VI Needs Larger Executive, Skelton-Cline Says
On his ZBVI radio show on July 21, 2026, former minister Julian Skelton-Cline warned that current ministers in the Virgin Islands are overburdened and argued the territory needs a different executive structure rather than merely adding a sixth ministry. He listed the wide-ranging portfolios held by the Premier, Deputy Premier and other ministers and said the present system prevents effective leadership and delivery of services.
Former minister Julian Skelton-Cline told listeners on his "Honestly Speaking" show on ZBVI 780 AM on July 21, 2026, that the Virgin Islands is trying to operate with an executive structure that is too small for its needs. Using a shoe analogy, he said: "The shoe size that the Virgin Islands is currently wearing, the shoe is too small for the foot…we are now walking around with 12-inch feet trying to keep forcing them into 6-inch shoes." Skelton-Cline reviewed the breadth of responsibilities held by Premier Dr the Hon Natalio D.
Wheatley (R7), noting portfolios that range from Finance, Tourism and Economic Development to Sustainable Development, Financial Services, Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Security. He also cited leadership roles including implementation of the Commission of Inquiry, Integrity in Public Life, maritime and shipping administration, coordination of government policy, cultural heritage, and the National Bank of the Virgin Islands. "How in the sheggedy is one person supposed to really, adequately, and optimally give leadership and management to all of these subjects?" he asked, adding that even having junior ministers does not solve the problem.
Turning to Deputy Premier and Minister for Communications and Works Hon Julian Fraser, RA (R3), Skelton-Cline listed responsibilities such as administration of Crown lands (except Wickham's Cay), building inspections and standards, climate change and coastal zone management, housing and land policy, national and marine parks, and nature conservation. "And you wonder why we can’t get nothing done?
One person, with these overwhelming portfolios," he said. Rymer’s (R5) wide remit — airports, civil aviation, electricity, public works, roads, ports and harbours, telecommunications, water and sewerage, Wickham’s Cay development and more — and warned that the accumulation of duties creates a "structural and systematic problem" for governance and delivery.
Skelton-Cline noted the added burden that ministers are also district representatives, meaning constituency duties further stretch their time and focus. He argued the long-term solution is to change the executive system and create a structure that allows both government and opposition to play meaningful roles. "We ultimately are going to need an executive structure," he said, suggesting the current arrangement restricts the Opposition’s ability to effect change.
For residents, the debate has practical implications: overloaded ministers risk slower progress on infrastructure, disaster recovery, tourism and public services. As discussions about expanding the House of Assembly and adding a sixth ministry continue, Skelton-Cline’s comments underscore calls for clearer design of portfolios and stronger administrative leadership.
Reported by Virgin Islands News Online (VINO).
Primary source: VINO