Skelton-Cline Argues Corruption Concerns Should Not Deter
Claude O. Skelton-Cline, a prominent local commentator and pastor, reiterated his stance that corruption should not impede the British Virgin Islands' journey towards independence. Emphasizing that every nation faces some level of corruption, he urged the Virgin Islands to focus on leadership and self-determination, amidst ongoing public debate and the UK's enforced reforms post-Commission of Inquiry.
In a fervent discussion on his Honestly Speaking radio show aired on ZBVI 780 AM on September 9, 2025, Claude O. Skelton-Cline, a local commentator and pastor, reaffirmed his position that concerns over corruption should not halt the British Virgin Islands' (BVI) quest for independence.
This comes amid heightened discourse over the territory's future relationship with the United Kingdom, especially following the Commission of Inquiry (COI) which brought to light widespread governance failings and prompted a series of reforms mandated by the UK. Skelton-Cline criticized the argument that fears of corruption are a valid reason to oppose independence for the Virgin Islands, calling it 'a piss poor excuse.' He stressed that no nation is devoid of corruption, challenging detractors by stating, 'Show me that country and I’ll show you a place where nobody lives.' His remarks underscore the perception that the Virgin Islands is unfairly labeled as more corrupt than other jurisdictions. 'I don’t want to hear you using it as some piss poor excuse, talking about corruption.
Especially when other people make you believe and think that you are any more corrupt than they are until you believe yourself that you corrupt for something that you haven’t even done anything,' he explained. Furthermore, Skelton-Cline emphasized the importance of electing strong and competent leadership, drawing parallels to the United States where, in his view, a lack of such leadership has led to negative outcomes.
He described self-determination as an 'inherent right' and independence as 'simply a vehicle in which you are able to more freely exercise your inherent right.' The ongoing public debate is not solely focused on corruption but also on the broader implications of independence in light of the COI findings and the subsequent UK-enforced reforms.
While some residents and political figures express concerns that corruption could make independence risky, others, including Skelton-Cline, argue these concerns should not prevent the pursuit of autonomy. Natalio Wheatley has signaled the territory's readiness for 'mature conversations about self-determination,' contrasting with opposition members who question the government's readiness for independence.
Skelton-Cline's call to action for Virgin Islanders is to prioritize leadership and long-term planning over the stumbling block of corruption concerns. 'This is no toy. This is people’s lives, generations, nations hangs in the balance,' Skelton-Cline passionately stated, urging the BVI to look beyond allegations of corruption and focus on the broader goal of self-determination and establishing a governance structure that reflects the will and needs of the Virgin Islands' people.
Primary source: VINO