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VI must stockpile essentials in preparation for Trump fallout- Skelton-Cline

Virgin Islanders are being urged to stockpile food, non-perishable goods, and even toilet paper in preparation for potential economic and political fallout from newly planned and already imposed policies of US President Donald J. Trump. Photo: VINO/File
Clergyman and commentator Mr Claude O. Skelton-Cline has painted a dire picture of uncertainty, economic instability, and the possibility of imminent civil unrest even in the United States, with implications for the Virgin Islands given its close economic ties to the mainland. Photo: Facebook
Clergyman and commentator Mr Claude O. Skelton-Cline has painted a dire picture of uncertainty, economic instability, and the possibility of imminent civil unrest even in the United States, with implications for the Virgin Islands given its close economic ties to the mainland. Photo: Facebook
Thousands protesting Donald J. Trump’s victory in the presidential election in November 2016. Many political pundits are anticipating protests and even civil unrest in the US due to Trump's controversial policies. Photo: CNN
Thousands protesting Donald J. Trump’s victory in the presidential election in November 2016. Many political pundits are anticipating protests and even civil unrest in the US due to Trump's controversial policies. Photo: CNN
BAUGHERS BAY, Tortola, VI—Virgin Islanders are being urged to stockpile food, non-perishable goods, and even toilet paper in preparation for potential economic and political fallout from newly planned and already imposed policies of US President Donald J. Trump, who is now in the third week of his presidency.

The dire warning, delivered in an impassioned address by social and political commentator, pastor Claude O. Skelton-Cline, painted a dire picture of uncertainty, economic instability, and the possibility of imminent civil unrest even in the United States, with implications for the Virgin Islands, given its close economic ties to the mainland.

'The wheels are falling off'

Addressing fast-moving developments under the recently inaugurated Trump administration, the former government consultant, speaking on his February 4, 2025, edition of Honestly Speaking—aired on ZBVI 780 AM—said, the current geopolitical landscape signals turbulent times ahead.

"President Trump is moving at a breakneck speed with reshaping the United States of America, both in policy and in law as we know it; And what might be the implication for us as a small island nation with proximity to the United States, using the US dollar, having much of our food, our trade that comes out of the United States?"

He, as such, described the current era as one of “uncommon times” and “abnormality”, stressing that the stability many have taken over time, for granted, is now under threat.

According to Pastor Cline, "We are eyewitnesses to what the fall of an empire looks like; The prognosticators, those who study the economy, those who study currency, those who study trade, those who study international relations, they are telling you that everything is becoming unhinged, that the wheels are falling off, and we are in for challenging times as a result of it."

Stock up now!

With this in mind, the social commentator was adamant that among the most urgent recommendations was the need for Virgin Islanders to begin stockpiling basic necessities.

"You've got to prepare, you've got to store up, you've got to start buying some stuff and putting it aside," he urged.

Skelton-Cline advised residents to purchase non-perishable food items with expiration dates extending at least two to three years into the future.

"Every time you go out, buy two or three cans of something, put it away, buy two or three rolls of toilet paper, put it away; Mind you, I don't want you to have to be using (tree) leaves."

The advice comes amid concerns that the Virgin Islands lack a sufficient governmental mechanism to sustain the population in the face of a prolonged crisis, telling his listening audience, "We don’t have a mechanism in place from a governmental point of view, nor local, that is sufficient enough to feed us.”

'Uncommon times'

Against this backdrop, the political analysts also warned that the rapid pace of policy changes under the Trump administration could also trigger civil unrest in the United States, with the inherent potential ripple effects on the Virgin Islands.

"Even as early as this year, given the speed at which the Trump administration is moving, don't be surprised if you begin to see little pockets of civil disobedience and civil war literally breaking out in the country of America.”

Qualifying this position further, he pointed to growing signs of instability, including the US government's growing tensions with even its closest allies–Canada, Mexico and the European Union, specifically its NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) partners.

"When you see a country go after some of its closest allies—can you imagine going after Canada? You couldn’t ask for a nicer neighbour. You go after Canada? These are uncommon times."

In addition to practical preparedness, he also urged Virgin Islanders to turn to spirituality for guidance and resilience.

