Radio broadcaster Pastor Claude O. Skelton-Cline has told Mark H. Vanterpool he will not back his candidacy for Premier, arguing that the island's highest office must remain reserved for those born to Virgin Islander parents.
Skelton-Cline disclosed the conversation during his Tuesday, October 6, 2026 broadcast of Honestly Speaking. He said Vanterpool had sought his backing before the National Democratic Party convened for its April National Convention, asking whether he could pursue both the party chairmanship and the premiership.
In response, Skelton-Cline recalled telling Vanterpool in front of witnesses: "I don't want you to get up from this table thinking that you have my support because you do not."
The pastor made clear his objection rested on principle rather than doubts about Vanterpool's abilities. He believes the premiership stands alone among the nation's offices as one requiring ancestral ties to the territory. "I believe it is the last seat, the last office in this country of the hundreds of offices in this country; 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," Skelton-Cline said.
He expressed alarm at what he sees as erosion of Virgin Islands identity and called on leaders to establish protections ensuring specific advantages for native citizens. Skelton-Cline told Vanterpool: "I think you need to be with us, but you don't need to be in the leadership post."
According to Skelton-Cline, Vanterpool acknowledged the viewpoint but indicated he would pursue his own course. Skelton-Cline stated the two men maintain a respectful relationship and that he spoke candidly because many others avoid the topic due to its sensitive nature.
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