Skelton-Cline: VI Not Ready for Vanterpool
Clergyman Claude O. Skelton-Cline told listeners on his ZBVI programme that the British Virgin Islands are "not yet ready" for either Julian Vanterpool or the Member for the Sixth, Walwyn, to lead the territory. His comments come amid a shifting party landscape after Vanterpool launched a new party following an April 2026 NDP leadership vote and after Vanterpool’s public commitment to contest the next general election in District 4.
Skelton-Cline said on his show Honestly Speaking on July 14, 2026, that the people of the Virgin Islands are "not yet ready" for Julian Vanterpool or the Member for the Sixth, Walwyn, to lead the territory. Speaking on ZBVI 780 AM during a segment titled "Brace Yourself," Skelton-Cline argued that while both men are respected locally, they should consider serving within established party structures rather than seeking the top leadership role. "Therefore, it’s in the interest of those people, of those persons, men whom we love, men who are our own, to be on the ship but not in the leadership position; if you do the wise thing, then you have a fighting chance," he said.
He added that he was merely vocalising what he believes people are saying quietly. The remarks follow a turbulent period in local party politics. Julian Vanterpool, a former legislator, launched a new political movement, the PLM, soon after losing the National Democratic Party (NDP) chairmanship in April 2026.
Penn (R8) won the chair with 65 votes to Vanterpool’s 29 and Hon Ronnie W. Skelton-Cline has previously expressed disappointment at the NDP result, saying "Wisdom did not prevail." Vanterpool has publicly stated his intention to contest the next general election in District 4. While addressing residents at Pussers Pub in May 2026, he said, "I have served my people for 25 years, and they are ready for me again.
Ready for me again." At that event he also ruled out a return to the NDP under Hon Penn’s leadership and said he would finish his term if placed in Opposition. Skelton-Cline warned that a splintered opposition could strengthen the incumbent Virgin Islands Party (VIP). "The VIP is sitting strong now…only because everybody else is weak," he said, urging political figures to consider alliances with established parties rather than launching independent bids that could dilute opposition support.
For BVI residents, the exchange underscores ongoing questions about party unity, leadership readiness and electoral strategy as the territory moves toward its next general election. Observers say how opposition figures position themselves—within or outside established parties—could have a decisive impact on the territory’s political balance.
Primary source: VINO