Skelton-Cline Calls For March
Radio commentator Claude O. Skelton-Cline is urging Virgin Islanders to join a march and sign a petition after Acting Commissioner Jacqueline E. Vanterpool was returned to Deputy Commissioner and an interim overseas appointee was brought in. He says the move is undemocratic and colonial and urged residents to pressure the United Kingdom and the Governor.
Skelton-Cline has called on residents of the Virgin Islands to take to the streets in protest after the decision to revert Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline E. Vanterpool to her former post of Deputy Commissioner and to appoint an overseas interim head of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF).
Speaking on his ZBVI 780 AM programme Honestly Speaking on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, Skelton-Cline urged people to gather for a march and to sign a petition that organisers plan to present to the Governor following the demonstration. He asked that organisers also make the petition available online to allow electronic signatures. "We need you at the march on Friday, at 3 o'clock, to begin gathering, from the police station to march down to the governor's house to present that petition," he said on air.
He accused the United Kingdom and local authorities of acting in an "undemocratic and colonial manner" in the handling of the RVIPF leadership change, and insisted Virgin Islanders must apply pressure to prompt a response from politicians in the UK. Skelton-Cline described the temporary appointee as "a white man with a checkered past," language he used to express distrust of the decision and to highlight concerns about outside interference in local policing.
He also said that, while the Constitution grants the Governor certain powers over public appointments, those powers should not be exercised in the manner used in this instance in the 21st century. Addressing critics who say domestic issues such as pensions and other local grievances should take precedence, Skelton-Cline acknowledged those concerns as legitimate but urged a focused, time-sensitive response to the police leadership matter. "If you not ready for the battlefield, then keep your mouth shut," he said, arguing the current dispute requires unified action now and other issues can be addressed later through established channels, including elections.
The planned march will start at the police station and proceed to the Governor's residence, with organisers expected to present the petition on behalf of demonstrators. Skelton-Cline and others involved are hoping a visible, organised response will compel the Governor and UK authorities to reconsider the decision and to engage with local leaders over the future leadership of the RVIPF.
Reported remarks were provided on-air and covered by local news outlets. Residents seeking details on the march or the petition should monitor local radio, community bulletins and organisers' announcements for confirmation and logistical updates.
Primary source: VINO