Business
Claude Skelton-Cline’s contracts were “not value-added”: AG Report

By Cathy Richards, JTV News Editor
(JTV News) — The Auditor General’s Report has disclosed that the 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.
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.
The Auditor General’s office concludes:
158. Review of the documents, information and contracts suggests that the primary purpose of this consultancy was not to add value to the Government but rather to provide employment for the Consultant.
159. The records do not show any demonstrated effort by the Consultant to actually satisfy the deliverables stipulated in the contracts. The audit confirmation exercises performed indicate that much of the work reported or claimed by the Consultant was undertaken by persons and programmes independent of the consultancy. In a number of cases his association with the programmes was either fleeting or non-existent. The information in the Consultant’s periodic reports was largely duplicated without demonstrating any advancement or effort to achieve progress. As a result, very little was gained from this arrangement and the Government failed to receive value for money on these contracts.
160. After a period of two and a half years, none of the initiatives stipulated in the three contracts have been delivered. Similarly, none of the ad-hoc “non-contractual” assignments have been realized. This is with the exception with the COVID-19 related initiatives that were self-determining. Substantial reports and information were received only where the Consultant was assigned as a part of a committee or working group. These documents were usually prepared by other members of those bodies as was the case with the supporting documents for the Seafarers programme and the report issued by the Economic Advisory Council.
161. The failure of the Premier’s Office to adhere to the procurement regulations for competitive submissions resulted in substantial costs incurred on this (and other similar no bid consultancy contracts). It also created a disservice to other citizens who might be more properly qualified and more able to deliver the specific initiatives contained in the contracts.
162. The Government would have been better served by establishing different thinktanks or other mechanisms to address the areas identified under the three contracts. This would have availed the process to expert input and presented actionable results.
163. The decreasing contractual remuneration in each successive engagement suggests that the administration was aware that value was not being achieved from this arrangement.
On Wednesday, Skelton-Cline commented: “I feel no compulsion to defend myself. My documentation and record speak for that. Anything else Jehovah will be my defense.”
Business
Tropical Shipping Warns of Severe Impact on Caribbean Trade from Proposed U.S. Tariff on Chinese-Built Vessels

A proposed tariff set to be enacted by the United States government next month threatens to unravel decades of economic ties between the U.S. and the Caribbean. The new policy, which would impose a hefty $1 million port fee on any Chinese-built vessel calling at U.S. ports, could raise shipping costs by thousands of dollars per container, potentially shifting the flow of goods between the U.S. and the Caribbean to foreign competitors. For Caribbean exporters, this tariff would be a major blow, raising the cost of goods and disrupting established trade relationships that total $92.3 billion annually.
While the United States government has framed the proposal as a trade measure aimed at countering unfair practices, it will have profound implications for Caribbean economies that depend on efficient, cost-effective shipping services to move goods. Most of the vessels serving the region were built in China, meaning the vast majority of Caribbean trade will be directly impacted by this policy.
For Caribbean businesses, the stakes are high. With rising shipping costs, many companies could be forced to either absorb the additional costs or pass them along to consumers. Both scenarios are unsustainable. Higher prices on exports to the Caribbean would make American goods less competitive, pushing businesses in the region to turn to other nations for supplies. The result? U.S. exports to the Caribbean could plummet, damaging a $92.3 billion trade relationship and costing both U.S. and Caribbean businesses valuable market share.
The proposed tariff will also hurt the livelihoods of many Caribbean workers who rely on a robust, affordable shipping network to support industries like agriculture, manufacturing, and retail. Rising shipping costs could result in fewer goods reaching the islands, driving up prices and making it harder for businesses to operate. For smaller Caribbean economies, the impact could be even more severe, as many rely heavily on U.S. imports for basic goods and supplies.
Tropical Shipping, a key player in U.S.-Caribbean trade, has raised its voice against the U.S. Trade Representative’s (USTR) proposal, warning of the far-reaching consequences for both American and Caribbean workers. “This tariff will not only raise costs for Caribbean businesses but will hurt American workers as well,” said Tropical’s President and CEO in a letter to the USTR. “American workers in port operations, warehousing, trucking, and logistics will feel the impact, while exporters from the U.S. will find themselves less competitive compared to foreign rivals.”
At its core, the proposal threatens to destabilize Caribbean economies by driving up the cost of goods exported from the U.S. and weakening the region’s reliance on U.S. ports. The Caribbean is the United States’ largest trading partner in the Western Hemisphere, and this tariff would directly reduce the volume of goods passing through U.S. ports, ultimately harming jobs in both regions. It would also make it increasingly difficult for Caribbean countries to maintain consistent access to the goods they need, further straining already delicate economic conditions.
The Caribbean’s stake in this decision is clear. Tropical Shipping is urging businesses and individuals across the region to submit comments to the USTR, outlining how this tariff would affect their operations. This simple step could be a turning point, helping to prevent a trade policy that could ultimately disrupt the flow of goods between the U.S. and the Caribbean.
For more information about the USTR Section 301 proposal and how to submit your comments, visit the USTR Public Comment Page.
Tropical Shipping remains committed to protecting the interests of both Caribbean businesses and American workers, recognizing that both regions are interconnected in ways that cannot be ignored. The outcome of this decision could have lasting consequences for U.S.-Caribbean trade — a relationship that is essential to both economies’ continued prosperity.
Business
Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park Celebrates 9th Anniversary

