"When these people, after they recover from this COVID, the next step is to ensure there's a plane from their place of origin and they are on that plane and they are deported back to their country of origin," he said to government and local law enforcement.

Deportation & revocations of status

Skelton-Cline, a government consultant, made the call on Tuesday, September 1, 2020, during his Honestly Speaking show livestreamed on Facebook and broadcast simultaneously on ZBVI 780 AM.

He made the comment while expressing great disapproval that the next phase of the re-opening of the Territory, coming out of the pandemic, is now delayed as a direct result of the illegal smuggling activity.

"They should be deported immediately, it should be public... we have to send a clear message to this country," he said.

For persons holding Belonger status, the commentator said they too should not escape the wrath of justice, if implicated in smuggling.

"You cannot be allowed to have been granted Belongerships status in this country, and breach our laws like this... the Belongership status must be pulled and you must be deported back to your country," he said.

No second chances - Skelton-Cline

"Our country, our life and our livelihood is upside down right now... this is not an occasion for a second chance," he went on to say.

As part of his commentary, Skelton-Cline also hinted that he will end his political activism if actions are not taken against the guilty individuals.

"I ain't supporting nobody and nothing no more, if nothing happens to these people... as soon as they get well, [get them] on the plane!"

Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1), speaking at Tuesday's COIVD-19 update, promised that persons engaging in illegal smuggling and entry will be sought after vigorously and brought to justice.