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RVIPF accused of human smuggling coverup

- Talk show host Claude O. Skelton-Cline calls for immediate answers over alleged coverup
Ironically, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is being accused of human smuggling. Photo: VINO/File
Talk show host Claude O. Skelton-Cline has alleged a massive cover-up involving the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) over a failed human smuggling attempt by one of the agencies last Friday, April 1, 2022. Photo: Facebook/File
Talk show host Claude O. Skelton-Cline has alleged a massive cover-up involving the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) over a failed human smuggling attempt by one of the agencies last Friday, April 1, 2022. Photo: Facebook/File
The RVIPF has been accused of a human smuggling coverup by radio talk show host, Claude O. Skelton-Cline. Photo: Internet Source/File
The RVIPF has been accused of a human smuggling coverup by radio talk show host, Claude O. Skelton-Cline. Photo: Internet Source/File
BAUGHERS BAY, Tortola, VI – Talk show host, Claude O. Skelton-Cline has alleged a massive cover-up involving the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) over an alleged failed human smuggling attempt last Friday, April 1, 2022.

Speaking on his Honestly Speaking talk show moments ago, today, April 5, 2022, Skelton-Cline called for immediate answers.

Answers needed! - Skelton-Cline

“I understand this past Friday, I don’t know if it's Immigration or Customs… but they stopped the Royal Virgin Islands Police (RVIPF) boat from taking somebody out the country, didn’t clear them here, clearing them into St Thomas and bringing them back,” he alleged.

“Somehow, they got intercepted and where now the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force is being accused and whoever those persons were, of smuggling,” he added.

Skelton-Cline pointed out that the matter is already a brewing controversy in the public domain and in need of answers.

He further said he intends to probe the Governor, H.E. John J. Rankin CMG, and Police Commissioner, Mark Collins for answers. 

“I want yall to know, this is in the public space already… this is a part of the public conversation… I hope there’s no cover-up on this matter,” he added while calling for local authorities to provide an answer.

'No Comment' - Chief Immigration Officer 

Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) reached out to Chief Immigration Officer, Ian B. Penn, who said he had "no comment."

Commissioner of Customs Wade N. Smith and RVIPF Public Relations Officer Diane L. Drayton did not respond to inquiries up to publication time.

Mr Skelton-Cline called for facts from the agencies while noting that the VI cannot have one law for some and another set of laws for others.

“Here is it, three law enforcement bodies… tell me you all not in cahoots with each other? Tell me this is not degradation of trust and confidence in the bodies that is supposed to protect this country?” he asked rhetorically.

32 Responses to “RVIPF accused of human smuggling coverup”

  • WOW (05/04/2022, 19:15) Like (30) Dislike (3) Reply
    You still here. Can we see you to confirm that you are not somewhere hidden in bunkers . I passed today and saw some really sad faces. Tell us CSC as you demand answers so do we. Where is your location.
  • Nothing new (05/04/2022, 19:34) Like (25) Dislike (1) Reply
    I been hearing over the years about numerous times that RVIPF use the Government boats to go St. Thomas for all kinds of non official busines/privilege. Nothing new, except that CSC talking about it on his show now.
  • Facts are (05/04/2022, 20:12) Like (16) Dislike (15) Reply
    It’s the police trying to hire a person on vacation the governor needs jail time as well as the cop
  • 911 (05/04/2022, 20:51) Like (12) Dislike (5) Reply
    there some uk personnel in this territory charge with enforcement of laws however they are involved in some shady behavior and not one thing will come out it but the caribbean boys and girls on the force a subject to all manner of scrutiny from the head of police but his fellow countrymen nothing this place small so what you try to hide in the night comes out in the daylight
  • Lb (05/04/2022, 21:48) Like (43) Dislike (19) Reply
    Take this man off the air! He is bad for this country.
    • Madussa (05/04/2022, 22:30) Like (10) Dislike (7) Reply
      @Lb. Why? Are you afraid of getting exposed or do you feel he is making this up and people will start to believe it, then making it bad for our country?
    • @Lb (06/04/2022, 04:41) Like (9) Dislike (6) Reply
      just for your assistance and guidance the man born right here.
  • SMH (05/04/2022, 22:14) Like (9) Dislike (13) Reply

    Why is this even news? My stomach was hurting me this morning, I ended up I taking a hot s***. I felt better after I shat... my story didn't make news..... so why is this even news?

    How did this crazy fictitious story by CSC made news? The only answers that's needed is why you still here being a fr@# to people.

