“I am concerned about the economy and the livelihood of this country and I am saying to us, the way for our economy to bounce back, is for you to get your jab in the arm. That's the way, because if you don't… you are going to see the increase in all layers and kinds of different crimes," he said.

Skelton-Cline was at the time speaking on the Tuesday, March 17, 2021 edition of his Honestly Speaking show.

According to the talk show host, after all the hard work and sacrifices the territory has endured over the past year, persons should at least make the effort to get vaccinated and take the jab.

Vaccination will allow economy to open - Skelton-Cline

“The economy is not going to be able to open and stay open because you will be inviting COVID-19 in with all its variants and then we will be unprotected, which means we have to shut down again,” the man of the cloth said regarding vaccine hesitancy in the territory.

According to the talk show host, after all the hard work and sacrifices the territory has endured over the past year, persons should at least make the effort to get vaccinated.

“Some of the businesses have gone out of business, most of the businesses have survived through the night so they can live in the morning… the Lord Jehovah himself has given us a glimmer of hope so that the morning can dawn and come and you all through this place with a whack of stupidness,” he said.

VI may have to turn to UK for help - Skelton-Cline

Mr Skelton-Cline who is also a government consultant has indicated that should the economy not move into full re-opening, there is the possibility that the government will run into financial trouble.

This he said, will be ultimately felt by private citizens and cause the government to turn to the UK or some other outside source or help.

“Outside sources who have already shown to us that they are not benevolent when it comes to us, because whatever they give to us, the cost is so high, you might as well go jump in the ocean,” he said.

The man of the cloth reiterated his plea with Virgin Islanders to get vaccinated as a matter of priority. This he said will ultimately allow the economy to fully re-open and allow businesses and employees to thrive.