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A “mistake” granting contracts to Skelton-Cline: Premier

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BVI Premier Natalio Wheatley flashes a glance as he speaks during the House of Assembly.

By MERRICK ANDREWS AND CATHY RICHARDS

(JTV NEWS) — Responding to the Auditor General’s Report on the contracts granted to Claude Skelton-Cline, Premier and Minister for Finance Natalio Wheatley said the government made a “mistake” in those business dealings.

The Premier made this and other comments during the February 21, 2023, sitting of the House of Assembly.

The Auditor General’s Report has disclosed that the three contracts awarded and the over $16,000 paid monthly to Claude Skelton-Cline was not a value-added move but rather employment for the contractor.

Skelton-Cline is a former managing director of the BVI Ports Authority, a former government consultant, and is also well known for being the host of ‘Honestly Speaking’ on ZBVI Radio.

In the House on Tuesday, Premier Wheatley admitted that the contracts given under the Andre Fahie-led administration to the talk show host and pastor, were not only a mistake but he (Wheatley) gave support for these contracts — and that was also a mistake.

“And certainly, I have to say, Madam Speaker, yes this contract that we speak about, these contracts for Claude Skelton-Cline did come to Cabinet, and I did support them, and I am here to say to you, Madam Speaker, that I believe that I believe my support for these contracts was a mistake, and I believe that the former Premier made a mistake in engaging Claude Skelton-Cline with these contracts. And it is okay to acknowledge a mistake,” Wheatley told the House.

The Premier said he hopes that Skelton-Cline remains his friend after this contribution in the House.

“And I do believe my good friend understands the concept because he has a whole platform dedicated to speaking honestly and openly. And my good friend, whenever he has the opportunity, has no qualms about expressing his views openly and honestly. And if that means that some persons get offended so be it. I, myself have been the subject of some of his Honestly Speaking discussions which he has every right to do.

“And regardless of the conclusions he has come to about myself or anybody else, I remain his friend. I hope that once I finish saying what I am saying, he will also remain my friend. But I have a duty and a responsibility and duty to the people of the Virgin Islands but I just hope that we can still be friends after I say what I say Madam Speaker because we speaking honestly,” the Premier said.

The territory’s leader went on to say: “We have Mr. Claude Skelton-Cline who received, I believe, a total of three contracts. He was paid exorbitantly for those contracts and his contribution to the success of the initiatives that he was tasked to complete was marginal at best.”

The territory’s leader went on to say: “We have Mr. Claude Skelton-Cline who received, I believe, a total of three contracts. He was paid exorbitantly for those contracts and his contribution to the success of the initiatives that he was tasked to complete was marginal at best.”

The Premier did not stop there. He started throwing punches from the political ring.

“And let’s speak about the fact that Mr. Claude Cline has been associated with political parties including the Virgin Islands Party of which I am the chairman. I don’t think he supports the Virgin Islands Party anymore which has been his pattern — if I might say that. He’s been jumping left, he’s been jumping right. Claude Skelton-Cline says he believes a woman will be elected as the next Premier. Now I am a fan of a woman Premier, of course. But I believe his biggest motivation for saying that a woman will be elected is because I am a man. And it’s become very clear that Claude Skelton-Cline does not support me in my political endeavours and he doesn’t support the Virgin Islands Party which I lead.

“And I will just give you my theory as to why that is. And Mr. Skelton-Cline, first he was talking about a woman then he start talking about his uncle, Ronnie. And Madam Speaker, I wonder if the public understands what’s taking place. First, he started with the Virgin Islands Party then he went to the National Democratic Party, then he went back to the Virgin Islands Party, and the current leader of the Virgin Islands Party doesn’t seem like I am going to be able to get through with him. Seems like the gravy train might be over there. Let’s jump on to the next host,” Premier Wheatley added.

The Commission of Inquiry Report called for full audits of the contracts granted to Skelton-Cline.

The report said, among other things, that the contracts did not go through any tender process. Each contract was valued at over $100,000.

The Auditor General’s Report on the contracts given to Skelton-Cline was laid on the table in the House of Assembly and has been seen by JTV News.

According to the Report, the contractual arrangement was initiated by Skelton Cline’s submission of a proposal to provide services and no efforts were expended to ascertain his qualifications to perform the proposed services or to obtain alternative submissions via a competitive process.

The report explains that on March 8, 2019, Skelton-Cline emailed a two-page proposal to the Premier’s Office offering his services as Chief Strategic Advisor “to assist the office of the Premier throughout the strategic planning and execution of key initiatives”.

The proposal outlined three specific areas of focus, as stated in the report, Climate Change, 1000 Jobs in 1000 Days, and Youth Empowerment. The proposal also presented a list of duties and responsibilities for the Chief Strategic Advisor.

The document included a proposed contractual period of four years at $196,000 per annum ($16,330.00 monthly) — a remuneration that would place the consultant’s pay above that of Cabinet Ministers and the Premier.

The report tells us that both the proposal and the draft agreement submitted by Skelton-Cline placed the consultant in an “advisory” role with no obligation or commitment to produce results and no requirement to demonstrate improvements or added value to the Public Service.

Two and a half weeks after submitting the proposals, Skelton-Cline was engaged by the Premier’s Office as a “strategic advisor” via petty contract and stipulated a term of six months from March 25, 2019, and remuneration of $16,330.00 per month with five-percent end-of-contract gratuity.

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Opposition Members Meet With Governor to Voice Concerns Over Law Enforcement Review

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Three members of His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition met with His Excellency, Governor Daniel Pruce, on Monday, April 28, to raise what they described as “serious concerns” regarding the recently published Criminal Law Enforcement Review and the Commission of Inquiry.

