Reiterating calls for the Virgin Islands (VI) to stop celebrating people who historically participated in the slave trade and other crimes against humanity, ZBVI 'Honestly Speaking' radio host, Mr Claude O. Skelton-Cline said until that happens the Territory cannot chart a new course forward.

"Have you noticed how some people rush to go and defend the Governor and rush to go and defend the Office of the Governor, the very symbol... and real manifestations to this current day that represents our enslavement and our colonial masters?" he questioned.

Skelton-Cline was speaking on the Thursday, July 16, 2020, edition of his radio show on ZBVI 780 AM when he said that the people of the Territory continue to participate in their own subjugation by being easily comforted and persuaded with 'nice words'.

VI continues to celebrate slave owners - Skelton-Cline

"Why are we celebrating people who were slave owners, people who participated in the slave trade, persons like Francis Drake, persons like William Thornton, people who exacted crimes against humanity? Some of these people need to be tried... and found guilty."

When revisited, Skelton-Cline said that many of the past relics and especially historical people are not a good example of model citizens and, hence, should be confined to the 'dustbin of history."

The man of the cloth also called on the bourgeoisie and educated class in the VI to take the first step, while pointing out that now is the best time to change the world.

"How can we change our current condition and chart a new course if we don't confront the lies that have been told in history, even lies about us, that we too have come to believe about ourselves?" he questioned.