VIP advised against calling a snap election
Honestly Speaking talk show host Claude Skelton Cline has warned the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) against calling a snap general election, arguing that the administration has not yet done enough to justify seeking an early return to the polls.
The next general elections are constitutionally due in 2027. While the Constitution allows a governing party to seek an early, or snap election, such moves are typically made when a government believes it enjoys strong public support, wants to capitalise on favourable polling, or aims to catch a divided opposition off guard.
However, Skelton Cline said the VIP does not enjoy those advantages and would likely be disappointed by the outcome if it went to the polls prematurely.
“Somebody said that the Virgin Islands Party should call a snap election. For what? Based on what?” he asked during his programme. Drawing comparisons with Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, he said her situation was entirely different. “Mia in Barbados has the luxury of calling a snap election. She ain’t got but one person in the opposition. VIP, listen to me, you do not have no such luxury.”
According to Skelton Cline, an early election without clear performance results would send the wrong message to voters. “If you monkey around and call a snap election now, all that tells this country is that you simply want to maintain power,” he said. “To what end?”
He cautioned that public frustration could translate into a strong backlash at the polls. “You fool around and call a snap election and you will get a sheet of licks from the disgruntled peoples of this country, the disenfranchised. The frustration of the people of this country is very real,” Skelton Cline added.
He urged the VIP administration to focus on delivery rather than political manoeuvring, suggesting there is still time to change public sentiment. “I believe you still have some time and opportunity to get some things done. Get some things done! Stop monkeying around and playing politics,” he said, while expressing hope that rumours of a snap election were unfounded.
Public dissatisfaction with the Dr Natalio Wheatley-led VIP administration has been fuelled by concerns over the pace of economic recovery, the rising cost of living, infrastructure challenges, governance reforms following the Commission of Inquiry, and perceptions that key campaign promises have been slow to materialise. Critics have also pointed to lingering issues in healthcare, utilities, and public sector efficiency as reasons for growing voter frustration.
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They have not taken and stolen enough yet to give in to the wishes of the people. (?)
He is pleading so hard not to do it that is seems like he is fact concerned that it is done because of exactly the argument that he has laid out.The opposition is in disarry and splintered .The public no matter their feelins on the VIP would not elect a party that is incapable of even electing a leader after many months because none are willing to sacrifice self/ego for Country.It would be deja vu all over again.How can they lead a country if they cant even lead themselves
We know! All the benefits and high life would be taken away from them,they are afraid they might lose the elections, thats what ive heard dont know if its true.
Do right by the people who gave you the job or do right for yourself, and the people know which strand they took. They can’t have it b oth ways. It is up to the people to grow a spine and tey nto set this country back on a decent political trajectory.
There is much to be done and nothing is being done except foe a very small group.
Very true my friend!
And NDP don’t have a team together, Myron wants to run alone, Marlon wants to be LoO….what the heck?!?!
Do what yah gotta do ‘cause the other side cannot find their way out of the mess they created. Egos abound with no integrity and sacrifice for the country and people. All want to be chief and none want to be Indians…..go figure.
Replace all 14 with what? A frozen imported banana style republic? Yah – inexperienced wannabes tha have no iota how to manage a unit much less an entire country – Sindee, Heritage and their ilk cannot run a lemonade stand in the Sahara Desert and ayo want to put them so in….hahahahaaaaaaaaaa….funny!
lol!!!
Most of the time Cyndi got great analysis of matters and structures better than the law makers themselves.
So tell me am I.heatimt Claude saying my uncle is not on the leadership position as yet and according to his age if he don’t get this last chance to run it’s over for him.