Claude Skelton Cline
Political commentator Claude Skelton Cline has urged the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) to field stronger At-Large candidates, warning that the party faces political trouble if it fails to strengthen its team.
Speaking on his Honestly Speaking programme, Skelton Cline said the governing party must urgently reassess its political strategy ahead of the next general election, particularly its At-Large lineup.
“You need to find you… five strong At-Large candidates,” he stated.
He argued that the issue is not simply party competition but the party’s standing with voters. “You are in trouble with the people of this country,” he said.
Skelton Cline linked the need for stronger candidates to broader dissatisfaction among residents, particularly over the cost of living and governance priorities. “You are not paying attention to the pain and the hurt that the people have,” he said.
His comments come amid ongoing debate about governance, economic pressures, and the effectiveness of political parties. Residents have repeatedly complained about rising food prices, infrastructure issues, and delayed projects, all of which have featured prominently in recent political discussions.
Skelton Cline stressed that the upcoming election should not be treated as a popularity contest, but rather as an opportunity to select capable leaders.
He added that the At-Large team would be critical to the party’s prospects, noting that strong candidates could help restore confidence.
Skelton Cline also pointed to internal political realities, stating that the VIP currently holds a limited base of elected members and must strengthen its overall slate. “You only got six members,” he said, referring to the party’s crossover majority in the House of Assembly.
At the same time, he cautioned the electorate against blind loyalty to political parties. “Do not get trapped… just voting for your party politics,” he said.
He maintained that the territory requires experienced and capable leadership in the current global environment. “We need able, competent, seasoned persons to give leadership to this country,” he stated.
He suggested that, despite the VIP’s challenges, there remains an opportunity for course correction if the party refocuses its priorities and strengthens its candidate base.
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