Skelton-Cline Criticizes HoA Decision to Transfer Powers
Claude O. Skelton-Cline has voiced his disapproval of the House of Assembly's decision to transfer significant public service management powers back to the Office of the Governor. This move, according to Skelton-Cline, undermines local governance and contradicts the empowerment intended by the Public Service Management Bill, 2024.
In the latest development surrounding the Public Service Management Bill, 2024, introduced to the House of Assembly (HoA) by the Premier on behalf of the Deputy Governor's Office, Claude O. Skelton-Cline has expressed strong opposition to the decision to transfer key powers back to the Governor.
The bill, designed to modernize and streamline public service management in the Virgin Islands, was initially seen as a step forward in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of government operations to better meet the needs of the community. According to Skelton-Cline, during his weekly Honestly Speaking show aired on September 2, 2025, the Bill was supposed to officially vest more power in the hands of the Deputy Governor—a position constitutionally held by a Virgin Islander—thereby empowering local governance.
However, Skelton-Cline argues that the HoA has instead handed back crucial oversight and operational functions to the Office of the Governor, a move he vehemently opposes. This shift, he claims, essentially grants the Governor, and by extension the UK, greater control over the public service sector including performance and supervision aspects previously managed locally.
The clergyman's critique follows the passage of the bill, with amendments, on August 29, 2024, and its subsequent assent by the Governor in November of the same year, coming into effect on January 1, 2025. Skelton-Cline had previously criticized Deputy Premier Hon Julian Fraser RA for supporting the bill, indicating a divide among local leaders over the legislation's implications.
The Public Service Management Bill was initially lauded for its potential to clarify roles and responsibilities within the public sector, improve operational efficiency, and ensure that government institutions are well-equipped to serve the Virgin Islands community. However, the controversy surrounding the transfer of powers to the Governor underscores the complexities of governance in the territory, particularly in relation to the balance of power between local and UK authorities.
As the community and its leaders continue to navigate these governance challenges, the debate over the Public Service Management Bill's impact on local autonomy and efficiency in public service management is likely to persist. Skelton-Cline's outspoken stance highlights the broader conversations taking place in the Virgin Islands about self-governance, colonial oversight, and the future direction of the territory's public administration.
Primary source: VINO