Today marks the ninth anniversary of the Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park, a cornerstone of the British Virgin Islands’ cruise tourism industry. Since its official opening on February 16, 2016, the park has become a vibrant hub for visitors and locals alike.
Construction of the Tortola Pier Park commenced in mid-2014, aiming to enhance the territory’s capacity to accommodate larger cruise ships and provide an enriched visitor experience. The project culminated in a grand opening ceremony on February 16, 2016, unveiling a modern facility featuring a blend of retail, dining, and entertainment options. The event was a significant milestone, reflecting the territory’s commitment to bolstering its tourism infrastructure.
In recognition of the late Cyril B. Romney’s pivotal contributions to the territory, particularly in the development of the cruise tourism sector, the facility was officially renamed the Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park on February 15, 2019. Mr. Romney, who served as Chief Minister from 1983 to 1986, was instrumental in pioneering initiatives that have had a lasting impact on the BVI’s economic landscape.
The renaming ceremony was marked by the unveiling of a statue in Mr. Romney’s honor, symbolizing his enduring legacy. The event was attended by government officials, family members, and residents, all paying tribute to his visionary leadership and dedication to the territory’s progress.=
Over the past nine years, the Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park has evolved into more than just a cruise port; it has become a cultural and social epicenter. The park hosts numerous events, including local festivals, concerts, and community gatherings, fostering a sense of unity and celebration among residents and visitors.
Business
MPs Criticise British Virgin Islands Over New Corporate Ownership Register

A growing rift between the British Virgin Islands (BVI) and the UK government has erupted over proposals for a new corporate ownership register, with MPs accusing the territory of attempting to shield financial criminals from scrutiny. The dispute threatens to escalate into a constitutional showdown as pressure mounts on the UK to intervene.
The controversy centres on the BVI’s proposed system for disclosing company ownership information. While overseas territories, including the BVI, have committed to introducing publicly accessible registers of beneficial ownership (PARBOs), critics argue that the new measures would render it nearly impossible to uncover the true owners of firms registered in the islands.
MPs Joe Powell and Andrew Mitchell, who co-chair the all-party parliamentary group on anti-corruption and responsible tax, have written to BVI Premier Natalio Wheatley, condemning the plan as a “shameful bid” to protect illicit financial activities. The former development minister Mitchell went further, accusing the BVI of attempting to “continue to manage stolen funds and assist in money laundering from sources close to the sex trade and the drugs trade.”
Under the BVI’s proposed system, only individuals involved in legal or regulatory proceedings related to financial crime could request ownership information. Additionally, the owners of companies would be notified of such requests and granted five days to object before any details are shared. Critics argue this provision would alert criminals to impending investigations, allowing them to move assets before authorities can act.
“This could expose journalists to legal or physical intimidation when investigating high-risk stories on drug cartels, kleptocrats, or human traffickers,” the MPs wrote in their letter. The proposals also require applicants to already know the identity of a company’s owner before requesting ownership details—an approach described as a “logical impossibility” by Mitchell and Powell.
The UK Foreign Office is reportedly dissatisfied with the BVI’s proposals and has urged the territory to revise its approach. Foreign Secretary David Lammy has prioritised efforts to combat illicit finance, with the issue of public ownership registers featuring prominently in recent talks with overseas territories. British officials made their stance clear during a summit with the territories in November.
Transparency International, a leading anti-corruption group, has echoed concerns raised by MPs, warning that the BVI’s policy could undermine global efforts to combat financial crime. Lawmakers are set to debate the progress of PARBOs in a Westminster Hall session on Wednesday, with the BVI’s approach expected to be a focal point of discussions.
There is growing speculation that the UK government could resort to an “order in council” to compel the BVI to comply. The measure, rarely used to preserve the self-governance of overseas territories, has been previously invoked to abolish the death penalty and decriminalise homosexuality in British territories.
The BVI government has declined to comment on the criticisms but has previously stated its commitment to transparency and tackling financial crime. It has argued that open registers require a “tailored approach” depending on the jurisdiction.
Source: TheGuardian.com
-
Uncategorized2 weeks ago
St. Thomas Pastor Arrested on Child Abuse and Unlawful Sexual Contact Charges
-
Crime/Police2 days ago
Four Arrested, Firearms and Ammunition Seized in BVI Police Operation
-
Crime/Police1 week ago
Former Police Officer Sentenced to 32 Months for Sexually Assaulting Minor
-
Crime/Police1 week ago
Teenager Charged Following Robbery Investigations in British Virgin Islands
-
Uncategorized1 week ago
USVI-BVI Joint Task Force Pursues Dinghy in Evening Operation
-
Crime/Police4 days ago
Akeem Hopkinson Sentenced to 32 Years for 2021 Murder of Catherine Pickering
-
Crime/Police1 day ago
Why Is Oleanvine Maynard Set for Release on March 21?
-
Crime/Police1 week ago
Governor Orders Deportation of Isabella Merton Following 2020 Assault Conviction