The two-hour meeting was attended by Hon. Myron Walwyn, Leader of the Opposition and Sixth District Representative; Hon. Melvin “Mitch” Turnbull, Second District Representative; and Hon. Stacy Mather, At-Large Representative and Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly. The Opposition members said the meeting was a vital opportunity to present the views of Virgin Islands residents at the highest level of government.

“We were glad for this opportunity to raise concerns from the public with respect to the Criminal Law Enforcement Review,” Hon. Walwyn said in a statement issued after the meeting. “His Excellency listened intently and gave us the assurance that the concerns raised on behalf of the people of the Virgin Islands will be given much consideration.”

Among the key issues raised was the Opposition’s strong disagreement with a recommendation that the Governor re-specify his powers under Section 60 of the Virgin Islands Constitution. That section outlines the Governor’s authority over external affairs, defense, internal security, and the public service.

The Opposition also objected to a proposal that would transfer responsibility for customs and immigration from the local government to the Governor’s office. They insisted that these matters remain under the control of locally elected officials.

Additionally, members voiced firm opposition to any suggestion that sea ports and airports on the sister islands be closed — a recommendation they argue would severely impact the local economy and increase the vulnerability of residents in those areas.

“The matters addressed in the Criminal Law Enforcement Review have significant implications for the governance and the future of law enforcement in our territory,” the Opposition said in a joint statement. “It is therefore critical that the voice of the people is heard and carefully considered in any reforms that are proposed.”

The meeting comes as Virgin Islands authorities continue to weigh a series of recommendations emerging from both the law enforcement review and the 2022 Commission of Inquiry, which examined allegations of corruption and poor governance.

Opposition members said they remain committed to ensuring that “transparency, fairness, and respect for the rights and aspirations of the Virgin Islands people remain at the forefront of any ongoing or future reforms.”

Governor Pruce has not yet issued a public statement regarding the meeting.

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Myron Walwyn Sworn in as Leader of the Opposition in the British Virgin Islands

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Sixth District Representative Honourable Myron V. Walwyn has officially been sworn in as Leader of His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition by Governor Daniel Pruce. The ceremony, which took place ahead of the House of Assembly (HoA) sitting on Monday, March 24, marks a significant shift in the political landscape of the British Virgin Islands.

Walwyn’s appointment follows a formal request submitted to the Governor on Friday, March 21, by members of the recently formed opposition faction known as “The Alliance.” The letter, signed by Walwyn, Second District Representative Honourable Melvin M. Turnbull, and Honourable Stacy R. Mather, called for Walwyn to replace Honourable Ronnie W. Skelton as Opposition Leader. The Governor accepted the request in accordance with Section 70(5) of the British Virgin Islands Constitution, which allows opposition members to determine their leader by majority vote.

With The Alliance holding a majority within the Opposition, surpassing Skelton of the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM) and Eighth District Representative Honourable Marlon A. Penn of the National Democratic Party (NDP), the transition was all but assured. This realignment comes in the wake of internal disagreements within PVIM, particularly over a recent attempt by Skelton and Penn to dissolve PVIM and integrate its members into the NDP. That effort led to a rift within the Opposition, prompting Mather and Turnbull to shift their support away from Skelton.

The political maneuvering has raised speculation about potential challenges from Skelton or Penn in response to the change in leadership. However, for now, Walwyn assumes his role as Opposition Leader, with the responsibility of unifying the bloc amid ongoing internal divisions.

Meanwhile, the ruling Virgin Islands Party (VIP), led by Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley, continues to maintain its eight-seat majority in the HoA. With the Opposition now under new leadership, political analysts will be watching closely to see how Walwyn steers his faction in the months ahead.

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`Alliance’ Moves to Unseat Skelton as Opposition Leader Ahead of HoA Sitting

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Yet another political shift about to take effect in the British Virgin Islands as the recently formed “Alliance” has made moves to have Sixth District representative Honourable Myron V. Walwyn unseat and replace Honourable Ronnie W. Skelton as Leader of the Opposition, just days before the House of Assembly (HoA) convenes on Monday, March 24.

On Friday, March 21, Alliance members Walwyn, Second District Representative Melvin M. Turnbull and Stacy R. Mather, submitted a letter to Governor Daniel Pruce requesting Walwyn’s appointment as Opposition Leader. It is our information that the Governor has accepted the request in accordance with Section 70 subsection 5 of the British Virgin Islands Constitution, which permits opposition members to elect their leader by majority vote.

PVIM At-Large Candidate Stacy 'Buddha' Mather

Hon. Stacy R. Mather,

The Alliance, holds a majority within the Opposition, surpassing the two remaining members—Skelton of the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM) and Eighth District Representative Marlon A. Penn (R8) of the National Democratic Party (NDP). With this shift in alignment, Walwyn is expected to be sworn in as the new Opposition Leader during Monday’s HoA sitting, alongside the appointment of a new Deputy Speaker.

The leadership change follows recent attempts by Skelton and Penn to dissolve PVIM and integrate its members into the NDP. This move has deepened divisions within the Opposition, with Skelton losing the support of Mather and Turnbull, who were previously aligned with him under PVIM.

The development raises key questions: will Skelton and or Penn seek to challenge move of unseating Skelton?

The ruling Virgin Islands Party (VIP), led by Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley, currently holds a solid eight-seat majority in the HoA. The new opposition bloc, now to be under Walwyn’s leadership, will need to address internal divisions and work to redefine its role in the territory’s governance.

The developments will be closely monitored when the HoA sits on Monday, as Walwyn is likely to assumes his new role amid a rapidly changing political landscape.

Minister for Natural Resources and Labour Melvin 'Mitch' Turnbull

Hon. Melvin ‘Mitch’ Turnbull

 

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