Skelton-Cline Warns Government
On the June 2, 2026 airing of Honestly Speaking, Claude O. Skelton-Cline warned of a shipping crisis that is leaving shelves empty and forcing some businesses to close or limit menus. He urged the government to act quickly, bring in experienced personnel and engage Puerto Rican authorities to restore reliable supply lines.
Skelton-Cline has issued an urgent call for government action after warning that the British Virgin Islands is facing a growing shipping and supply crisis that is beginning to hit households and businesses. Speaking on the June 2, 2026 edition of the radio programme Honestly Speaking, titled “What is not true”, Skelton-Cline described local shippers and shipping companies as “our lifeline” and said the territory — a 100 per cent import destination — is “under attack” as local shipping capacity reels from recent changes in the region. “Some stores are closing and actually closing earlier and are not able to serve their full menu or certain items because they cannot get their products out of Puerto Rico or elsewhere,” he said, adding that some merchants have been forced to hire private charter vessels after experiencing delays of up to two weeks. “Some of the grocers, if you noticed, some things are missing, some shelves are becoming empty.” Skelton-Cline told listeners that only two shipping groups are currently servicing the route the BVI relies on, pushing prices up as demand outstrips available capacity.
He said this has translated into shortages for businesses and private customers, and raised concerns about food insecurity. He also reported rising frustration with the BVI Ports Authority, saying business owners are not getting clear, decisive direction at a time when “you have to be able to pivot; you have to adjust to meet the moment.” Skelton-Cline criticised what he described as a tone-deaf response from government and a lack of options from the Opposition, and urged officials to bring in people with the right expertise to manage the crisis.
Skelton-Cline pointed to developments in Puerto Rico — including the redevelopment of Pier 10 in San Juan and new mega-yacht facilities — as a proximate cause of the disruption, noting that arrangements that once allowed local shippers to receive goods there have changed within days.
He called on the Government to engage directly with Puerto Rican authorities or local municipalities to re-establish reliable receiving points. “Do something… This is a problem: How are we going to eat?” he asked, stressing the immediate human and economic stakes for residents and businesses across the BVI.
Skelton-Cline’s remarks were reported by Virgin Islands News Online. For residents and businesses, the warning underscores the territory’s vulnerability to regional port changes and the importance of swift policy responses to protect food supplies and the local economy.
Primary source: VINO