Talk show host Claude Skelton Cline has revisited a chapter of the Virgin Islands’ political history, suggesting that divisions among leaders during the 2007 constitutional negotiations in London may have affected the territory’s ability to secure certain governance changes.
Speaking last week on the Honestly Speaking radio programme during a discussion with Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley, Skelton Cline said disagreements between members of the then Virgin Islands Party (VIP) leadership contributed to the outcome of the negotiations that produced the current Constitution.
According to Skelton Cline, differences between the late Premier Ralph T. O’Neal and Third District Representative Julian Fraser during the talks may have limited the reforms the territory was able to secure at the time.
While the issue has been discussed in some political circles over the years, many residents remain unfamiliar with the details of the 2007 negotiations. In recent months, elected officials debating the upcoming constitutional review have occasionally referenced divisions that arose during those talks, though they have rarely identified the individuals involved or the specific issues under discussion.
During the broadcast, Skelton Cline raised the matter directly.
“I’m concerned with what happened in ’07, with the then VIP government and the NDP, where the late Honourable R.T. O’Neal and your sitting Deputy Premier went up there and showed division,” Skelton Cline said.
He added that two reforms discussed during the negotiations were not ultimately included in the constitutional framework.
“We did not walk away with two of these things — namely the governor being out of Cabinet and secondly the public service being under the premier,” he said, adding that in his view those changes “could have been had in 2007.”
Questions about negotiating team
Skelton Cline also raised concerns about whether Opposition Leader Myron Walwyn should be part of the team representing the Virgin Islands in future constitutional negotiations with the United Kingdom.
He suggested that unity among local leaders would be important during discussions in London.
“I am on the public record that I am not in favour of the current Leader of the Opposition being on this committee because I do not believe — and I have not heard — where he is on the same page with the government,” Skelton Cline said.
In response, Premier Natalio Wheatley did not directly address Skelton Cline’s comments about the 2007 negotiations but agreed that unity is important when the territory engages the United Kingdom on constitutional matters.
“Let me just agree with you that we have to learn from history,” Dr Wheatley said. “History tells us that when you go up there, it’s important for government and opposition to be united.”
It’s important to put politics aside
He added that any negotiating team should focus on the long-term interests of the territory rather than partisan differences.
“I think it’s important for us to be able to put politics to the side and do something that would be for not just current generations, but future generations, to the benefit of our people,” the Premier said. “The team that I bring with me would be a team that I’m confident will be on the same page and fighting for the future of the territory.”
Dr Wheatley also indicated that members of the Opposition would be included in the delegation, though he declined to say whether Walwyn would be among them.
Following the Premier’s remarks, Skelton Cline reiterated his view that visible divisions among Virgin Islands leaders could weaken the territory’s position during negotiations.
“The United Kingdom is always willing to use any knife that we give them,” Skelton Cline said, adding that internal disagreements could complicate efforts to secure constitutional changes.
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