33 Responses to “VI must stockpile essentials in preparation for Trump fallout- Skelton-Cline”

  • VG Resident (05/02/2025, 09:45) Like (55) Dislike (8) Reply
    using unrest in the BVI. Trump is doing exactly what the citizens of the USA wanted. Stop the corruption and wasting of taxpayer money. Bring back companies to the uDSA to make products in the UDSA. Maybe the BVI should do the same. Stop the corruption and wasting of taxpayer funds.
    And you should stop misleading the folks in the BVI. I don't even know why anyone listens to you Talk about corruption, you should look inwards at what you did Took government money nand provided nothing in return..
  • ONYP (05/02/2025, 09:47) Like (25) Dislike (3) Reply
    Please stockpile the pizza dough and tomato sauce then I’ll follow.
  • Idiot (05/02/2025, 09:57) Like (39) Dislike (2) Reply
    Great! Let's encourage everyone to panic buy. That can only have positive consequences, right? It won't lead to a lack of essentials in the stores for those that can't afford to stockpile and it surely won't encourage store owners to up their prices when stocks begin to run low.
    • CLAUDE SKELTON CLINE (05/02/2025, 11:22) Like (33) Dislike (3) Reply
      Can you kindly have a seat somewhere and find something constructive to do. I tried seeing and "hearing" you.
  • ----------------------- (05/02/2025, 10:02) Like (13) Dislike (2) Reply
    He is saying the boats will stop coming?
    • Dove and Pigeon (06/02/2025, 15:38) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      I got the impression that he was saying that once the tariffs kick in the price of food will double. In addition, since the USA imports food from Mexico and Canada, if there is a shortage because of the tariffs, we in the Caribbean will be the last on the list to get! Mr. Cline has a point!
  • bvi (05/02/2025, 10:24) Like (17) Dislike (4) Reply
    Real jack. Don't waste your money
  • Senior native citizen of the British Virgin Islands (05/02/2025, 10:27) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply
    Mr. Claude Skelton. Cline, why blame USA president, Danald Trump, for our past and present political administrations for the tax payers mishandling of our finances? And how can minimum wage erners and low pension receivers stockup on essencencial goods like you and others high income erners?
    Are you and other high income erners willing to to give at least, let me say, $30.00 or more in a grocery security fund many by good-minded people to help make make your suggestion a reality? Or are you mostly as usual a talk, but no show ramblier?
    To make it more clear to you, Sir, it is time for you and many other high income erners to talk less about low erners demeaners, and do good, rather keep talking about thing that may or probable may not happen?

    There is a particular verse in the bible that tells us that: Even a fool is thought to be wise, when he keeps.quite. that means; listen to others talking, staying quite.
    Of course, Sir, I know that you are being paid to talk, but many times past you have spoken much of the little that you know.
  • Irresponsible (05/02/2025, 10:29) Like (20) Dislike (0) Reply
    Preperation is always good but under this alarmist pretext is down right irresponsible. It akin to saying there is a fire in a crowded theatre which goes outside the scope of freedom of speech and main purpose is to incite panic. Trump was president 4 years ago and many claimed the same would happen. Will he be more delibriate? yes , he knows the process better and will execute more efficiently so his vision will be realized completely but Trump is transactional and money is his motivation he will not end the world because he wants more money. The US will become isolationist under Trump ,but to China's benefit - as they will fill any trading voids created.
  • lmao (05/02/2025, 10:32) Like (25) Dislike (2) Reply

    We have been so brainwashed by the American bulls*** that we cannot see pass our noses. We have many alternatives to US products so the fearmongering is just ridiculous at this point. Of course we may feel some negative impacts of Trump's policies but it's not that serious. The problem is that we have been conditioned to think that US products are the best so we refuse to trade with South America and other producers of food and other products, to our detriment. US products are slow poisoning people in the Region with Cancer and other illnesses and we are pretending as if it's progress.

    • Precisely (05/02/2025, 11:38) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
      You would be suprised at the amount of food products the US imports from Brazil in particular and South and Central America.
  • Geez (05/02/2025, 10:38) Like (17) Dislike (2) Reply
    Canada and Mexico have already folded and have decided to work with the US in securing the boarder. Trade wars always come down to who has the stronger economy and Mexico and Canada were always going to be outmatched. Things are moving fast for the US. Too fast to fear monger.

