National Democratic Party (NDP) President Bishop John Cline has accused unnamed political actors of attempting to bribe prospective candidates and supporters ahead of the next general election, warning that the territory is entering what he described as a dangerous and unethical time in its politics.
Speaking during a wide-ranging address on the state of the territory, Cline said the territory is less than two years away from an election cycle and alleged that some politicians are already moving aggressively to consolidate power, not out of “love of country,” but driven by “greed” and a desire to control public finances.
“Some of them are coming with cheques in hand,” Cline claimed, alleging that money and “audacious packages” are being offered to prospective candidates either to join certain political groupings or to stay out of the race altogether. Others, he said, are using “deceptive words and convincing language” to lure people away from political commitments they have already made.
According to Cline, those engaging in such practices are fully aware that their actions are unethical. He linked the alleged behaviour to the recently approved national budget of approximately $550 million, which he said has made the country’s coffers “attractive” to individuals seeking power.
“They will do anything to get in power so they can get their hands on the $550 million that has been passed for the national budget,” he said, adding that the absence of effective “gatekeepers” and checks and balances has created what he described as a political free-for-all.
Cline also criticised the ruling Virgin Islands Party (VIP), arguing that the territory’s stagnation over the past seven years is the result of ineffective governance and the absence of a long-term national vision.
“We have no real national plan, no real national vision,” he said, contending that short-term political games and personal ambitions have replaced strategic planning for where the Virgin Islands should be over the next 10 to 20 years.
He further expressed concern about the growing number of political parties and factions emerging ahead of the election, describing the situation as “madness” and a repeat of failed experiments seen in previous elections.
“We tried that in 2018 and it didn’t work,” Cline said, referencing smaller parties and alliances that failed to gain traction. He also hinted that new factions may be in the works, adding that there are talks of a “new 13” that some think are needed to move the territory forward. However Cline thinks a fresh, inexperienced group of leaders is not the answer.
“You need people with experience who know how to balance budgets and manage money,” he said. “Some of them can’t even balance their own chequebook.”
Cline further criticised the government’s decision to increase elected officials’ salaries by 145 percent, calling it unjustifiable at a time when roads, healthcare, and other critical infrastructure remain in poor condition.
“Who does that?” he asked. “All of this is being done while our roads are deplorable and our healthcare system is deficient.”
In closing, the NDP president urged Virgin Islanders to be vigilant as the election approaches, calling on voters and potential candidates to act with integrity and to resist unethical political advances.
“I beg you, do not allow this country to fall into the hands of unrighteous, greedy, power-hungry people,” Cline said. “Pray for this land, because everyone else in the Caribbean is quickly outpacing us.”
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