Bishop Cline made the statements during the Tuesday, April 27, 2021, edition of the My BVI alongside co-host Angelle A. Cameronshow, streamed live on Facebook.

No to colonialism

“We have clearly stated that we do not wish to even go back to what looks like a hint of colonialism [or] pseudo colonialism or you come in under the name of good governance and say you are taking over.”

He said any attempt by the UK to take over, would be seen as colonial masters raising their hands again and finding a loophole to do that.

“We as a people a proud people, people of dignity and strength, hardworking people who have built this country over the years our four fathers have bought, they March… standing up for this and then to get to this place?” he questioned.

The place according to Bishop Cline, a state of affairs where the UK takes over the territory or any attempts to do so under the guise of good governance.

He said any attempt by the UK to take over, would be seen as colonial masters raising their hands again and finding a loophole to do that.

Stiff Resistance

“For you to come in and say you ready to take over, the UK must know they are going to meet with some stiff resistance,” he said.

As uncertainty looms over the outcome of the ongoing controversial UK-funded CoI called by embattled ex-Governor Augustus J.U. Jaspert, political pundits have warned that the UK Government would try to justify the huge cost of the CoI to UK taxpayers.

Bishop Cline reiterated, “We must say to them you will meet with stiff resistance,” should the outcome lead to neocolonialism.

He said if the UK comes to the VI with any extreme outcomes, it must be a plan that they would suggest a way forward and one that does not look like colonialism.