Claude Skelton Cline
Talk show host Claude Skelton Cline has suggested that the Virgin Islands should set a definitive date to declare independence from the United Kingdom.
Reacting to a recently published UK report that labels the territory’s law enforcement agencies as corrupt, Skelton Cline said the British government has shown blatant disregard for the legacy and hard work of the BVI’s foreparents.
He accused the UK of continuing to impose its authority over the territory and urged all sectors of society to begin “the process of decoupling from the United Kingdom.”
“In this next constitutional review, one of the things that needs to be part of the discussion is the matter of us moving on a timeline towards independence. The lawyers and the people who know about this can help us to determine a date in time,” Skelton Cline proposed. He added that the proposed date for independence should be put to voters in a referendum during the 2027 general election.
“As a people, we need to come to the consciousness and understand that we will continue to fight this fight in every generation because we aren’t the final arbiters of our fate. The only way to end this fight with the UK is to educate the public in a lead-up to a referendum on the matter of independence to be on the ballot in the next general election,” he said passionately.
Skelton Cline also argued that the territory should not wait to feel “ready” for independence, asserting that perfect conditions will never exist.
“There will never be a time when we are ready. Everything will never be in place,” he said.
Discussions around independence and increased self-determination have gained renewed attention in recent weeks, as many in the territory push back against claims made in the new UK report. However, some residents maintain that remaining under UK oversight may offer more stability for the BVI.
In the meantime, Skelton Cline also called for unity among the territory’s leadership and institutions. He proposed that all 13 elected leaders, along with the public, media houses, and other key entities, sign a joint correspondence expressing collective disagreement with the UK report’s assertions.
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