Local News
Cline Pushes Back on Calls to Keep Clergy Out of Politics
The role of religious leaders in political life has come under renewed discussion in the Virgin Islands, as Bishop John I. Cline, interim president of the National Democratic Party and former senior pastor of New Life Baptist Church, defended the participation of clergy in governance.
Speaking in an interview with Cathy Richards of JTV, Bishop Cline rejected the view that religious leaders should remain separate from politics, arguing that such a position is not grounded in biblical teaching.
“It’s a misunderstanding and a misguided view,” he said. “There’s no biblical precedent for that position to be taken.”
The discussion comes as Bishop Cline transitions from decades of pastoral leadership at New Life Baptist Church into a more active role in public affairs, including political organizing and potential candidacy. His involvement has prompted questions from some members of the public about whether clergy should engage directly in partisan politics.
Bishop Cline said the concept of separation between church and state originated in historical efforts to limit institutional influence, rather than from religious doctrine.
He cited biblical figures such as Moses and David as examples of leaders who combined spiritual and civic responsibilities, arguing that faith-based leadership can contribute to national development.
Locally, he pointed to historical figures including H. Lavity Stoutt, Ivan Dawson and Terrance B. Lettsome, who were associated with religious ministry while also serving in public leadership roles.
“There’s no precedent for excluding men of God from governance,” Bishop Cline said.
He said his decision to engage more directly in politics reflects a belief that meaningful change requires participation in decision-making.
“I believe sometimes, when you’re in the room where decisions are being made, that’s the best place to be if you want to affect change,” he said.
Bishop Cline added that his approach to leadership would be shaped by his experience in ministry, with a focus on service and community engagement.
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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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