Skelton Cline calls for national debates ahead of election
Political commentator and clergyman, Pastor Claude Skelton Cline has called for the territory to hold national debates so those who aspire to be elected into office can articulate and defend their plans for the territory.
“There needs to be debates where political candidates stand on the stage with each other and give articulation in crafting, casting and communicating a vision for their districts, that fits into a national agenda,” Skelton Cline said on his Honestly Speaking radio show earlier this week. “You have to show that you have what it takes to sit in the House of Assembly. That’s where the people elect you to. They don’t elect you to be a minister or to the Cabinet. They elect you to the House of Assembly.”
Skelton Cline also said residents should ensure they choose leaders who are competent instead of those they like those with whom they are familiar. He said the BVI is at a critical juncture where it needs leaders with competence, strength, humility and a passion for people.
“This ain’t no time for guessing. Don’t talk about ‘it’s mine turn’. Your turn? This has nothing to do with who’s in the line. It has to do with people who are well able, who have been properly resourced, who have some serious life experience,” Skelton Cline said emphatically.
During the lead-up to the 2019 general election, Skelton Cline’s behaviour on the campaign trail forced the board of trustees at the New Life Baptist Church to distance themselves from him.
But he took the time to caution residents to be civil on the campaign trail and to refrain from personal attacks against persons who offer themselves for office.
“Where we are now as a country, we don’t need any long election process, there should be zero tolerance for mudslinging, personal attacks — no matter who offers themselves for office. There should be none of that in the public space or when you go into people’s private homes. We have to covenant ourselves and commit to being the best versions of ourselves,” the pastor stated.
During the last elections, several candidates had committed to engage in political debates but the majority of them pulled out at a later time. Candidates who contested the Ninth District seat back in 2019 were among the only persons to do a debate.
Skelton Cline also said residents should ensure they choose leaders who are competent instead of those they like those with whom they are familiar. He said the BVI is at a critical juncture where it needs leaders with competence, strength, humility and a passion for people.
“This ain’t no time for guessing. Don’t talk about ‘it’s mine turn’. Your turn? This has nothing to do with who’s in the line. It has to do with people who are well able, who have been properly resourced, who have some serious life experience,” Skelton Cline said emphatically.
During the lead-up to the 2019 general election, Skelton Cline’s behaviour on the campaign trail forced the board of trustees at the New Life Baptist Church to distance themselves from him.
But he took the time to caution residents to be civil on the campaign trail and to refrain from personal attacks against persons who offer themselves for office.
“Where we are now as a country, we don’t need any long election process, there should be zero tolerance for mudslinging, personal attacks — no matter who offers themselves for office. There should be none of that in the public space or when you go into people’s private homes. We have to covenant ourselves and commit to being the best versions of ourselves,” the pastor stated.
During the last elections, several candidates had committed to engage in political debates but the majority of them pulled out at a later time. Candidates who contested the Ninth District seat back in 2019 were among the only persons to do a debate.
