Talk show host, Claude O. Skelton-Cline has called disturbing, the silence of politicians and political parties in the Virgin Islands as the date for the constitutionally due Elections in early 2023 is just months away. Photo: Facebook/File

Dr Kedrick D. Pickering has said he is willing to do his part to build a government that will ensure that the VI has the best representation that it can offer in these difficult times. Photo: Facebook

Controversial talk show host Rosemary Cindy Rosan also said she will run as an Independent At-Large candidate under an “authentic” platform aimed at building a better Virgin Islands. Photo: Facebook

Referred to as ‘Talking Season’ as a colloquial term in the VI, long before elections local political would begin their pitch for votes whether there are contesting as a District Representative or on the At-Large front.

Date still to be announced 

However, even as elections loom with a date still to be announced, Skelton-Cline, during the Tuesday, September 13, 2022, edition of his ‘Honestly Speaking’ radio talk show, said the silence is unusual.

“I know that some of you will find it curious that here we are 8-9 months max away from an election and we are not hearing anything from your traditional party politicians and political parties about elections.”

He continued, “We are not hearing, we're not seeing anything in regards to something that looks like, sounds like campaign. I find it quite curious.”

Early in 2022, Ex Virgin Islands Youth Party (VIYP) member Kevon S. Lettsome announced that he would be contesting District 7 under the National Democratic Party (NDP).

Dr Kedrick D. Pickering also announced he would be re-contesting the 7th District, after 'learning his lesson.'

No full slate of party candidates 

Other persons who have announced their bid for public office include businessman Lesmore Smith and Shaina M. Smith-Archer, who both contested under the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM) in 2019, along with NDP Radio co-host Bevin S. George.

Controversial talk show host Rosemary Cindy Rosan also said she will run as an Independent At-Large candidate under an “authentic” platform aimed at building a better Virgin Islands.

Skelton-Cline added that while some persons have indicated they will be running for office, independently or with party affiliation, he said almost non-existent campaigning by parties is usual.

He rhetorically questioned his mostly passive radio audience on their thoughts surrounding the absence of campaigning.

“Is a little disturbing, If nothing else.. unusual. Given the timeframe and the timeline in which an election should be had and we're not hearing anything,” he added.