Skelton Urged To Lead Constitutional Talks
Commentator Claude Skelton Cline has called on opposition members Marlon Penn and Melvin ‘Mitch’ Turnbull to step aside so Territorial At-Large representative Ronnie Skelton can lead the National Democratic Party’s engagement on upcoming constitutional review talks with the United Kingdom. Skelton Cline said the territory faces a narrow window to assemble its strongest team and that party leadership questions should be deferred until after constitutional matters are addressed.
Veteran commentator Claude Skelton Cline has urged opposition legislators Marlon Penn and Melvin ‘Mitch’ Turnbull to yield to Territorial At-Large member Ronnie Skelton as the lead representative for constitutional discussions with the United Kingdom. Speaking on his Honestly Speaking programme, Skelton Cline said the Virgin Islands has a limited window to put forward “the very best team” for the upcoming constitutional review and warned that factionalism within the National Democratic Party (NDP) is undermining those efforts.
He framed the issue as one of national interest rather than internal party rivalry, stressing competence and experience over personal ambition. “The member of the Eighth [District] and the member of the second [District] need to come together and give way to the senior member [Skelton] in advancing this matter,” Skelton Cline said, arguing that Ronnie Skelton brings the gravitas and consistency required to work constructively with the government on constitutional negotiations. “Right now, he’s the best person to help the government address the constitutional matters that’s in front of us,” he added.
Skelton Cline acknowledged that decisions about NDP leadership and succession can be resolved later through a party convention or other internal processes, but maintained those questions should follow the territory’s engagement on constitutional reform. “Once you all cross the bridge that’s in front of you that facilitates and seeks to advance the interests of the Virgin Islands, then you all can decide whatever you want to do as a party,” he said.
The commentator warned that continued political fragmentation limits meaningful choice for voters and risks disadvantaging the territory during critical talks with the UK. He cited public frustration with the opposition’s inability to organise, recounting an unsolicited conversation with a senior citizen who expressed disappointment in the NDP’s disunity.
Skelton Cline’s appeal highlights broader concerns among residents about the conduct and coherence of the opposition at a time when constitutional review — discussions that could shape governance, rights and the territory’s relationship with the United Kingdom — is on the horizon.
He urged party figures to prioritise national interest and unity to ensure the Virgin Islands is effectively represented in those talks.
Primary source: BVI News