Pastor Claude O. Skelton-Cline called on legislators to set aside their differences to work together for the Territory’s economic stability. Photo: Facebook

USVI Governor Albert Albert Bryan Jr. had requested an emergency session of the USVI legislature to deliberate on a proposed 25% tariff on imports coming from the Virgin Islands. Photo: Internet Source

According to Pastor Claude O. Skelton-Cline the VI and the USVI have shared waters, space, families, friends and faith. Photo: Internet Source

Addressing the Territory during his February 25, 2025 broadcast of hisHonestly Speaking talk show on ZBVI 780 AM, he lamented the ongoing political discord in the Virgin Islands (VI), urging leaders to set aside their differences and work together for the country’s economic stability. 

Shared Destiny

"Nobody asked you to give up your political strife, but by God, we got to get this country moving; Don’t you see that we are at an economic standstill and stalemate; And we are on the precipice of it getting worse because of what’s happening in the United States of America,” he said stressing that unnecessary political conflicts domestically were exacerbating the country’s challenges confronting legislators directly. 

According to the outspoken activist, "We have shared waters, we have shared space, we have shared families, we have shared friends, we have shared faith," as he sought to emphasise that cooperation between the two territories has never been more crucial.

"I don’t care what your immigration status is, and what passport you carry; you and I, as the greater Virgin Islands, are going to need each other in a way, in these next few months, and indeed years, that we have never needed each other before."

Governor Bryan’s Measures & its Implications

Skelton-Cline acknowledged that the USVI leader was acting in response to economic pressures from his constituents. 

 "That’s his job, that’s what he’s been elected to do.”

Among the measures proposed by Bryan is a 25 per cent tariff, which Skelton-Cline dismissed as largely irrelevant to the VI’s economy.

His concerns, however, were with the increased exit and entry fees for non-Virgin Islanders, which he warned could have a tangible impact.

 "Right now, a tourist pays on the top end $145 round-trip ticket between St. Thomas and Tortola. Locals pay $130. Now, that includes the existing taxes.”

According to Skelton-Cline, "These ferry companies will tell you, they have already calculated from 2024 into this first quarter, there’s been a 20 percent drop in ridership on the ferry companies. So that’s affecting their bottom line; The taxi service providers on the U.S. Virgin Islands end, coming through the airport at Cyril E. King Airport—they’re feeling it too."

Mitigation Efforts 

He did note, nonetheless, "One of the good things this government has done is got American Airlines back in…Those dollars are what they have calculated as part of their budget across the water. So we are finally bringing home some funds that should have been home."

He, as such, urged Premier and Minister for Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), to “hold your ground and protect your wicket and if Governor Bryan and his team want to speak with you, let them come here.”

According to the former consultant at the ports authority, the USVI benefits from VI resources more than the territory itself does.