Politicians offering bribes ahead of next election
National Democratic Party (NDP) President Bishop John Cline has accused unnamed political actors of attempting to bribe prospective candidates and supporters ahead of the next general election, warning that the territory is entering what he described as a dangerous and unethical time in its politics.
Speaking during a wide-ranging address on the state of the territory, Cline said the territory is less than two years away from an election cycle and alleged that some politicians are already moving aggressively to consolidate power, not out of “love of country,” but driven by “greed” and a desire to control public finances.
“Some of them are coming with cheques in hand,” Cline claimed, alleging that money and “audacious packages” are being offered to prospective candidates either to join certain political groupings or to stay out of the race altogether. Others, he said, are using “deceptive words and convincing language” to lure people away from political commitments they have already made.
According to Cline, those engaging in such practices are fully aware that their actions are unethical. He linked the alleged behaviour to the recently approved national budget of approximately $550 million, which he said has made the country’s coffers “attractive” to individuals seeking power.
“They will do anything to get in power so they can get their hands on the $550 million that has been passed for the national budget,” he said, adding that the absence of effective “gatekeepers” and checks and balances has created what he described as a political free-for-all.
Cline also criticised the ruling Virgin Islands Party (VIP), arguing that the territory’s stagnation over the past seven years is the result of ineffective governance and the absence of a long-term national vision.
“We have no real national plan, no real national vision,” he said, contending that short-term political games and personal ambitions have replaced strategic planning for where the Virgin Islands should be over the next 10 to 20 years.
He further expressed concern about the growing number of political parties and factions emerging ahead of the election, describing the situation as “madness” and a repeat of failed experiments seen in previous elections.
“We tried that in 2018 and it didn’t work,” Cline said, referencing smaller parties and alliances that failed to gain traction. He also hinted that new factions may be in the works, adding that there are talks of a “new 13” that some think are needed to move the territory forward. However Cline thinks a fresh, inexperienced group of leaders is not the answer.
“You need people with experience who know how to balance budgets and manage money,” he said. “Some of them can’t even balance their own chequebook.”
Cline further criticised the government’s decision to increase elected officials’ salaries by 145 percent, calling it unjustifiable at a time when roads, healthcare, and other critical infrastructure remain in poor condition.
“Who does that?” he asked. “All of this is being done while our roads are deplorable and our healthcare system is deficient.”
In closing, the NDP president urged Virgin Islanders to be vigilant as the election approaches, calling on voters and potential candidates to act with integrity and to resist unethical political advances.
“I beg you, do not allow this country to fall into the hands of unrighteous, greedy, power-hungry people,” Cline said. “Pray for this land, because everyone else in the Caribbean is quickly outpacing us.”
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That particular horse bolted years ago!
Would he be seriously interested in solving the issues at the Hospitals as Chairman of the BVIHSA while holding the position of president of the NDP ?This is a clear conflict of interest.There is no way he would make those hospitals operationally sound. Althought we would like to think that persons would be objective when it comes to important instutions like health, realistically thats not how humam beings function. He needs to submit resignation immediately . Come on VIP, he will sabotage at every opportunity he gets. this is the fox guarding the hen house.
This man is jealous of myron and want to sound like Myron, and I don’t understand when Myron talk about the same thing John cline almost sound as if he threatening Myron life telling him not to question natalio so hard like a lawyer on a court case.
But am glad he comes to the realization or is he talking to stop the full disintegration of his NDP?
Are you sure you have the right Cline? This man who has a successful business that continues to grow. Are you serious?
NDP dead with Cline as their President. I dint want nothing to do with them. Sorry.
Saw the headline and thought, interesting…the truth coming out. Then I clicked through and saw the messenger…never mind. Next article…lol
NDP biggest mistake is to associate with John Cline.
Or any cline for that matter
vIP associated with one too. What says thou
NDP has been equally guilty of this but least it’s now in the open AND this is why we need the new constitution and laws over political party funding. The whole place is corrupt and no one gives a hoot as long as they get there’s.
Who built the Hospital, and which Government that was in place when the contract was given to the company.
And who the company was for. And which vip minister accompanied them in the Government on a trip to the place where the company that built the hospital was from.
And it was alleged that the minister supported which candidate in the 2005 bi-election. Boss, that’s why nobody doesn’t follows ah you.
You all believe people are fools, and this high moral ground that you all shout from is real. The nasty game that is going around now in this place you all started it allegedly.
Bishop to Pawn 7.
well this has been happening forever. what? is this something new for the Bishop? lol… Geesh, play on… show us who you are. we believe you!
If you that clean and you know who they are call their names with the facts. Don’t come saying they say call names since you know them all
Nothing new here, this has been the practice for decades. I have seen it in Gords’s office with both eyes wise open in shock.
And we still wondering why they have looked out for themselves with first the GREEDY BILL and second the humongous 200% increase in their salaries and perks.
Those are actions of people who are looking after themselves and their Swiss bank accounts, not the country and those such as the elderly and broke pensioners who truly need a penny more.
The heartlessness of this group of thirteen is abominable. This entire government is an abomination to the country and entire world.
Yet, the white envelopes recipients will vote them all back in for a few bucks and personal glorification. We remain doomed.
Free the drew
For what? To add to the corruption? You people are so sick it’s not funny.
To lead it more likely.
Old news. Handing out money at election time is a tradition.
Why is Mr. Cline badgering the government?
So only him could badger. When Myron badgers it’s a problem to him. Gwan badger then
When you … women and still be allowed to preach the gospel
You should keep your mouth shut about bribes. Sickening now.
Can we stop naming this guy a bishop. He isn’t a bishop.
@chupes. : just stop it about John being NDP president is bad and you won’t vote NDP.
The time has come for us to understand that all along the church was the administrator of slavery and war and business during the colonial slave period, so to have church figures coming forward to assist in their countries affair is great, the onliest catch to it, is that church figures usually practice a more political centrism that is attractive to western hegemony domination, since a church person has a dominated colonial view as their white masters neocolinial agenda.