Politics
A “mistake” granting contracts to Skelton-Cline: Premier
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.
Local News
Premier Slams Opposition Over “Misinformation” in No-Confidence Motion Debacle
Premier of the Virgin Islands, the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley, has condemned the Opposition’s handling of a No Confidence Motion, accusing them of “bungling” the process by failing to comply with the Standing Orders of the House of Assembly.
In his remarks to the public, Premier Wheatley took aim at the Opposition for spreading what he called “misinformation” and for directing “vicious comments” towards the Honourable Speaker of the House of Assembly, whom he insists was not at fault in this matter. “It is unfortunate that some persons have chosen to be selective with the facts,” Wheatley stated, “taking Virgin Islands politics to a dark place.”
The Premier reiterated that while every member of His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition has the constitutional right to challenge the Government, “persons cannot on one hand profess to be the vanguards of law and order, and truth and righteousness, and then flout the rules and regulations just because it is convenient to their agenda.”
He further called on the Opposition to apologise to the Speaker for “pre-empting her ruling, walking out of the House while she was delivering her ruling, and casting aspersions against her integrity.” According to Wheatley, “a higher standard of conduct is expected from those who aspire to lead the country.”
The controversy arose from the Opposition’s failure to adhere to the procedures for filing their Motion of No Confidence. The Premier emphasised that the Standing Orders, amended in 2016, clearly distinguish between Government Business and Private Members’ Business. He argued that the Opposition’s motion was categorised under Private Members’ Business, and that the Speaker’s ruling was correct. “A simple reading of the Standing Orders will show that the Opposition’s Motion was clearly Private Members’ Business, and the Honourable Speaker was correct in her ruling,” Wheatley asserted.
Premier Wheatley went on to accuse the Opposition of prioritising political gamesmanship over the completion of critical reforms, claiming that the timing of their Motion was intended to undermine the Government’s efforts to petition the UK for the lifting of the Order in Council. “The Opposition prioritises ‘brownie points’ over the completion of the recommendations and the removal of the threat to suspend our Constitution,” he charged.
As he concluded his statement, the Premier reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to serving the public, highlighting ongoing efforts to repair roads, address infrastructure challenges, and finalise the steps necessary to meet the Commission of Inquiry’s recommendations. “My Administration remains united and firmly committed to our responsibility,” Wheatley stated. “There is a lot that needs to be done instead of staging walkouts and press conferences.”
He closed by expressing his readiness to engage in debate when the Motion is properly brought forward, adding, “I look forward to responding to the Motion when it does come up for debate, assuming the Opposition complies with the Standing Orders of the House.”
Local News
BVI Premier Seeks Removal of Opposition No-Confidence Motion Over Procedural Errors
British Virgin Islands Premier Natalio Wheatley has requested the removal of an opposition no-confidence motion from the House of Assembly’s Order Paper, citing procedural inaccuracies in its submission.
The motion, which seeks the dissolution of the current Fifth House of Assembly and calls for new elections, has created a tense atmosphere in the proceedings on September 3.
The Leader of the Opposition, Ronnie Skelton, is barred from introducing the motion, which criticises Premier Wheatley and Finance Minister for a series of alleged failures.
The opposition accuses the Virgin Islands Party (VIP)-led government, in power since April 2023, of worsening the economic outlook, diminishing quality of life, and eroding public trust.
Key points in the motion include Wheatley’s recent admission of a $20 million underestimation in public officials’ salaries, which could strain public resources.
It also criticises the Premier for failing to deliver an economic plan or a tourism strategy, and for mismanaging government assets like the Prospect Reef Hotel and the British Virgin Islands Music Festival 2024.
Other grievances include excessive international travel spending, underfunding of crucial sectors such as education and agriculture, and concerns about the Premier’s handling of infrastructure and public safety.
Further complaints involve the Premier’s unilateral decisions on decolonisation discussions with the UN and acceptance of the Commission of Inquiry’s recommendations, which the opposition argues have eroded public trust and accountability.
Residents are closely monitoring today’s House of Assembly proceedings, which are expected to have significant implications.
Local News
Opposition Leader to Introduce No-Confidence Motion Against Virgin Islands Government
The Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Ronnie Skelton, is set to introduce a no-confidence motion against the current Virgin Islands government, citing a series of alleged failures by Premier and Minister for Finance, Hon. Dr. Natalio Wheatley. The motion argues that since assuming office in April 2023, Premier Wheatley’s leadership has led to a deteriorating economic outlook, declining quality of life, and a lack of public trust in the government.
The motion highlights several key points, including Premier Wheatley’s recent admission in the House of Assembly of a $20 million underestimation in salary increases for public officials, which could place a significant strain on public resources. It also criticizes the Premier for failing to produce an economic plan for the Territory, despite repeated requests from Opposition members, and for a lack of a comprehensive tourism plan to enhance the Virgin Islands’ market share.
Further allegations include the neglect of key government assets, such as the dilapidated state of the Prospect Reef Hotel, the mismanagement of public funds on initiatives like the Virgin Islands Music Festival 2024, and excessive government spending on international travel. The motion also points to the underfunding of critical sectors such as education, small businesses, and agriculture, and raises concerns over the Premier’s handling of the Territory’s infrastructure and public safety challenges.
Additional grievances center around the Premier’s unilateral decisions without public consultation, including his dialogues with the UN on decolonization and his acceptance of the Commission of Inquiry’s recommendations. The Opposition contends that these actions have undermined public trust and accountability.
The motion concludes with a call for the dissolution of the current Fifth House of Assembly, urging a new election to allow citizens to elect a government in which they can place their confidence.
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