Politics
“Some questionable conclusions” — Premier criticises some Auditor General reports
Auditor General Sonia Webster
By MERRICK ANDREWS, Online News Editor
(JTV NEWS) — Premier and Minister for Finance Natalio Wheatley said while the Auditor General’s Report on the Claude Skelton-Cline contracts is “pretty straightforward” others are questionable.
The Auditor General’s Report said the three contracts awarded to Claude Skelton-Cline were not a value-added move but rather employment for the contractor.
Skelton-Cline, a talk show host and pastor, was issued the contracts under the Andrew Fahie administration. He was being paid over $16,000 monthly.
Addressing the issue in the House of Assembly on Tuesday, Feb. 21, the Premier admitted that issuing the contracts to Skelton-Cline was a mistake.
“…. 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,” Wheatley said.
However, the Premier said he disagrees with the conclusions of “some other audits” done by the Auditor General (Sonia Webster).
“This audit [Skelton-Cline contracts] is pretty straightforward. I’ll have to say we have some other audits coming where the Auditor General comes to some conclusions that I disagree with, and that’s ok because the Auditor General herself is a human being, and as a human being her conclusions are not infallible,” Premier Wheatley said.
Premier Wheatley during the House of Assembly sitting on Feb. 21, 2023.
He added: “She is capable of human error and her conclusions can be questioned. Her report is her report but her conclusions can be questioned. And in some other audits, she has some questionable conclusions in my view. In this audit, it is pretty straightforward.”
Webster was appointed the auditor general in January 2018 by then governor, Augustus Jaspert, who made the appointment in acting in accordance with section 92 of the Virgin Islands Constitution and with the advice of the Public Service Commission.
A press release from the Department of Information and Public Relations, announcing Webster’s appointment, reported that, “As Auditor General, Ms. Webster’s duties will entail but not be limited to planning, coordinating and supervising the activities of the Audit Department to ensure all audits are completed and are done on a timely basis.
“Ms Webster will audit Government accounts produced by the Treasury Department, and inquire into and audit the financial records of Government departments and ministries plus statutory boards and trusts.
“She will evaluate compliance with financial legislation and regulations; provide assistance and advice to accounting officers in departments on their accounting and control system in order to improve processes across Government; prepare various reports and memoranda, as required, to ensure information gathered is being shared and reported on; and act as an advisory member of the Public Accounts Committee.
“Ms. Webster served as Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer with the Alliance Accounting BVI & Alliance Management Consultants, from July 2016 –January 2018; Office of Auditor General, Government of the Virgin Islands, at various periods from July 1988 – November 2015 having served as Assistant Auditor, Senior Auditor, Deputy Chief Auditor and Auditor General, where she managed the BVI Government’s Audit Office.
“Ms. Webster is a member of the International Compliance Association and holds Bachelors in Accounting (BSc) University of the West Indies; Bachelors of Law (LLb) University of London; a Diploma in Financial Crime Prevention (DipFinCrime); and CPE training in management, accounting, auditing and other areas of relevance locally, regionally, in the United States and the United Kingdom.”
Local News
Floor Crossing Shifts BVI Opposition Dynamics: What Mather’s Move Means for the Opposition
Honourable Stacy Mather’s decision to cross the floor and join the Government has raised pressing questions about the leadership and unity of the Virgin Islands’ Opposition, with the Territory approaching its next election cycle.
Honourable Stacy Mather’s floor crossing has caused significant shifts in the Opposition’s structure, testing the resilience of both informal alliances and formal parties. For the Opposition, these changes pose both a challenge and an opportunity: to redefine itself as an effective counterbalance or risk marginalization ahead of the next general election.
– Stacy “Buddha” Mather, Territorial At-Large Representative says he remains independent, not affiliated with any established political party
Mather confirmed the move in remarks to JTV News, stating, “I am not a member of any established political party and have not joined the Virgin Islands Party.” He joins the Government as an independent, adding to a governing arrangement that now includes three members without party affiliation.
Twelve Leaders Celebrated for Shaping the Virgin Islands’ International Relations Landscape
Honourable Lorna G. Smith, OBE, was celebrated for her trailblazing contributions to the Virgin Islands’ international relations and diplomacy during a gala ceremony held at Scrub Island Resort on Oct. 21. The event marked the official launch of Diplomatic Week 2025, hosted by the International Affairs Secretariat (IAS), under the theme “From Island Shores to Global Doors.”
Honourable Smith was presented with the Pioneer Award, the evening’s highest honour, in recognition of her pivotal role in establishing and advancing the Virgin Islands’ global presence during the formative years of its international engagement. From the early 1990s through 2008, she was instrumental in strengthening diplomatic ties, building relationships across London, Brussels, Hong Kong and beyond, and shaping the development of the Territory’s financial services sector.
Currently serving as Junior Minister for Financial Services, Economic Development and Digital Transformation, Honourable Smith expressed deep gratitude for the recognition, reflecting on her journey and those who encouraged her to pursue international relations.
“I am deeply humbled by this honour,” she said. “These are very challenging times for us. We are seeing a situation where might seems to be right, and we have to fight against that. Might cannot always be right. In terms of the future, the future for the Virgin Islands in diplomacy is bright.”
Honourable Smith also commended the efforts of the Virgin Islands’ Hong Kong and London Offices in preparing young diplomats for the future, while expressing hope that similar initiatives will expand within the Territory.
The gala also recognised eleven other past and present diplomatic leaders for their distinguished service to the Virgin Islands: Dr. Sandra Besson, Ms. Tracy Bradshaw, Ms. Najan Christopher, Ms. Dwynel Davies, Ms. Elise Donovan, Mr. Kedrick Malone, Ms. Sylvia Moses, Ms. Sherri Ortiz, Honourable Dawn Smith, Mrs. Hadassah Ward-Fraser, and Dr. Ricardo Wheatley.
Acting Director of the IAS, Ms. Dwynel Davies, noted that Diplomatic Week highlights the vital work of those who represent the Virgin Islands internationally.
“Diplomatic Week showcases and deepens our understanding of the vital work that goes into representing our Territory on the international stage,” she said. “International relations and diplomacy are essential tools to build meaningful partnerships, advocate for our unique needs, and share our perspectives with the world.”
Premier Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley also underscored the Territory’s growing voice on the global stage.
“As an international financial center with connections that span continents, it is essential that we continue to represent ourselves and our interests in the global arena—not through others, but with our own voice—as we continue to do now with greater confidence,” he said.
Diplomatic Week 2025 continues throughout the week with activities including the Caribbean UK Overseas Territories Caucus Meeting (Oct. 21–23), a panel discussion on “Our Place in the World: The Evolving Diplomacy of Overseas Territories” on Oct. 22, and school outreach sessions on Oct. 23–24.
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