Skelton Cline Claims PLM Courting Opposition
Political commentator Claude Skelton Cline has alleged that sitting Opposition lawmakers are being actively courted to join the newly established People's Leadership Movement. Speaking on his radio show, Skelton Cline claimed that Second District Representative Melvin Turnbull was offered the deputy leadership role but rejected it. The allegations emerge as PLM leader Mark Vanterpool continues assembling a full candidate slate for the upcoming general election.
Political commentator Claude Skelton Cline has alleged that sitting members of the parliamentary Opposition are being courted to join the newly established People's Leadership Movement (PLM), with one representative reportedly offered the post of deputy leader ahead of the next general election.
Speaking on his Honestly Speaking programme, Skelton Cline claimed that Sixth District Representative Myron Walwyn met with Second District Representative Melvin Turnbull in an attempt to persuade him to cross over to the PLM. According to Skelton Cline, Turnbull was offered the second-in-command position on the party slate.
Skelton Cline did not present supporting evidence for the allegations during the broadcast, but he maintained that Turnbull firmly rejected the approach. He noted that the Second District representative dismissed the proposal outright and opted to remain where he was. Beyond the alleged leadership overture, the commentator asserted that prospective political candidates across the territory are being offered financial and employment guarantees to secure their participation in the upcoming election cycle.
Skelton Cline claimed individuals are receiving assurances that they will be compensated or retain employment after contesting elections, warning that anyone entering such unofficial pacts should ensure they are legally documented. The claims surface at a time when the PLM, led by former Fourth District Representative Mark Vanterpool, is actively assembling its roster for the territory-wide polls.
Vanterpool launched the movement in May following an unsuccessful leadership challenge against Marlon Penn within the National Democratic Party (NDP). Vanterpool recently confirmed that the PLM is preparing up to ten prospective candidates and intends to contest all 13 legislative seats.
The party has already announced retired public officer Clifton Forbes as its candidate for District Three and Juan Richard "Hatchett" as its first Territorial At-Large candidate, with additional announcements expected in the coming weeks. Drawing parallels to previous electoral cycles, Skelton Cline compared the current political manoeuvring to the divisions and party fracturing that preceded the 2019 general election.
He cautioned Virgin Islands voters that familiar political figures are once again realigning under new banners as the territory prepares for its next poll.
Primary source: BVI News