ROADTOWN Tortola, BVI, March 24th 2011 - Several persons turned up at the launch held last evening Wednesday March 23, in his community of Cane Garden Bay, to listen to what the new candidate for the district had to say including a number of political figures from the National Democratic Party (NDP) and others who have been said to be running for political office but are still yet to declare their candidacy or party allegiance.
And while the 2nd District Candidate did not officially disclose whether he is running independent or with a party, there is the possibility that he will be teaming up with a party.
Mr. Skelton Cline took the podium after a brief introduction by Bishop Joseph A. McCargo to resounding applause of the group of supporters who had gathered in the vicinity of Big Bananas for the launch where he made several declarations.
He started off his speech by firstly “quieting some of the noise” by refuting that preaching and politics don’t mix.
In a very firm disposition, Pastor Skelton Cline stated that even God accepted governance and referred to the Bible where Jehovah was the one who ordained David as King of Israel.
“My love for God and my Christianity has been expressed in community service,” he told his supporters and those gathered at the launch.
He said there are those who would come and say negative things about him. In his preacher’s mode, Pastor Cline said persons will come with three things to him, that is, temptation, accusation and deception.
Unapologetic for Gov’t contracts.
The district 2 candidate also took the time out to “clear the air” on several issues that have been topical discussions recently.
One of those is the Neighbourhood Partnership Programme, in which his firm Claude Ottley Consulting Ltd was contracted by Government to run the programme.
Some members of the House of Assembly, including District 2 representative Hon. Christopher questioned the contract and called for more clarity with the reports that were submitted for the funding allocated for the programme.
“I am unapologetic and unashamed of the contract I had with Government … I delivered the services and got my cheque,” Cline stated, pointing out that Government received what was outlined in the contract.
Been here long enough.
Mr. Skelton Cline referred to another hot subject regarding whether he has returned home long enough to entitle him to run for office.
To this, he said, “I have been here long enough” and further added that those who believe he has not been in the Territory long enough they can meet him in the High Court with his lawyers.
In his speech, he said he has legally verified and cleared all constitutional requirements to seek and sit in the House of Assembly.
He also touched on the many issues that are not only affecting District 2 but the Territory as a whole and pledged his commitment to bring about change which he said is needed in the entire Territory.
“I am reporting for service in this District and in this Territory and I believe I have the skills to do it,” the second District candidate emphasised.
Article taken from Virgin Islands News Online
