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Mark Vanterpool, Leader of the People's Leadership Movement (PLM) was told he should not seek the premiership on the principle that the office should be reserved for someone with ancestral ties to the Virgin Islands.
Political commentator Claude Skelton Cline said on his radio programme on October 6 that he conveyed that position during a conversation at an establishment before the National Democratic Party’s (NDP) internal elections in April.
He said he asked Vanterpool whether his bid for the party chairmanship meant he intended to become Premier. According to his account, Vanterpool answered yes, prompting him to explain why he would not support that ambition.
“I don't want you [Vanterpool] to get up from this table thinking that you have my support, because you do not,” he recalled saying in the presence of others.
Skelton Cline said his objection was a matter of principle and did not concern Vanterpool’s competence. He argued that the premiership should be protected for a Virgin Islander with ancestral ties through either parent.
“It is the singular office that needs to be preserved and protected for the perpetuation of a Virgin Islander by ancestry, either from their mother's house or from their father's house, and unfortunately for you, you don't fit that category,” he recalled telling Vanterpool.
He linked that position to concerns about the long-term preservation of Virgin Islands identity.
“I am not thinking about 2026, I'm thinking about 2086,” he said.
Skelton Cline argued that those entrusted with safeguarding the Territory should honour its history and establish stronger protections for benefits specific to Virgin Islanders.
According to his account, Vanterpool responded that he had to do what he had to do. Skelton Cline said he acknowledged that response but encouraged him to remain with the NDP without pursuing its leadership.
“I think you need to be with us, but you don't need to be in the leadership post,” he recalled saying.
Political commentator Claude Skelton Cline said on his radio programme on October 6 that he conveyed that position during a conversation at an establishment before the National Democratic Party’s (NDP) internal elections in April.
He said he asked Vanterpool whether his bid for the party chairmanship meant he intended to become Premier. According to his account, Vanterpool answered yes, prompting him to explain why he would not support that ambition.
“I don't want you [Vanterpool] to get up from this table thinking that you have my support, because you do not,” he recalled saying in the presence of others.
Skelton Cline said his objection was a matter of principle and did not concern Vanterpool’s competence. He argued that the premiership should be protected for a Virgin Islander with ancestral ties through either parent.
“It is the singular office that needs to be preserved and protected for the perpetuation of a Virgin Islander by ancestry, either from their mother's house or from their father's house, and unfortunately for you, you don't fit that category,” he recalled telling Vanterpool.
He linked that position to concerns about the long-term preservation of Virgin Islands identity.
“I am not thinking about 2026, I'm thinking about 2086,” he said.
Skelton Cline argued that those entrusted with safeguarding the Territory should honour its history and establish stronger protections for benefits specific to Virgin Islanders.
According to his account, Vanterpool responded that he had to do what he had to do. Skelton Cline said he acknowledged that response but encouraged him to remain with the NDP without pursuing its leadership.
“I think you need to be with us, but you don't need to be in the leadership post,” he recalled saying.
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We are the ONLY country to think otherwise. Even in America, you have to be a natural born American to be the President of the USA.