Next Trade Director Should Be Virgin Islander
Radio host Claude Skelton Cline is urging the government to appoint a qualified Virgin Islander as the next Director of Trade, saying local professionals must be given leadership roles in public institutions. His comments come amid debate over recent senior public‑sector appointments, including the decision not to name Dr June Samuel as CEO of the BVI Health Services Authority.
Claude Skelton Cline, host of the Honestly Speaking radio programme, has called on the government to appoint a qualified Virgin Islander as the next Director of Trade, arguing that local professionals must occupy senior posts in the territory’s public institutions. Speaking on his show this week, Skelton Cline said rumours indicate the current Director of Trade’s contract may end in August and urged that the vacancy be filled by a suitably experienced local candidate. “I want to say to this government and to all of us, we need to get one of our people — qualified people — in that position,” he said.
The commentator pointed to other leadership roles that he believes should go to experienced Virgin Islanders, citing the BVI Airports Authority as an example. He named former political hopeful Coy Levons as someone who should consider vying for the top post at the airport authority, saying, “I think a guy like him … should go right back up there, become managing director, CEO of our airport.” Skelton Cline framed his appeal within a broader concern about stability and competent management in public bodies. “We need to get our people in these positions,” he said, adding that “this country needs proper management.” His remarks arrive amid public debate over the decision not to appoint Dr June Samuel, who had been acting CEO of the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA), to the substantive chief executive role.
Health Minister Vincent Wheatley has indicated that other candidates may have had greater expertise for the BVIHSA CEO post. Skelton Cline told listeners that Minister Wheatley informed him no formal recommendation had been received from the BVIHSA board regarding a CEO appointment, despite reports that a candidate from the United Kingdom might be considered.
For residents, the debate touches on issues of local capacity, representation and continuity in the management of key services and infrastructure. Advocates for local appointments say Virgin Islanders bring institutional knowledge and context-specific experience that can strengthen governance, support local employment, and build public confidence.
Critics warn appointments must balance local representation with demonstrable expertise and transparent selection processes. As the territory prepares for potential leadership changes in trade, aviation and health agencies, the government faces calls to clearly outline selection criteria and to make decisions that bolster both capability and public trust.
Primary source: BVI News