Penn should join the VIP government, Skelton Cline suggests
Talk show host and political commentator Claude Skelton Cline has suggested that Eighth District Representative Marlon Penn consider joining the government.
Appearing on his Honestly Speaking radio programme, Skelton Cline argued that unity within the Virgin Islands’ political leadership is essential for the territory’s progress.
“If I were the member for the Eighth [District], I would join the government. I would tell them you all offer me something so I can come do some work,” said Skelton Cline. He explained that a cooperative approach between government and opposition would address the stagnation caused by political division.
Skelton Cline proposed that the current political framework, dominated by party politics, impeded national growth.
“What we really need in this country is a united government, not a party government. This party system is creating too many divisive spirits among us, and it is stagnating the country,” he stated.
The suggestion comes amidst discussions about the opposition’s leadership dynamics and a perceived lack of cohesion within their ranks. Skelton Cline noted that some opposition members appeared to be consolidating into a singular group. However, he emphasised that cooperation, not internal conflict, would yield better outcomes.
The host warned that Penn, who serves as the Chair of the National Democratic Party, may be in danger of being undermined as party leader, even as the opposition struggles for cohesion. “The Member for the Eighth is losing his ability to leverage, to negotiate,” Skelton-Cline said. “Given the trend of what I see happening, sir, if you don’t bust a move before, they’re going to bust a move on you.”
He also highlighted historical precedents where political rivals united to achieve common goals, referencing the late Ralph O’Neal’s era when a former National Democratic Party member crossed the political aisle to join O’Neal’s government.
“So, this model has been tried and worked. Because if you don’t move, sir, they’re getting ready to hit you a shot,” he added.
Skelton Cline urged Penn and others in opposition to prioritise national interests over personal ambitions. “Stop pretending and acting and wearing masks and being hypocrites. Speak truth in love for the benefit of this country,” he appealed.
Skelton Cline also directed a message to the government, stressing the importance of delivering on key development projects, including the Terrance B Lettsome airport expansion and other infrastructure projects. “Enough of all this talking. It’s time to get some things done,” he said, calling for decisive action to reinvigorate the economy.
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CSK needs to start hot air ballooning in the Territory.
This idea is more probable with Penn not with Skelton and it depends.Skelton is older more set in his ways, wants a last lap of glory before he goes out and wont settle for anything but the top spot.He is overated as Finance person and is essentially would ruin the tourist sector by increasing taxes on Tourist in any way he could, he has the mentality that they could afford it and would kill the goose laying the golden egg. Thats his idea of strategy. Penn on the other hand is young , smart and personable , he has a bright future ahead of him , He is usually factual in his discourse on any subject and rarely engages in personal attacks . I dont think the Leadership of the NDP recognises Penn’s potential. Hon. Lorna Smith is now calling the shots despite Skelton’s nominal title ; she might see him as a threat. Myron rightfully has a sense of entitlement and has all to ingredients to be Premier but needs to tone down the hyperbole , and I am not sure he would allow Penn to grow. So Claudes commentary has merit. The VIP’s more adaptive and forward thinking posture aligns with Penn mission to bring the Territory into the 21st century and beyond.
Penn is a man of the people and by the people and will be re elected for next 10-15 years.He understands retail politics.
Penn does not have a track record of doing anything significant in his district that Dancia didn’t start. He has held a couple of ministries and made a mess just by his appointments. Look at the health care. Some of these guys are more interested in getting power than being effective with it.
You too bad minded . Marlon did a lot for East ahyo hate him because he is humble , not boastful nor condescending.
He is from a single mom so he knows whatbit means to struggle
Leave the darm man alone . He is for poor people
See that you’re brainwashed from reality. Wake up and smell the coffee. Dig deeper and all you find is evilness under the humbleness you talking about. People like you sell out the bvi
I wouldn’t want Smurf to run a hot dog stand.
Everyone knows CSC is quick to follow whoever he can to get his hands in the cookie jar. Not surprising he is now encouraging others to do the same via his radio show now. Integrity was never his strong point….
Progress wise it would not be any different.
THEM MAN TRYING TO FORM AN ISLAND MAN PARTY HEADED BY MYRON WITH MARK, LORNA, MATHER
Move yuh untruthful, xenophobic self from here. Ayo start with the lies again. All the lies got us Andrew Fahie that nearly destroyed the country and you all still ain’t learn nothing.
You didnt get it all right they also have four indigenous Virgin Islanders on the slate. Only one more seat to fill…..
Ask Sowande where he was born.
COME FROM AMONG THEM PEOPLE….COME ON OVER MARLON
i hope you vote for him…. cause my 8 votes in my house aint voting for him on the slime team.
I dont agree with CSC but at the same time that may be the only way ndp and pvim merge back and actually might have a chance of winning again. Cant be a real team with 3 man scheming for premier on the same side.
Come out from amoung who ?
Everone of both government corrupt but some more tham somr
VIP is clueless they are a reactive party
If Marlon should do so the NDP supporters will be confused and many of them will not vote
Instead of going against Marlon or the leader of the opposition
This is a sticky position for supporters
WANTS ALL GETS NONE….. The Red & Blue going with that district seat with or without PENN.
I would doubt on this one, he sabotage no confidence motion for king Charles offer of going to see the kangaroos in Australia under the auspicies of commonwealth crap, he seems to be promised like Fraser
This watch the game idiot person, should stop this island man illiterate remarks where you from? The moon? You cave man fool!
Pure rubbish. Marlon already has his team of hard working doers that love the people, no need to be under anyone’s wicked banner
Why us everybody looking for another man for the Government? They are not ready to take this country where it needs to go. They are bright, young and educated, but it seems to me like all they know how to do is spend money on nothing like the young men only spend lots of money on Jordans and huge chains with nowhere to wear them. Half a billion every year for six years and nothing to show, not even the Complex they can reopen and the that was built before they got there.
So my take, two persons needs to get their backside up from the other side and join the Opposition and get this country going. We got it the wrong way. Join the Opposition. They will know what to do day one and are obviously more capable. Do we love our country? Then why are we playing politics and not using our common sense?
The Government had six years to show their proficiency and mettle and we are still waiting.
So flip that script, because Government don’t need another man. They need to lose two or three so we can get a Government that is effective.
Lorna who went quietly into their corner is to blame. Now she is back and should sit there and be cool. Don’t care to hear a peep out of her.