobster festival was going downhill quickly and they brought him back from his studies to sort the problems. He did his job and deserves this one.
    • .......... (20/02/2017, 19:22) Like (6) Dislike (8) Reply
      @ Education now experience later.

      You people are such idiots messon. And nobody will ever be pleased with a decision. So sick of all the negativity now.
    • Arundelrum (21/02/2017, 20:01) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
      If I was near you, Mr. edu now experience later, I would ring you a cop behind your ears. Expats? You had to be drinking Arundel cane rum and started to blog half drunk. Can Rhodni go some other country to look for a job and get it without them placing one of their own ahead of him? Look here, boi, our people first. They are bright and they learn quickly and will do a great job for this country. I am not putting no expat above them. When the expat done, their money gone Isle of Maan. Well, we want Rhodni to man this island, so let he do his job in peace. Pshaw, man! He came with education, he has a right to be slated for the position. Now, we pray Jehovah's blessing on him, in Jesus name, Amen.
  • rastaman (20/02/2017, 12:16) Like (13) Dislike (8) Reply
    I think that's a good selection, Skelly will get the job done!
  • to the haters (20/02/2017, 12:25) Like (13) Dislike (8) Reply
    The man went off to school he did not rely on daddy to get no job
    • @ to the haters (20/02/2017, 20:08) Like (6) Dislike (6) Reply
      Rather than second guess young Skelton without having any idea how he will perform, I'd like to reserve judgment until we know more about how he move the cheese.

  • tola (20/02/2017, 12:35) Like (13) Dislike (4) Reply
    Congrats do your best
  • Eve (20/02/2017, 13:04) Like (30) Dislike (7) Reply
    Hey Rhod, you are well deserved of this and do keep the good work up. I know that you are a highly qualified young man and I know that with positive thinking and determination you can and will get the job done....
  • island man (20/02/2017, 13:08) Like (16) Dislike (14) Reply
    Regardless of what People may think, it is in my opinion the Gentle Man is well and over suitable qualified for the job. I believe his conduct and principle within the public is immaculate.
    This is a good choice an I wish him above all other rivals all the best
    I do hope he will serve the territory well
    Oh, have you seen the decline in tourists visit this year? We need some new brain like his within the ministry.
  • Yes (20/02/2017, 14:20) Like (6) Dislike (3) Reply
    I will drink to that!
  • in the know (20/02/2017, 14:38) Like (27) Dislike (12) Reply
    Another case of the lodge brotherhood looking out for one of its own.
  • We Know (20/02/2017, 16:54) Like (20) Dislike (1) Reply
    Mr Grant You have made your mark in tourism as a business man and entrepreneur and you're a great leader!
  • Hmmm.... (20/02/2017, 17:00) Like (8) Dislike (4) Reply
    Congrats my friend!! Really happy for you!!
  • hello (20/02/2017, 17:53) Like (12) Dislike (5) Reply
    Ayo need to stop. If they had given this to one of the outsiders you all would have had all kind of things to say bout who from here and who not. now Rhodni get the job and you all still bitching!
  • ......... (20/02/2017, 19:28) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
    Is it possible to please you negative people? No matter who you choose somebody will find a problem with it. You all make the dog sick (Old folks saying). Good luck guy. I'm happy for you. Big appointment.
  • bojan (20/02/2017, 21:26) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    me big friend big up they cant stop a good man.
  • Mother land (21/02/2017, 05:51) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
    Just give the man a change to proof himself. He is a young man from the BVI trying to strive. Congratulations in order Ronnie.
  • Laura (21/02/2017, 06:53) Like (11) Dislike (2) Reply
    Boi Rhods, just sip a whiskey and ignore these folks. The higher you climb the more haters you get, so just let it slide, do the job at hand to the best of your ability and keep the standards high. You're a hard working young man who is passionate about our BVI don't let no one deter you from that.
  • Great move. Wow. I'm so happy (21/02/2017, 07:24) Like (11) Dislike (5) Reply
    Great move. This dude is a marketing geneous. He is being held down and held back for too long. Now it's time to open your wings Rhonni and fly...Do your thing.. Your not a friend of mine. I am also a marketing person and your talent always capture me.
    • hahha! (21/02/2017, 17:32) Like (5) Dislike (4) Reply
      A marketing genius that doesn't even understand the simple concept of what marketing is!!! Good one. I'm dying over here. LMAO.
  • wize up (22/02/2017, 10:07) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    NDP...run things
  • ausar (22/02/2017, 14:12) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
    Congrats, Most Worshipful Master!

    Indeed, you will succeed in this newer endeavor just as you have done with others in the past!

    Again, Congrats...
  • Like (24/02/2017, 11:39) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Do your best Rhodni. I know you would do better than the last.(handsome)
  • Gosh (26/02/2017, 20:59) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is a joke, right?


Create a comment


Create a comment

Disclaimer: Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) welcomes your thoughts, feedback, views, bloggs and opinions. However, by posting a blogg you are agreeing to post comments or bloggs that are relevant to the topic, and that are not defamatory, liable, obscene, racist, abusive, sexist, anti-Semitic, threatening, hateful or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be excluded permanently from making contributions. Please view our declaimer above this article. We thank you in advance for complying with VINO's policy.

Follow Us On

Disclaimer: All comments posted on Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) are the sole views and opinions of the commentators and or bloggers and do not in anyway represent the views and opinions of the Board of Directors, Management and Staff of Virgin Islands News Online and its parent company.