‘Indigenous Virgin Islanders’ deserve preferential treatment

Outspoken clergyman and radio host Claude Skelton Cline has reignited a longstanding debate, saying certain high offices, opportunities, and privileges in the Virgin Islands should be reserved exclusively for those considered “indigenous Virgin Islanders.”

Speaking on his Honestly Speaking radio programme, Skelton Cline acknowledged that not everyone will agree with his position, but insisted the time has come for the territory to have an open and honest conversation on the issue—especially as Sixth District Representative Myron Walwyn, who many do not consider “indigenous,” currently holds the post of Opposition Leader.

“[This discussion] is being given rise to not exclusively because of the current occupant in the post of Opposition Leader, but certainly it gives rise for us to have a discussion since this is the case,” he said. “We should ask whether there are certain posts that should be designated for ‘indigenous Virgin Islanders.’”

Skelton Cline clarified that Walwyn is widely seen as a first-generation Virgin Islander and questioned whether deeper ancestral ties should come with specific preferences or privileges.

“Yes, we are all Virgin Islanders by tenure, time, or birth. But are there certain preferences, privileges, [or] preferred status that should be given to indigenous Virgin Islanders to protect, preserve, and perpetuate the lineage of our first ancestors?” he asked.

The term “indigenous Virgin Islander” is not a legal classification, but it is often used locally to refer to persons who can trace their ancestry in the Virgin Islands back three or more generations.

Skelton Cline also acknowledged the historical contributions of non-indigenous individuals who migrated to the BVI and played key roles in its development. However, he argued that such contributions came during a time when the territory lacked a highly educated population and needed external support.