  • dude (05/04/2022, 22:53) Like (11) Dislike (4) Reply
    It could also have a been RVIPF secret operation that was not publicized and doesn't need to be broadcasted about...just saying
  • public (06/04/2022, 04:09) Like (15) Dislike (7) Reply
    This has been going on for a while. Now are we beginning to understand why the illegals is being housed in a Hotel and the constant escaping. ST. Thomas authorities needs to investigate this as well because the illegals is smuggled into the US FROM TORTOLA VIA ST. John.
    • To public (06/04/2022, 11:12) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
      The illegals housed in the hotels that are continually escaping are detained by Immigration not RVIPF. That's who they're escaping from. Get your facts straight.
      • @To public (06/04/2022, 16:32) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
        No BOBO, here is my facts!!!! SOMEONE(S) WITHIN THE RVIPF IS INVOLVED WITH SOME IN IMMIGRATION. DIG HARD AND YOU WILL FIND THOSE FACTS. ARE YOU INVOLVED AND IS AFRAID TO GET EXPOSED?
  • Rad (06/04/2022, 06:28) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
    Why you want to because he exposing ayo stop sending them to we in the usvi
  • What goes for applies (06/04/2022, 07:15) Like (8) Dislike (2) Reply
    What goes for one applies to all.

    If these guys going to charge for using the government boat for such and get charge.

    Then the officer that took the government boat bar hopping should be charged too
    • yeah (06/04/2022, 14:09) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      I agree with that one. but in all honesty for year police and customs has been going to and through St thomas and it was not an issue why now they trying to put the agencies against each other.
  • Amazing (06/04/2022, 07:23) Like (28) Dislike (1) Reply
    Truly amazing Csc. You have the authority to question the Governor and the Police Commissioner yet when the COI wanted to question you about public funds you were a private citizen. Wow how we forget. Anyway CSC the report is in. This is no speculation but you will be featured prominently in that report.
  • @ CSC & company (06/04/2022, 07:28) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
    JUST LIKE HE AND OTHERS IN THE LAST ELECTION , THIS ( GRASSHOPPER ) IS CREATING DRAMA TO PLAY WITH THE PEOPLE'S MIND , AND THEY WILL BE COMING WITH MORE OF THEIR GOSPEL
  • A (06/04/2022, 08:17) Like (5) Dislike (3) Reply
    All from here. End of story
  • hmmm (06/04/2022, 08:28) Like (9) Dislike (2) Reply
    All hyperbole. An unfounded rumour leading to an accusation.

    CSK does not appear to be prepared to abide by the aphorism to engage brain before putting mouth into gear.
  • Hmmmm (06/04/2022, 10:03) Like (14) Dislike (3) Reply
    Now tell me why would the rvipf use a marked police boat to smuggle anyone, bvi there is alot of operations and investigation taking place, both on land and sea, the COI report is about to release so this man trying all sort of distractions, but that wont work CSC.
  • Wayne DEAD (06/04/2022, 10:46) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    He looking fame with his mouth but that mouth will be full of buck shots soon enough. Mr. Dead say so who want to bet.
  • Snoppy (06/04/2022, 11:18) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    What's the problem? When Mr. Malone was COP, we (St Urs) used to go shopping to STT all the time
  • wha going on here? (06/04/2022, 13:19) Like (4) Dislike (4) Reply
    Police allegedly smuggling drugs, bullets and human? Who is protecting and serving us?
    • Eh? (06/04/2022, 18:19) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      And whst are they smuggling to tbe sister islands, Cooper, Peter, Virgin, Anegada, and the others?
  • question? (06/04/2022, 13:43) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Any updates on the two missing young men? Did we just forget about them ? If you know anything please say something.
    • @Question? (06/04/2022, 16:41) Like (2) Dislike (5) Reply
      I often think about how those youth just disappear like that. This place is a sick place, if human smuggling is going on suppose there is a human organ smuggling ring going on as well.
  • TruthbTold (06/04/2022, 15:22) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    @ question... why you dont ask CSC. He may very well have some good information for you. When that is done, be kind enough to pass it on to RVIPF CSC is just an outright hater of Law Enforcement, the Police to be exact. Bit CSC I'm warning you, your time is coming. God is going to expose all your evil deeds. Dont think for once that we stop praying. No sweetie.
  • Hmm (06/04/2022, 15:41) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    so their boat is not for commercial use i hope they are in compliance
  • @truthbtold (06/04/2022, 15:49) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    lol lol . CSC will be just fine , GOD dont like ugly .
  • Thanks (06/04/2022, 23:07) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    cline giving some of we thing to talk
  • Styler (07/04/2022, 21:27) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    This being happening for years they go shopping bring back tyres, groceries and household stuff and don’t clear. It’s about time somebody speaks up. You all doing too much and chastising BVI citizens time to do RIGHT up all not above the LAW


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