Speaking on March 2, 2023, via a video posted on the ‘My BVI’ Facebook page, Mr Cline pointed to the local marine sector as a prime example of underdevelopment. According to the man of the cloth, the territory is surrounded by marine life but still faces seafood shortages.

“For days you can’t find fish to eat and I believe that we have to fix that and it should not take six years to fix that… I just don’t understand certain things,” he added.

He further said that although the VI does not have the land space like other Caribbean countries, it must learn to use technology to be able to take charge of food security, given the lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic.

These developments, the preacher said, must be taken into consideration when persons go to elect leaders in the VI at the upcoming General Elections.

Development of the healthcare sector

Meanwhile, Bishop Cline said there is also a need to develop the local healthcare sector to be sufficient for the needs of the people.

“It is my desire to see and to live in a Virgin Islands where healthcare is not sought off island.”

Mr Cline explained that even though the VI cannot, because of its population size, have all the specialties that are needed, it must have at least some core competence built into the local sector.

The bishop noted that even from a private sector or public sector perspective, he wants to see systems where people can access quality and affordable healthcare right in the territory.

He added that if a more equipped healthcare sector becomes a reality, people may be able to come to the VI from across the region to access healthcare services, just like they come to access jobs.