Too many gov’t vehicles in circulation

Political commentator Claude Skelton Cline has called for an immediate halt to government vehicle purchases, arguing that the territory can no longer afford the growing cost of maintaining what he described as an oversized fleet during a period of economic uncertainty.

Speaking recently on his Honestly Speaking talk show, Skelton Cline said the BVI needs to become more disciplined with public spending, warning that the government is not adequately prepared for the economic challenges ahead.

“If y’all want to put me in charge of something, I will call for a complete moratorium on government buying any more vehicles,” he declared.

Skelton Cline questioned why government vehicles appear to be “everywhere” throughout the day and night, saying he regularly sees them parked outside grocery stores, rum shops and other locations across the territory.

“I am seeing all kinds of government vehicles everywhere, every time of the day, by the grocery store, by the rum shop, any hours of the night. I don’t know why we are buying so many vehicles,” he said.

According to the controversial commentator and clergyman, the financial burden extends far beyond the initial purchase price. He argued that taxpayers are also responsible for the ongoing costs of fuelling, servicing and repairing the vehicles, creating an expense that continues long after they are bought.

“It’s the maintenance cost, it’s the fuel costs. How do we think that this is sustainable?” he asked.

Skelton Cline also pointed to the large number of government vehicles parked at the former Central Administration Complex, saying their presence raises further questions about whether the fleet is being used efficiently.

“We’re not in the best of times right now,” he said.

The outspoken commentator urged residents to support his call for stricter oversight of the government’s vehicle fleet, including an enforceable system to ensure public vehicles are used only for official purposes. His comments come as successive governments have faced increasing public scrutiny over spending priorities, with residents repeatedly calling for tighter control of public finances and greater accountability in the use of taxpayer-funded assets amid ongoing concerns about the territory’s fiscal outlook.