Claude Skelton Cline
Talk show host Claude Skelton Cline has called for what he described as a “benevolent dictator” to steer the Virgin Islands through what he sees as mounting governance, population and preparedness challenges.
Speaking on his Honestly Speaking radio programme this week, Skelton Cline argued that the territory requires stronger and more decisive leadership amid global instability and local policy gaps. “We need a bad — a double scribble leader in this country. A benevolent dictator,” he stated.
He acknowledged the sensitivity of the term in the current political climate but stressed the qualifier. “I hate to use the word dictator in this era of Trump. But the adverb or the adjective is benevolent,” he said.
Skelton Cline framed his remarks within a wider critique of governance, arguing that the territory has “lost control” of key policy areas. “We are not just losing control of this country. We have lost control,” he stated.
A central concern raised by the broadcaster was population growth and the status of the long-delayed census report. “What is the status of our census exercise… Why is it that that exercise in regards to our census has never been completed, report never been gotten, nothing published. Why?” he asked.
He further claimed that available figures suggest the population is rising sharply. “The data and the numbers they do have so far, we are 50,000 people in the Virgin Islands going north,” he said.
Skelton Cline compared the BVI’s immigration framework with policies in other UK Overseas Territories such as the Cayman Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands and Bermuda, arguing that the Virgin Islands lacks clear statutory limits on work permits and population management.
Beyond immigration, he raised concerns about fuel storage, food security and infrastructure planning, warning that the territory remains vulnerable to global supply chain shocks. “We can’t wait until it starts raining to build an ark,” he said.
Despite his criticism, Skelton Cline urged residents to prepare at the individual and community levels. “One of the ways to minimise worry and stress… is preparation… Prepare spiritually. Prepare mentally. Prepare emotionally. Prepare financially,” he said.
He reiterated that stronger leadership, improved data, and enforceable policies are necessary to change the territory’s trajectory, arguing that decisive action is required to address population growth, derelict vehicles, and long-term planning.
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