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Skelton-Cline suggests there is a coup to overthrow Opposition Leader
Speaking on his popular radio programme Honestly Speaking on ZBVI 780 AM, on January 14, 2025, Skelton-Cline suggested there is a plot to overthrow the Leader of the Opposition, Hon Ronnie W. Skelton (AL) of the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM) party.
“I understand five Members of the Opposition are trying to form a singular group with a singular leader, but the current Leader of the Opposition is not part of this; It looks like the member for the Sixth District [Hon Myron V. Walwyn] is emerging as the leader by default.”
Skelton-Cline said: “A divided NDP (National Democratic Party) cannot compete successfully in any election and overtake a united VIP [Virgin Islands Party].”
Leadership Concerns
Not mincing words about what he described as “jockeying for power” among Opposition Members, Skelton-Cline said, “Some of you need to get off the crack pipe and get a truth injection; You cannot be and should not be the Premier just because you have ambition; Leadership requires more than desire—it requires capability and vision.”
He, as such, urged the chair of the NDP, representing the Eighth District Hon Marlon A. Penn, to call a party meeting to clarify the way forward.
According to Skelton-Cline “It is in your best interest, your party’s best interest, and the country’s best interest to let the people decide; If they want to retain you as leader, let it go to a vote. If not, accept the result and move on.”
Describing the pursuit of power as a double-edged sword in Virgin Islands politics, he said, “Power is an aphrodisiac, an intoxicant, a strong drink that sometimes causes you to lose your mind.”
All politicians, regardless of party affiliation, share this pursuit, he said, and warned that unchecked ambition could lead to further political instability.
Overwhelming egos!
“In 2019, the egos were so overwhelming they couldn’t fit in one room; That splintering cost them dearly, and they haven’t recovered since” he recalled, and suggested the Eighth District representative, consider joining the government to maintain relevance.
About six months after Honourable Skelton became the Opposition Leader in April 2023, there were murmurings within the Opposition about Hon Skelton being weak as leader. There now appears to be fresh discussions about sidelining the Opposition Leader.
Meanwhile, the Opposition will have to act unified on Friday, January 17, 2025, when it hosts a press conference.
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18 Responses to “Skelton-Cline suggests there is a coup to overthrow Opposition Leader”
Whatever is the hot topic of the day is what they focus on. Nothing with substance to actually push accountability or move this country forward.
my VIP is just what we want NO to Myron No to Ronnie and no Marlon