    Through his dealings with Colombia, Mexico and Canada, Trump is sending a clear message. He's going to make sure America comes first and he isn't making any idle threat.
  • ... (05/02/2025, 10:44) Like (11) Dislike (3) Reply
    i been doing that! prep your pantry at all times.
  • Stop it. (05/02/2025, 11:25) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
    Why creaying q fear thats not possible. The BVI economy will boom under Trump. Wait watching and Trump has a plan. He is not q stupid pad. He is a very clevee business man.
  • Correction (05/02/2025, 11:36) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    "... social and political commentator, and blasphemes impersonator of clergymen and bishops Claude Cline....
  • Trump taxing imports (05/02/2025, 12:01) Like (6) Dislike (10) Reply
    What apart from the white stuff & illegal’s do we export to the USA . Craziness!
  • resident (05/02/2025, 12:02) Like (17) Dislike (6) Reply
    give me a break, stop fearmongering, nothing will happen to the bvi because of trump
    • smh (05/02/2025, 12:31) Like (10) Dislike (2) Reply
      You a damn fool
    • Endtimes (05/02/2025, 16:34) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
      @resident don't you read the Bible? These things have been prophesied to take place. Read the Book of Daniel and Revelation. These are signs of the end of this world. Read Matthew as well which talks about famines and pestilences.
  • See (05/02/2025, 12:59) Like (14) Dislike (3) Reply
    Look I the mirror for corruption and greed before you try to upset the people of the BVI. America was on the verge of collapse with the policies of the last four years. Trump might be a jerk but he will restore the economy and the rule of law to a country which has been losing both. That booming economy will only help the BVI ...or at least the businesses that have been allowed and hence the people. Maybe you should look at all the money leaving the territory via foreign owned corporations and businesses.
  • Me (05/02/2025, 13:07) Like (13) Dislike (2) Reply
    Stop trying to make people panic and spend their last dollar because of your fear mongering. Trump is only doing what he thinks is best for the US. That they make products in the US and stop having to import from China etc. He is looking out for his people. We in the BVI need to support our Caribbean and South American Neighbours like Guyana, Trinidad and Jamaica who has thriving industries, they make their own toothpaste and toilet paper so they are never out of stock. We rely on US imports too much!!
  • Vendors help!! (05/02/2025, 14:38) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    Just source directly from those countries where tarrifs are issued!!! It will take longer but the sppliers need to get it direct.
  • YOUR HOLINESS (05/02/2025, 16:25) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    WHEN ARE YOU GOING TO TAKE IS TO HEA EN ON ONE OF YHOSE SOPHISTICATED BARGES THAT WAS CHOOSEN OVER THE ROYAL NAVY BY THE NOTORIOUS BIG DADDY DREW
  • Ridge Bound (05/02/2025, 17:05) Like (1) Dislike (5) Reply
    Has anyone noticed the amount of products on BVI shelves that contains BIO engineered ingredients????
  • YES SIR (05/02/2025, 17:33) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Such an idiot
  • Who have ears (05/02/2025, 18:09) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    While I normally don’t support much of the rantings of CSC, he is right on this one. It is in everyone’s best interest to be wise in putting aside some non perishables… same as we do during hurricane season. Unstable times are ahead and the wise will heed the warnings and prepare as best they can
  • Dem A cum (05/02/2025, 19:12) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    I am looking forward to the positive that will result in these VI as a result of Trump's Presidency.
    Then again...the thousands of updeisljn throwaway that he is exporting could result in a horror to these VI as they roam around for an easy spot to hide and get comfy.
    We dont even have a prison available for the murderes and thieves that will be looking for a soft spot like these VI and its greedy and moo moo elected Gov Representatives.
  • A Capitalist Who Loves the BVI (05/02/2025, 19:22) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    This man is saying anything in a [futile] effort to be relevant. What a bunch of hogwash. The BVI should be so lucky as to have a leader like DJT, who is a true patriot and makes no secret about his intention to put America first. He has manifest flaws and nobody who voted for him denies that - but he loves his country and whether you agree with all of his policy objectives or not, he's keeping his campaign promises. America has many problems and many of them are self-inflicted, and he's trying to get the USA back on track. Like him or hate him, America has its swagger back, and it's because of him. Compare that to the feckless and ineffective government of the BVI, and ask yourself which you should be more fearful of....
  • Truth (05/02/2025, 19:32) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is exactly what the president said he was going to do and the people voted for him. I rest my case
  • preacher1 (06/02/2025, 16:16) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    it would be wise to heed the warning, prepare for this hurricane season, for the only help you may get is from u own hands there may not be any Aid flying in
  • Oh You Foolish Galatians (06/02/2025, 16:27) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    If someone was talking foolishness you would all be praising and encouraging. Now that someone with wisdom and vision is giving you a heads up you are being as foolish as a dry Old Wife Skin. Do you even listen to the latest news up dates. The Trump\Netanyahu presser at the Oval office should have opened your eyes. Can't you see that revolution is at hand and war is on the increase. The war in Gaza is not over the Middle East is about to explode into an all out regional war that will most likely turn into a World War the likes of which the planet has never witnessed. Did you not see Netanyahu smirking while Trump like a snake was talking about forcibly removing all Palestinians from Gaza. What do you think will happen if and when this is implemented. The US and Israel used the Hegelian Dialectic to deliberately obliterate Gaza. Why 2000lb Bunker Buster Bombs on Palestinian apartment buildings. The goal was always to make Gaza unlivable so that the OCGFC could have easy access to the vast reserves of Oil and Natural Gas in Gaza's Offshore. There is no way the Muslim World is going to stand idly by and allow this to happen. Not Iran Turkey Saudi Arabia Yemen Lebanon Iraq not even Russia China North Korea. Trump is lighting a powder keg and a word to the wise should be sufficient. We always fall for the sugar coating and get caught out there. Now is not the time for the Old Okie Doak. Skelton Cline is right take warning.


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