Skelton surprised by USVI’s attitude over marine fees
Territorial At-Large Representative Ronnie Skelton says he was surprised by the USVI’s attitude toward the BVI over the recent marine charter fees hike, arguing the territory is simply trying to generate revenue as it continues to build itself with limited external support.
“I was surprised that the USVI was taking an attitude with us for trying to make some money to help build our country,” Skelton said in the House of Assembly. “They get federal funds – billions of dollars. We get nothing from anybody. We gotta literally lift ourselves by our own bootstraps.”
Skelton made the remarks during a special sitting of the House of Assembly to mark the recent lifting of the Order in Council, which had threatened to take power away from elected leaders. He argued that the very imposition of the Order was unfair, given the historical and developmental realities the BVI has had to overcome.
According to Skelton, the BVI’s progress must be understood through the lens of its past, particularly its legacy of enslavement and the limited assistance provided to its people in the decades that followed. He said Virgin Islanders have largely had to build their society on their own, with little institutional or financial backing compared to other jurisdictions.
“I am five generations off a plantation… you haven’t provided me with anything — education, we had to do it for ourselves. Healthcare, we have to do it for ourselves,” he said, underscoring the challenges faced by the territory in developing basic systems and infrastructure.
The veteran legislator pointed out that as recently as the late 1960s, the BVI had minimal infrastructure, including its first high school, while the USVI already had established roads and systems across its islands. In that context, he argued, it is unreasonable for external powers to judge the BVI by the same standards as countries like the UK that have centuries of institutional development.
“To tell us that you’re going to use the same yardstick as you use for a country that is over 200 or 300 years old, that’s wrong,” Skelton said, adding that the territory’s path — including its pursuit of self-determination — will inevitably include “potholes and bumps in the road.”
He maintained that the Order in Council failed to properly account for these realities, and instead placed undue pressure on a society still working to overcome historical disadvantages. Though he was happy for the lifting, Skelton – like many of his colleagues, maintained the Order in Council should never have been used in the first place.
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Them YT people have Albert like a puppet. The Epstein texts prove this.
This gentleman more than anyone must understand the politics going on here, the US Virgin island marine industry has obviously put pressure on their governor and he is responding accordingly.
“We” don’t have a revenue problem, politicians have a spending problem. When all that money come in guarantee this place going still look third world. Only thing going improve is the in crowd quality of life.
Ronnie Skelton as far as no help goes you are talking crap; the UK still helps maybe not as much because they see how bad you guys handle the money the BVI make I don’t have to spell it out for you and everyone.
I challenge you to prove the last time the UL got involved in VI politics with a view to funding anything. They acknowledge that we need a bigger airport. However, it is more affordable to spend millions and send ships to the war in Iran, that assist with the funding for an airport extension.
Why should the UK help when previous and present governments have been squandering and abusing the PEOPLES money for donkeys years!
He just wake up from his winter slumber?!?!
Dude ffs….the game has changed and relics no longer need apply!!!
drops…..exit stage left…watch your steps ole timer…
That was well put , I’ll just add only now he supprised , the good thing is ‘ he’ll soon turn ghost again ( or return to his closet) where he can be himself all by himself •
WELL WD CAN’T BLAME (MR ALOOF) HE HE’S JUST GOING WITH THE FLOW , REFERRING TO THE “RENTAL RODEO GAMES” THAT IS BEING PLAYED WITH TAXPAYERS MONEY / MEANWHILE THE REPAIRS ON GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS JUST KEEPS GOING ON FOREVER AND KEEPS STARTING OTHER PROJECTS AND NOT COMPLETING ANY OF THEM AND IS BOLDFACED ENOUGH TO BLAME THE ” WHITE COLONIALIST SLAVE MASTERS FOR EVERYTHING UNDER THE SUN / IF THEY USE THE TOILET AND FORGOT TO WIPE OR FLUSH IT , ITS THOSE WHITE BOYZ FAULT ACCORDING TO “JUDGE JULIE-ANN ” THE RACIST WIGGED DUDE FROM THE YELLO SITE .
While the USVI Governor might want to assist the white folks in the Marine Industry over there, he personally cannot do anything. Legislation ties his hands and the only persons who can negotiate with the Premier of the Virgin Islands is the Federal Govt. I see no reason why politicians are still surprised about the steps taken. They ALL should know by now that Gov. Bryan does not have that power/authority to handle this matter. stop making people believe that this is something escalated for spite or less honorable motives.