Skelton-Cline Endorses Hodge-Smith in Fourth District
Radio host Claude Skelton-Cline has declared his complete support for Fourth District Representative Honourable Luce Hodge-Smith's re-election campaign. Speaking on his talk show Honestly Speaking, Skelton-Cline openly disclosed his bias and pledged to assist her candidacy. The endorsement comes as former district representative Mark H. Vanterpool launches a campaign under the newly formed People's Leadership Movement.
Radio host and political commentator Claude Skelton-Cline has publicly declared his full endorsement for the Honourable Luce Hodge-Smith, the incumbent representative for the Fourth District, pledging to do everything in his power to support her re-election. Speaking during a special two-hour broadcast of his talk show Honestly Speaking, titled 'The Problems are Deeper than an Election', Skelton-Cline was forthright with listeners regarding his political stance.
He hosted Hodge-Smith during the second hour of the programme, giving the district representative a dedicated platform to address constituents, review her tenure, and outline her vision for the district. Skelton-Cline told his audience that he chose to be completely upfront rather than leave anyone guessing about his loyalties.
He stressed that he intended to tell the truth to listeners regardless of convenience and committed to using his voice to assist Hodge-Smith as she campaigns to retain her seat in the House of Assembly. The battle for the Fourth District is expected to be closely watched following the return of veteran politician Mark H.
Vanterpool, a former long-serving representative for the district and previous government minister, has launched a campaign as leader of the newly formed People's Leadership Movement (PLM). During his broadcast, Skelton-Cline voiced strong criticism of Vanterpool's return and leadership bid.
He stated that he does not back Vanterpool for the post of Premier and argued that the newly launched PLM would effectively divide the voter base of the National Democratic Party (NDP), describing the new political faction as an offshoot of the existing party. As election discussions gain momentum across the British Virgin Islands, the Fourth District contest is emerging as a critical battleground, with candidate endorsements and party realignments set to play a pivotal role in shaping voter sentiment.
Primary source: VINO