Premier dubbed a ‘political sniper’ for recruiting key Opposition members

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatly

Talk show host Claude Skelton Cline has described Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley as a “political sniper,” arguing that the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) leader is demonstrating sharp political instincts as his administration continues to absorb key figures from across the political divide.

Speaking on a recent airing of his Honestly Speaking radio show, Skelton Cline suggested that while the Premier can be criticised on economic performance, his ability to outmanoeuvre opponents politically is becoming increasingly evident.

“You could accuse him of having the country economically constipated [saying] there is no movement,” Skelton Cline said. “But he is proving to be a political sniper. That guy can pick ’em off. He’s a sharpshooter, and you gotta give him credit for that.”

The comments come against the backdrop of a series of high-profile political realignments that have strengthened the governing Virgin Islands Party while thinning the ranks of the opposition. Former Deputy Premier Lorna Smith crossed the floor to join the VIP in 2023, a move widely seen as a major blow to the opposition. More recently, veteran legislator Julian Fraser also aligned himself with the government benches, further consolidating the Premier’s parliamentary position.

Adding to that momentum, former opposition member Stacy Mather has now joined the VIP, a development that Skelton Cline referenced as evidence of deliberate and coordinated political strategy at the highest level. While acknowledging that others may have helped to “architect” some of these moves, the radio host maintained that it ultimately fell to the Premier and his senior team to “close the deal.”

Speculation has also intensified around whether the Premier is seeking to bolster the party’s slate further ahead of the next general election. Political observers have been buzzing about the possibility that the government’s climate change envoy, Dr Kedrick Pickering, could be enticed to contest under the VIP banner — a move that would add another experienced figure to the party’s ranks.

Although the Premier is being praised for his strategic moves, some sections of the community may disagree with the “political sniper” label being applied to him, arguing that while the leader may be effective in consolidating support, his administration has fallen short in addressing everyday concerns such as deteriorating road networks, unreliable utilities, and other failing infrastructure.

Others have also raised concerns about the handling of the economy, saying rising living costs and limited economic momentum suggest the VIP government has not adequately responded to the financial pressures facing residents, despite some political successes.