Local News
Skelton-Cline Criticizes Government Over Lack of Economic Plan
Claude Skelton-Cline, host of Honestly Speaking, criticized the Virgin Islands government for failing to present a clear plan to address rising global economic pressures, warning that residents are already being affected by increasing fuel, food, and transportation costs.
Speaking during the March 31 broadcast of his radio programme, Skelton-Cline said the House of Assembly has not provided adequate communication on how the territory intends to respond to global developments that are driving up the cost of living.
“The question is—where is the plan?” Skelton-Cline said, calling on elected officials and senior public officers to outline measures to mitigate the impact of rising fuel prices and supply challenges.
He said the absence of a defined strategy has contributed to growing uncertainty among residents, particularly as other Caribbean territories begin to announce measures to address similar concerns.
“We haven’t heard a word from the government… not a word to the people of this country about how we are prepared,” he said.
Skelton-Cline also raised concerns about the role of public officials, including those responsible for energy and financial oversight, questioning whether sufficient advice and planning have been provided to policymakers.
“I want to ask… have you put forward a plan to this government about how you will mitigate what is happening in the world and the impact on these Virgin Islands?” he said.
He pointed to rising fuel costs as a key concern, warning that current prices are likely to increase further in the coming weeks and months.
In addition, Skelton-Cline criticized what he described as a lack of urgency in addressing economic issues, noting that legislative priorities appear to be focused elsewhere.
“What the hell difference does that make right now when the world is collapsing?” he said, referring to ongoing legislative discussions that he argued are not directly related to the economic challenges facing residents.
He also highlighted recent power outages in parts of the territory, raising questions about energy stability as global fuel prices continue to rise.
“Have you noticed the power keep going out here in the country?” he said, pointing to repeated outages in recent days.
Skelton-Cline urged both government leaders and public officials to act quickly to develop and communicate a plan, warning that the lack of clear direction could increase public concern.
“When you don’t have a plan, then you got reason to fear,” he said.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force has confirmed that Tarik Aaron was arrested shortly before midnight on Friday, April 17, on extradition orders issued by authorities in the United States Virgin Islands, and has since appeared before the Magistrate’s Court.
According to police, the arrest was carried out in connection with a request from USVI authorities, though further details have not been disclosed.
Aaron appeared before the Magistrate’s Court today and was denied bail.
Further updates are expected as more information becomes available.
The Civil Registry and Passport Office has announced an increase in fees for United Kingdom passports, effective April 8, 2026.
According to the office, the revised fees apply to new, renewal and replacement passport applications, as well as other related services.
Under the new structure, the cost for a new, renewal or replacement adult passport has been set at £116.50, while the fee for a child passport is £75.50. Adult frequent traveller passports will cost £130.50, and child frequent traveller passports £89.50.
The fee for changes to an existing passport will also be £116.50. In addition, a delivery fee of £14.32 will apply.
The Civil Registry and Passport Office advised that the updated fees are now in effect and apply to all relevant applications submitted on or after April 8.
A bill proposing wide-ranging changes to the Virgin Islands’ electoral system was introduced in the House of Assembly today, Tuesday, April 22, by Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley.
The proposed Elections (Amendment) Act, 2026, is based on consultations with stakeholders and recommendations from observer missions, as well as input from the Deputy Governor’s Office and the Office of the Supervisor of Elections.
“This is the Elections Amendment Act 2026, following extensive deliberations with a number of entities, including a committee of the House who looked at recommendations of various observer missions that came to The Virgin Islands,” Hon. Wheatley said during the continuation of the Second Sitting of the Third Session of the Fifth House of Assembly.
He said the bill also builds on work undertaken by the previous House of Assembly. “Also, the last House of Assembly looked at a number of recommendations that were forwarded through the Deputy Governor’s Office and the Office of the Supervisor of Elections,” he said.
Hon. Wheatley said the proposed amendments were developed through discussions on changes to the Elections Act. “We had very extensive discussions about amendments to the Elections Act, and of course, those recommendations were used to make this Amendment Act. This received its first reading some time ago, and now we are here to debate this Elections Act, so that it can therefore become law,” he said.
The bill introduces several reforms to the electoral framework, including expanded access to voting through mobile and curbside options for individuals with physical limitations and the formal use of assistive technologies for voters with disabilities.
It also provides for the establishment of a Department of Elections and an Elections Advisory Committee to oversee voter registration and election administration.
Additional provisions include a formal Code of Conduct for political parties and candidates, along with new rules governing campaign donations and political financing.
The legislation also proposes restrictions on the announcement of major public grants or projects shortly before an election, aimed at addressing potential incumbency advantages.
The bill has already received its first reading and is expected to be referred to a committee when the House of Assembly resumes on April 30, 2026, at 10 a.m., where it will undergo further review as part of the legislative process.
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